The Cutting Edge
In recent years, I have observed what appears to be a trend that may have implications for the current DSM V controversy regarding the perceived need by the committee to “tighten” the criteria for diagnosis—a move that has generated a firestorm of criticism by family members of, and people with ASD. What—you might ask—does this have to do with the new CDC autism prevalence statistics? In a word, plenty! Bear with me while I explain.
Over the past decade, I have seen an increase in the number of children blatantly misdiagnosed as being on the autism spectrum, when they clearly do not meet current DSM IV—TR criteria for diagnosis. To be clear, these are NOT children whose behavior meets the “expanded” diagnosis that is captured by the DSM subcategories of PDD-NOS and Asperger’s disorder. I am referring to children who are unquestionably misdiagnosed, and whose numbers may be so significant that they are not only dramatically affecting the skyrocketing prevalence rates, but also contributing to the DSM V committee’s efforts to “stanch” the so-called epidemic by tightening the criteria for diagnosis. To read this entire article Subscribe »
Feature Articles
By Randy Sprick, Ph.D., Michael Hinesly, M.Ed., Shannon Urbina, M.Ed.
Dr. Randy Sprick, and colleagues Michael Hinesly, and Shannon Urbina, discuss how to create a positive school culture and set up a school-wide behavior management system.
Click here to sample this article »
By Max Wiznitzer, M.D.
A noted child neurologist and autism specialist addresses the behavioral, psychiatric, and medical causes of disruptive behavior and has great advice for intervention.
Click here to sample this article »
By Neill B. Cox, M.Ed. , Ronald E. Reeve, Ph.D., Stephany M. Cox, M.Ed., Daniel J. Cox, Ph.D.
University of Virginia researchers discuss the promising findings of their study in which a virtual reality simulator was used to improve driving performance in young adults with ASD.
Click here to sample this article »
By Deborah Leutkenhoelter, M.A., CCC-SLP
This comprehensive, user-friendly article will give readers a greater appreciation for the important role of gestures in language development.
Click here to sample this article »
By Danette Schott, M.A.
The founder of S-O-S Research—and a parent herself—completes her informative series on how parents can avoid the traps that serve as obstacles to success.
Click here to sample this article »
ASQ’s 2013 “Kids on the Cover” Contest Announcement
Will YOUR child’s picture appear on the cover of ASQ? Click the “Kids on the Cover” link under the "About ASQ" tab to read how to enter.
