Narrowing Definition of Autism: Is It Needed?

Medical experts have warned that the proposed changes currently under consideration of the American Psychiatric Association regarding the narrowing of the definition of autism could see a sharp dip in the number of children who can be eligible for government benefits.

The American Psychiatric Association is currently considering whether to narrow down the definition of autism to differentiate between unusual and abnormal.

Autism Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prognosis
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder typically characterized by impaired social and communication skills combined with repetitive movements.

However an analysis done by Dr Fred Volkmar, from the Child Study Center at the Yale School of Medicine, revealed that a large number of families will not be eligible for health, educational and social services provided to children with such disorders.

Dr Volkmar said that if the proposed changes were accepted, then it would put an end to the sharp rise in the number of new autism cases. “The proposed changes would put an end to the autism epidemic. We would nip it in the bud—think of it that way”, he said.

Source-Medindia

Rett Syndrome – Causes – Symptoms – Signs – Diagnosis - Treatment
Rett Syndrome is a neurological disorder that affects development. It mostly affects the girl child.

Autism Expert Discusses Expanded Clinical Services for Childhood Disorders
Fred R. Volkmar, M.D., director of the Yale Child Study Center and a renowned expert in autism and related disorders, will discuss the expansion of the Center’s specialty clinical services