Proposed Criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder in the DSM-5

Abstract

In this issue of the Journal we present an article on the important topic of how proposed changes in the DSM-5 may affect the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders. The article, “Sensitivity and Specificity of Proposed DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder,” by Drs. James C. McPartland, Brian Reichow, and Fred R. Volkmar, was reviewed under and accepted by one of us (D.K.N.). 1 McPartland J.C. Reichow B. Volkmar F.R. Sensitivity and specificity of proposed DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2012; 51: 368-383 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (269) Google Scholar Because we at the Journal were certain that the article would engender a good deal of academic discourse, we also invited an editorial on the topic by Dr. David H. Skuse, “DSM-5's Conceptualization of Autistic Disorders.” 2 Skuse D.H. DSM-5's Conceptualization of Autistic Disorders. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2012; 51: 344-346 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (28) Google Scholar While the editorial process was being finalized, some of the findings from article by McPartland et al. became public and led to a series of provocative articles that appeared in the lay press. Because of the reaction to these articles, members of the DSM-5 Workgroup on Neurodevelopmental Disorders contacted the Journal and asked if it were possible to provide a commentary on the article (although it had not yet appeared in press). After careful consideration, we decided it was fair and prudent to grant their request and, in the service of open scientific discussion, we include their commentary in this issue: “Commentary from the DSM-5 Workgroup on Neurodevelopmental Disorders.” 3 Swedo S.E. Baird G. Cook E.H. et al. Commentary from the DSM-5 workgroup on neurodevelopmental disorders. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2012; 51: 347-349 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (46) Google Scholar This commentary, coauthored by the chair of the DSM-5 workgroup, Dr. Susan E. Swedo, and her 12 workgroup colleagues, provides an alternative perspective to the article by McPartland et al. It is the Journal's hope that our readership will appreciate the effort we have made in providing multiple perspectives on this critically important topic. We welcome further discussion on these publications and encourage concerned members of our readership to submit Letters to the Editor for consideration in future issues. Anhedonia Predicts Poorer Recovery Among Youth With Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Treatment–Resistant DepressionJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent PsychiatryVol. 51Issue 4PreviewTo identify symptom dimensions of depression that predict recovery among selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment–resistant adolescents undergoing second-step treatment. Full-Text PDF Commentary from the DSM-5 Workgroup on Neurodevelopmental DisordersJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent PsychiatryVol. 51Issue 4PreviewThe article “Sensitivity and Specificity of Proposed DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder”1 has generated attention-getting media that preceded this issue of the Journal, including reports that “New Definition of Autism Will Exclude Many” and “DSM-5 criteria will deny services to 65% of individuals with high-functioning autism.” However, in our opinion, the data presented in this article justify neither alarming headlines nor dramatic conclusions about the failure of the DSM-5 criteria to appropriately identify individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Full-Text PDF DSM-5's Conceptualization of Autistic DisordersJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent PsychiatryVol. 51Issue 4PreviewChanges to the diagnostic criteria for autism and associated conditions proposed for the DSM-51 could have profound implications for the delivery of clinical services and for the interpretation of research findings—past, present, and future. Full-Text PDF