Asperger's syndrome. Autism Society. (n.d.). https://www.autism-society.org/what-is/aspergers-syndrome/.

Asperger's syndrome: Autism Society

The diagnosis of Asperger's disorder is no longer included in the DSM-5. This decision was based on research indicating a lack of a qualitative distinction between Asperger's and autistic disorder. The removal has led to concerns from some parents about their children's continued eligibility for specialized support services.

Removal of Asperger's Disorder from the DSM-5

Read the following scenario. Based on the diagnostic criteria that were in use prior to 2013, which diagnosis would most likely have been considered for this individual? Explain your reasoning by connecting specific behaviors from the scenario to the key features of that diagnosis.

Analysis of Historical Diagnostic Characteristics

Asperger's disorder was a diagnosis in previous editions of the DSM, considered a less severe form of autistic disorder. Individuals with this diagnosis typically had average to high intelligence and a strong vocabulary. However, they showed significant impairments in social interaction and communication, often focusing conversations exclusively on their specific, intense interests.

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The publishing of the DSM-4 in 1994 and revised in 2000 finally saw autism categorized as a spectrum. In this manual, there were 5 sub-categories of related disorders in addition to autism: 
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
- Asperger’s Disorder
- Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)
- Rett-syndrome

ASD in the 1990s-2000s

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Before 2013, this diagnosis was given to individuals with autistic symptoms that didn’t meet full diagnostic criteria. It existed as a sort of “etcetera” category, that now due to the spectrum nature of autism diagnoses, is no longer needed and no longer valid. 

Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

Also called Heller’s syndrome or disintegrative psychosis, it refers to a rare condition of late developmental onsets in language, social function, and motor skills (over three years old). First described by Austrian educator Thomas Heller in 1908. Since the DSM-5, it has been bundled into the pervasive developmental disorders category. Often, diagnosis comes about when a child starts to lose previously acquired skills, such as potty training. For diagnosis, an individual must show loss or regression in at least two of the following areas, following normal development: receptive and expressive language skills, social skills, play with peers, motor skills, and bowel/bladder control that previously was maintained. 

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

Occurring almost exclusively in girls, it is a rare genetic neurological disorder that affects everyday functioning in almost every aspect. Caused by mutations to the X chromosome, specifically on gene MECP2, with severity of the syndrome determined by location, type, and severity of the mutation. A hallmark is near constant and repetitive hand motions, but other symptoms include loss of speech, mobility, and muscle tone, seizures, scoliosis, and breathing problems. 

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