Washington State readers of this blog may have heard that the American Psychiatric Association will soon issue a new edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The manual, commonly referred to as the DSM, is considered a standard reference book for the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders and illnesses.

Among the conditions that the APA is expected to alter is autism. Experts believe that the organization's new definition of autism will restrict its diagnosis to fewer people, including those who have been previously diagnosed with the condition. If so, the new definition could negatively affect peoples' application for Social Security disability benefits.

A diagnosis of autism currently encompasses a wide range of disorders, which is why some psychiatrists refer to an "autism spectrum." It appears the APA's new definition will exclude those previously considered to be on the higher-functioning end of the spectrum. While those people may be somewhat more independent, many parents are concerned that their adult children will lose their disability benefits despite being unable to work.

One woman said that her daughter, 37, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, which was important to help her get disability benefits. Asperger is an autism spectrum disorder. Losing the diagnosis could cost the woman's daughter her benefits as well as a chance at living in supportive house, she said.

It remains to be seen how wide the effects of the new definition will be. Some doctors predict it will effectively counteract the large growth in autism definitions in children in recent years.

Source: The New York Times, "New Definition of Autism Will Exclude Many, Study Suggests," Benedict Carey, Jan. 19, 2012