An Ongoing Debate: Revisions of the DSM 5 and Autism Spectrum Disorder
While the storm over the DSM in general rages, concerns mount about the particulars. Changes are slated for Autism Spectrum Disorder. One proposed change is to roll Asperger Syndrome into the larger category. What will this mean?
"It's filled our land with vice and crime, Nevertheless, we're for it."
Prohibition was a good, or at least a good-hearted idea with disastrous results. The DSM may not have "filled our land with graft and crime", but it is under fire as a good idea that, at best, has not lived up to its promise, and at worst, according to its critics, causes grievous harm.
Autism and Policy: Seek Simplicity then Question It
In our first Special Issue series related pieces will be appearing throughout April recognizing Autism Awareness Month. The first article, "Autism and Policy: seek simplicity then question it" looks at autism policy from a new perspective. Disability policy is like juggling plates. It gets even more complicated with new CDC estimates of autism prevalence of 1 in 88 children. In our model of autism as an "umbrella disability" we suggest ways for policy makers to drop fewer plates.
CSC starts a "special issue" series recognizing Autism Awareness Month. In seeking simplicity and then questioning it, we may not become master jugglers, but we'll certainly drop fewer plates.
DSM 5: Video Update
Given the controversy surrounding autism and proposed changes to the DSM, what exactly is the DSM, and what does it do? In this video, Senior Fellow Lara Palay describes the history of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). She explains how it works, including the multi-axial diagnostic system. Ms Palay also discusses some of the strengths and criticisms of this tool, and touches on changing social constructs that affect our understanding of "mental illness".
Who We Truly Are: Grief, Pathology and the DSM 5
When does sadness become pathology, and is there any reason to suffer if it can be avoided? These are the central questions at the heart of yet another controversy surrounding the latest revisions to the DSM, coming out in Spring 2013.
Autism Insurance Reform: Video Update
Will kids with autism be covered by their parents' insurance? For some, yes! For others, not so lucky. It still depends on where you live. In this video CSC Senior Fellow, Jill Hudson discusses the latest developments in this issue and what may happen next!
Willpower: More Updates From A Study On Self Control
In this follow up to "Willpower: What Developmental Disabilities has To Learn From Popular Science", we move the discussion to doing what we set out to do and avoiding what we want to resist doing. We continue our look at "Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength" by Roy Baumeister and John Tierney; a book with the potential to help us change not just our own habits, but how we work with individuals with developmental disabilities as well.
A review of legislation on insurance reform for autism, state by state
As of December 2011, there are 29 states that had enacted legislation for health insurance coverage for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. This report summarizes the trend thus far.
Status Report on Autism Recommendations
30 states embraced integrative policymaking by examining the factors affecting individuals on the autism spectrum. Our summary highlights the common areas included in state policies' and what got left out.
"We have to make sure not everybody who is a little odd gets a diagnosis of autism or Asperger disorder. It involves a use of treatment resources. It becomes a cost issue."
Dr. David J. Kupfer, chairman of the neurodevelopmental disorder committee, DSM-5
"Our organizations advocate that the criteria should err on the side of over-diagnosis rather than under-diagnosing since no harm is likely from providing educational services to a young child, but great potential can be lost by not providing treatment."
Mary Holland, managing director of the Elizabeth Birt Center for Autism Law and Advocacy
Top Articles
Very Uncertain Ground: The Future of the DSM
An Ongoing Debate: Revision of the DSM 5 and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism and Policy: Seek Simplicity Then Question It
Who We Truly Are: Grief, Pathology and the DSM 5
Willpower: More Updates from A Study of Self-Control
It's Time to Change how We Think about Employment for People with Disabilities
BRIEF: Status Report on Autism Recommendations
Willpower: What Developmental Disabilities Has To Learn From Popular Science
B-Corporations, Profitable Philanthropy and the Future of Business Identity
BRIEF: Autism Insurance Reform Initiatives: Summary of Enacted Legislation
© 2012 The Center for Systems Change | 470 Glenmont Avenue | Columbus, Ohio 43214 | 866-886-2254