Autism Spectrum Analysis

Being a parent of a child diagnosed under the DSM-IV criteria for PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified), I always state “if you know someone on the Autism Spectrum, you know one individual.” No two individuals are alike due to the wide range of symptoms and severity of the Autism Spectrum. The range allows for a more inclusive way to give children as much help as possible. The DSM-IV broke up the “autism spectrum” into a few main categories: autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder. In the 2013 DSM-5, it combined those categories to make a dimensional approach called the Autism Spectrum (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Practitioners need to be aware of all the criteria needed for the diagnosis of any disorder. Numerous disorders have similar criteria, therefore it is important to be able to distinguish between autism spectrum disorders, language disorders, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Understanding early indicators can catch disorders like Autism, which allows for maximum support, especially if a sibling or relative …show more content…
Ultimately, it is your decision whether to go with that diagnosis or do more assessments to determine whether or not it is the correct one. Sometimes a client will have numerous diagnosis before finding the correct one. My son was diagnosed with ODD, oppositional defiance disorder, by a quick to diagnosis therapist, which left and never helped us again. We spent years, about four, to get someone to actually listen to us and give us a diagnosis, only to find out that this therapist didn’t want to help us and not even take the time to check all sources. After finally finding someone to listen, we were able to get a diagnosis, but then the ex-wife didn’t want to partake in therapy. This is another reason why I am pursuing this program, to help those who cannot help