Feeling very down about autism today

[dzorn]

Sorry for going a little OT

Schmeck

No it just provide a “name” which encompasses the broader understanding of the upper end spectrum individual since DSM-IV definitions are considered to be quite antiquated by a lot the progressive clinicians and spectrum individuals at this point. It is defiantly not limited to formally diagnosed Aspergers individuals.

bookwormde

Most of the people I know around here is use it only for those formally diagnosed with Aspergers.

Denise in MI

 

[jodifla]

Sorry for going a little OT

Schmeck

No it just provide a “name” which encompasses the broader understanding of the upper end spectrum individual since DSM-IV definitions are considered to be quite antiquated by a lot the progressive clinicians and spectrum individuals at this point. It is defiantly not limited to formally diagnosed Aspergers individuals.

bookwormde

The problem is, these "progressive" clinicians are stretching the definition way beyond its intial intent. As someone whose child is being caught up in the expanding "spectrum" -- and a lot of the expanding is being done by schools -- I don't find it helpful.

 

[bookwormde]

Sorry again for OT

Well I would think Attwood or most of the other published clinicians would not consider it “stretching”. It is just that the understanding of the items, which qualify for one of the categories, has improved with the science. Anyone who thinks that the DSM-IV is up to date does not understand the whole area of the science. There are a lot of clinicians out there trying to do diagnosis without the needed continuing education that is required doing this properly.

I am actively involved in the HFA/Aspergers community both regionally and the world wide sites on line so that is where I get my understanding of the term Aspie along with reading the major clinicians in the spectrum area

I do agree that school personnel should not be making these types of diagnosis. IT is unlikely that they are qualified.

bookwormde