I was surprised not to see this here yet so wanted to share it (or did I miss it?). It seems like significant enough news to warrant a posting here vs. the News thread, but please move if necessary. I've now head three stories on NPR about it, here is an excerpt from the first:
A couple of related stories:
People With Asperger's Assess Their Place On The Autism Spectrum
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2010/02/people_with_aspergers_assess_t.html
Removal Of Asperger's To Change Special Education Access
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123577220
Full story here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123527833Asperger's syndrome is really just a form of autism and does not merit a separate diagnosis, according to a panel of researchers assembled by the American Psychiatric Association.
Even though many researchers already refer to Asperger's as high-functioning autism, it hasn't been listed under the autism category in the official diagnostic guide of mental disorders, called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, or DSM. The DSM serves as a guide for mental health professionals and government agencies.
But a new draft fifth edition released Wednesday moves Asperger's officially into the autism category, provoking a wide range of responses among people with Asperger's some of whom say they do not want to be labeled as autistic.
A couple of related stories:
People With Asperger's Assess Their Place On The Autism Spectrum
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2010/02/people_with_aspergers_assess_t.html
Removal Of Asperger's To Change Special Education Access
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123577220