The New Modifications to the Diagnostic Criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder in DSM-5 and their Impact on the Field of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Authors

Imam Al-Qazzaz, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University - KSAFollow

DOI

https://doi.org/10.35192/jjoas-h.v22i1.11

Abstract

This study aimed to highlight the modifications that affected the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in May 2013. These modifications impacted many aspects related to the disorder, such as the creation of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as a separate category that represents a spectrum of symptoms, replacing the category of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs) that included Autistic Disorder and other disorders according to DSM-IV-TR. Additionally, the revisions involved the integration, development, and deletion of certain diagnostic criteria related to the disorder. The article also addresses the results of these modifications, which reflect on the field of ASD with respect to prevalence rates, the status of individuals previously diagnosed under DSM-IV-TR, their continued access to services, and the manner of diagnosis according to the new criteria, as well as other implications of these changes. The article recommends designing a new test based on the new criteria included in DSM-5.

Recommended Citation

Al-Qazzaz, Imam (2020) "The New Modifications to the Diagnostic Criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder in DSM-5 and their Impact on the Field of Autism Spectrum Disorder," Jordan Journal of Applied Science-Humanities Series: Vol. 22: Iss. 1, Article 11.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35192/jjoas-h.v22i1.11
Available at: https://digitalcommons.aaru.edu.jo/jjoas-h/vol22/iss1/11