Opinions of People Who Self-Identify With Autism and Asperger’s on DSM-5 Criteria

Abstract

Purpose: Autistic disorder (AD), Asperger’s syndrome (AS), and pervasive developmental disorder–not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) have been removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders–Fifth Edition ( DSM-5). It now contains the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. This study assessed how people with AD and AS felt about the DSM-5 ASD criteria. Method: Phenomenological analysis of discussion forum dialogue among participants ( N = 76) with AD and AS was conducted. Results: Discussions demonstrated agreement that the PDD-NOS diagnosis should be removed from the DSM-5. People with AD and AS were concerned about the inclusion of medical or neurobiological research, functioning, reciprocity, and gender bias in the ASD diagnosis. Discussion: Social workers should acknowledge the feelings of people with AD and AS when they use the DSM-5.