Changing the way we diagnose autism: Implications for policy and practice

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to discuss the policy and practice implications of recent changes to the diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual - 5 th Edition (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association. In Australia, Government has so far responded by accepting both the new, and previous, diagnostic criteria, for the purposes of determining children's eligibility for specialist ASD funding. Yet there is evidence that some children who meet criteria for ASD under DSM-IV, may not meet criteria under the more stringent DSM-5 criteria, moving forward. A summary of the changes most likely to impact on policy and practice, as well as the implications of the changes for research and the culture of ASD, is presented.