The DSM-5’s take on autism: Five years on
How autism’s definition has changed over time
Don’t judge this book by its decidedly dull cover: Across its pages, some of the most dramatic changes in the history of autism have played out. This short animation chronicles how a diagnostic manual has defined and redefined autism over the years.
How autism’s definition has changed over time
Don’t judge this book by its decidedly dull cover: Across its pages, some of the most dramatic changes in the history of autism have played out. This short animation chronicles how a diagnostic manual has defined and redefined autism over the years.
In DSM-5, guidance on girls with autism is short but savvy
The DSM-5 acknowledges how gender shapes autism more than any previous diagnostic manual has, but it’s time to fold in a few new findings.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Mandy_1120.jpg)
In DSM-5, guidance on girls with autism is short but savvy
The DSM-5 acknowledges how gender shapes autism more than any previous diagnostic manual has, but it’s time to fold in a few new findings.
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.
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.
U.S. institute maintains support for diagnoses based on biology
A 2013 initiative to find biological roots for mental health diagnoses still has broad appeal, but has not produced a dramatic shift in autism research.
![Book with graph overlaid](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/20180509RDOC-1120y.jpg)
U.S. institute maintains support for diagnoses based on biology
A 2013 initiative to find biological roots for mental health diagnoses still has broad appeal, but has not produced a dramatic shift in autism research.
The DSM-5 has not improved services for autistic adults
Since the DSM-5’s debut, schoolchildren have gained stronger legal rights and better opportunities for accessing services; for adults, it’s a different story.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/20180509Bascom844.jpg)
The DSM-5 has not improved services for autistic adults
Since the DSM-5’s debut, schoolchildren have gained stronger legal rights and better opportunities for accessing services; for adults, it’s a different story.
Intellectual disability’s introduction in the DSM-5: What’s the impact?
The move to replace ‘mental retardation’ with ‘intellectual disability’ is widely accepted, but little data exist on the impact of this change.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Kauffman_2240x1100.jpg)
Intellectual disability’s introduction in the DSM-5: What’s the impact?
The move to replace ‘mental retardation’ with ‘intellectual disability’ is widely accepted, but little data exist on the impact of this change.
Few people mourn Asperger syndrome’s loss from diagnostic manuals
Our concept of autism has evolved over the past 20 years, rendering redundant the diagnostic labels of Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Skuse_11201.jpg)
Few people mourn Asperger syndrome’s loss from diagnostic manuals
Our concept of autism has evolved over the past 20 years, rendering redundant the diagnostic labels of Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified.
Why the definition of autism needs to be refined
Five years after its latest revision, the manual used to diagnose autism is back under scrutiny, as evidence suggests it excludes some people on the spectrum.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Screenshot-2018-05-04-14.15.10.png)
Why the definition of autism needs to be refined
Five years after its latest revision, the manual used to diagnose autism is back under scrutiny, as evidence suggests it excludes some people on the spectrum.
Levels of autism severity in diagnostic manual track with intelligence
A rating of high severity of autism from the DSM-5, the latest version of the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,” tracks with low intelligence scores.
![mother and daughter sitting across a doctor](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/20180319-DSM-5-844.jpg)
Levels of autism severity in diagnostic manual track with intelligence
A rating of high severity of autism from the DSM-5, the latest version of the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,” tracks with low intelligence scores.
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![Research image of a chimeroid.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Chimeroid-Lede-1200-1024x692.webp)
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![A research image of X chromosomes with Fragile X syndrome](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1200_FragileX-1024x683.webp)
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Just in time for Fragile X Awareness Month, The Transmitter rounds up notable coverage.