DSM-IV
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Debate remains over changes in DSM-5 a decade on
Changes to the DSM-5’s diagnostic criteria for autism were meant to add clarity, but they also generated new questions.
![Collage of multiple figures on a hillside looking at a large blue book in the distance.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1200-DSM-5.jpg)
Debate remains over changes in DSM-5 a decade on
Changes to the DSM-5’s diagnostic criteria for autism were meant to add clarity, but they also generated new questions.
Debut drug for Rett syndrome at edge of approval
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to make an approval decision on the first-ever drug for girls and women with Rett syndrome by 12 March.
![Illustration of a gloved hand reaching down to place a pill bottle on a pedestal.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/844-enterprise-rett.jpg)
Debut drug for Rett syndrome at edge of approval
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to make an approval decision on the first-ever drug for girls and women with Rett syndrome by 12 March.
Amygdala-linked brain areas grow differently in autism
The growth differences vary between autistic boys and girls and are most apparent among children with prominent social difficulties.
![A cross-section of the human brain and limbic system](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Amygdala-Connected-brain-autism-844.jpg)
Amygdala-linked brain areas grow differently in autism
The growth differences vary between autistic boys and girls and are most apparent among children with prominent social difficulties.
Autism without intellectual impairments more common than previously reported
Almost 60 percent of autistic people may have an average or above-average intelligence quotient, according to a new longitudinal study.
![Child with colorful tactile puzzle and clinician or therapist.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IQinAutism-844.jpg)
Autism without intellectual impairments more common than previously reported
Almost 60 percent of autistic people may have an average or above-average intelligence quotient, according to a new longitudinal study.
Autism prevalence in the United States, explained
The bulk of the increase in autism prevalence stems from a growing awareness of the condition and changes to the diagnostic criteria.
![Children scattered around a grid with a beam counting them](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Prevalence844.jpg)
Autism prevalence in the United States, explained
The bulk of the increase in autism prevalence stems from a growing awareness of the condition and changes to the diagnostic criteria.
Large survey of children hints at true autism prevalence in Vietnam
Less than 1 percent of young children in northern Vietnam have autism, but this prevalence is higher than in previous reports.
![Group of children walking in the countryside in Vietnam.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/20190612-Vietnam844.jpg)
Large survey of children hints at true autism prevalence in Vietnam
Less than 1 percent of young children in northern Vietnam have autism, but this prevalence is higher than in previous reports.
Autism prevalence program expands to include teenagers
The network of researchers keeping tabs on autism prevalence in U.S. children plans to follow up with some of those children in adolescence.
![A group of high school kids walking down a set of stairs outside a building.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20180927-CDC-844.jpg)
Autism prevalence program expands to include teenagers
The network of researchers keeping tabs on autism prevalence in U.S. children plans to follow up with some of those children in adolescence.
Dividing autism; novel messengers; million-dollar mark and more
A researcher proposes splitting autism into subtypes, mitochondria make neurotransmitters, and highly successful grantees may face a funding cap.
Dividing autism; novel messengers; million-dollar mark and more
A researcher proposes splitting autism into subtypes, mitochondria make neurotransmitters, and highly successful grantees may face a funding cap.
The evolution of ‘autism’ as a diagnosis, explained
From a form of childhood schizophrenia to a spectrum of conditions, the characterization of autism in diagnostic manuals has a complicated history.
![People standing with shapes around them](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/DSM-5Explainer844.jpg)
The evolution of ‘autism’ as a diagnosis, explained
From a form of childhood schizophrenia to a spectrum of conditions, the characterization of autism in diagnostic manuals has a complicated history.
Narrowing of ‘autism’ in DSM-5 runs counter to idea of broad spectrum
The strict definition of autism in the latest version of the diagnostic manual is antithetical to the idea that autism comes in a wide variety of forms.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Screen-Shot-2018-05-01-at-12.17.07-PM-copy-copy.jpg)
Narrowing of ‘autism’ in DSM-5 runs counter to idea of broad spectrum
The strict definition of autism in the latest version of the diagnostic manual is antithetical to the idea that autism comes in a wide variety of forms.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
The work also adds to a growing body of evidence showing that mice, and their genetic toolbox, can be used to study cough.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200_coughingmice-1024x720.webp)
Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
The work also adds to a growing body of evidence showing that mice, and their genetic toolbox, can be used to study cough.
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
![Capitol building](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/capitolhill-1200-1024x692.webp)
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
The current Autism CARES Act sunsets in late September.
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.
![Illustration of ketamine blocking open ion channels in active NMDA receptors, quieting the cells and disrupting downstream signaling involved in depression.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200-ketamine-receptor-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
The drug’s affinity for overactive cells in the “anti-reward” region may help explain its rapid and long-lasting results.