why was Asperger's removed?

[SL JediKnight]

I recently heard in 2013 that Asperger's is not a diagnosis anymore why did they take it out I know I don't have Aspergers but I'm just curious if anyone knows the answer to that?

 

[SusanLR]

I think the powers that be decided to have a seperate group on the spectrum called Aspergers made a lot of people feel it was like an elite group.
Media has played into that also.
"Oh, Einstein was an Asperger!" such as that.
Psychs want a one name fits all, but, with varying
levels.

 

[SL JediKnight]

Makes me wonder if autism will even be a diagnosis in the next 50 years or so

 

[xudo]

It was only removed from the DSM-5. Anywhere that uses the ICD-10 (as the UK does) still recognises Asperger's.

 

[Southern Discomfort]

Makes me wonder if autism will even be a diagnosis in the next 50 years or so

Quite possibly, yes. If anything how millennial use it as a punchline with their gamer friends on online games. It'll go the same way as words like 'spastic' did. That being said, a lot of autistic people use the word with merit so it might not.

 

[Crossbreed]

In the USA, Aspergers is still recognized by

• The Autism Society of America and
• The US Autism & Asperger Association

 

[Mary Anne]

It was only removed from the DSM-5. Anywhere that uses the ICD-10 (as the UK does) still recognises Asperger's.

The ICD-11 (Published now available as of May, 2018) also removes Aspergers.
New global diagnostic manual mirrors U.S. autism criteria

 

[Mary Anne]

I recently heard in 2013 that Asperger's is not a diagnosis anymore why did they take it out I know I don't have Aspergers but I'm just curious if anyone knows the answer to that?

There is a tremendous amount of info about this online. Here is a easy to understand explanation:

“One of the most significant changes is that the separate diagnostic labels of Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, and PDD-NOS will be replaced by one umbrella term “Autism Spectrum Disorder.” Further distinctions will be made according to severity levels. The severity levels are based on the amount of support needed, due to challenges with social communication and restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. For example, a person might be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3. The DSM-V revision website says the reasons for using the umbrella term of “Autism Spectrum Disorder” are 1) the old way isn’t precise enough—different clinicians diagnose the same person with different disorders, and some change their diagnosis of the same symptoms differently from year to year, and 2) autism is defined by a common set of behaviors and it should be characterized by a single name according to severity.

The removal of the formal diagnoses of Asperger’s Disorder and PDD-NOS is a major change. People who currently hold these diagnoses will likely receive a different diagnosis when re-evaluated. This has the potential to be confusing for parents of children with these diagnoses as well as children and adults who identify strongly with their diagnosis.

Revisions to the specific criteria needed for a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder have also been made. The new criteria are more thorough and strict compared to the old criteria. For example, more symptoms are needed to meet criteria within the area of fixated interests and repetitive behaviors. Other changes to the criteria include a reorganization. Currently, the domains for Autistic Disorder include impairments in Communication, Social Interaction, and Restricted Interests and Repetitive Behaviors. In the new edition, the Communication and Social Interaction domains will be combined into one, titled “Social/Communication Deficits.” Additionally, the requirement of a delay in language development is no longer necessary for a diagnosis.

These proposed changes are based on research, analysis, and expert opinion. The revisions have been made with the hope that the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders will be more specific, reliable, and valid. Despite these positive hopes, legitimate concerns have been raised regarding how these changes might impact people on the spectrum. One of the biggest concerns is that some who are higher functioning will no longer meet the more strict diagnostic criteria and will therefore have difficulties accessing relevant services. Questions have been raised about what will happen to people currently diagnosed with Asperger’s Disorder or PDD-NOS. Furthermore, there is uncertainty regarding how state and educational services and insurance companies will adopt these changes.

It is clear these changes will have an impact on families and people currently diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. It remains to be seen how diagnosticians and clinicians will use the new criteria in evaluating children and the impact it will have on the availability of services. Therefore, it is important to remain informed and up to date. To follow and learn more about the proposed changes, see the DSM-V revision website.”

DSM-V: What Changes May Mean | Autism Research Institute

 

[Tom]

They no longer believed Aspergers to be a valid seperate/unique condition.

 

[SparklAng]

Sometimes official diagnosis can only say so much. People, in general, have stereotypes in their head of what anything is like. I am officially diagosed with high functioning autism, but people constantly refer to me has having aspergers. To be honest I dont mind particually what people say I 'have' or 'dont have'- my own self identity is more important to me. It is an interesting subject.

 

[SL JediKnight]

Sometimes official diagnosis can only say so much. People, in general, have stereotypes in their head of what anything is like. I am officially diagosed with high functioning autism, but people constantly refer to me has having aspergers. To be honest I dont mind particually what people say I 'have' or 'dont have'- my own self identity is more important to me. It is an interesting subject.

I agree!