The rate of autism spectrum disorders has increased dramatically over the past 15 years. The current rate of autism is 1 in 110 according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). There has been great controversy over the increased incidence in autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Increase in Autism Spectrum Disorders
It is unknown why there has been such a dramatic increase in autism spectrum disorders. It is possible that medical professionals are better educated now than they were in the past and they have become better at diagnosing students with ASD. The general public also has greater knowledge about autism now than they ever did before and that may have an impact on the number of students who are evaluated and eventually diagnosed due to the insistence of family members and friends. In addition it is possible and quite likely that there are specific causes of autism that may have resulted in an increase in the number of children diagnosed with this disorder.
Using the DSM to Diagnose an Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed based on the diagnostic criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). A child is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder only if s/he exhibits a particular set of characteristics. Students are diagnosed with an ASD if they show deficits in the areas of socialization and communication and also have behavioral excesses. Students must exhibit two characteristics in the area of social skills and one in each of the areas of communication and behavior.
In the area of socialization the individual must exhibit two or more of the following characteristics: impairments in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors, failure to develop peer relationships, lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment and lack of social or emotional reciprocity.
In the area of communication, the individual must exhibit a minimum of one of the following: delay or lack of spoken language, impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others, stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language and lack of spontaneous make-believe play.
In the area of behavior, the child must exhibit a minimum of one of the following: preoccupation with one or more interests, inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines, repetitive motor mannerisms and a persistent preoccupation with parts of objects
Commonly Used Diagnostic Tools
The Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised (ADI-R) is one tool used to diagnose a child or an adult with an autism spectrum disorder. More recently The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) was developed and is used to diagnose individuals of all ages with an autism spectrum disorder.
Future Directions for Autism Spectrum Diagnoses
As professionals and the population at large continue to become educated about autism spectrum disorders there may be further increase in diagnosis of this disorder. There will also be more accurate diagnoses provided to children. When a diagnosis is provided appropriately it is of great benefit to the child as it allows for the child to receive much needed services in a timely manner. There is continuous discussion about the spectrum within this disorder and the diagnostic characteristics will continue to be revised in the future.
Mary McDonald - Dr. McDonald is an Assistant Professor in the CRSR Department (Counseling, Research, Special Education and Rehabilitation) and teaches in ...
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