In the end
Effective with the release of DSM-5 in May 2013, we will change the way we describe autism-related disabilities to the singular “Autism Spectrum Disorder.” Clients will no longer be diagnosed as having “autism” versus “PDD-NOS” or “Asperger Syndrome,” as all of these different classifications will officially go away. Individuals with ASD will be referred to as having one of three severity levels.
If the diagnostic codes numbers change, the obligation of government agency services approved to provide educational, social, medical and therapeutic services should remain unchanged.
If the government chooses to require people to obtain a new diagnosis to suit the new DSM, it should be the government agencies’ responsibility to pay for the same, and allow them to continue services until it is obtained and they are eligible under the new diagnosis.
Joshua Weinstein has been an educator and administrator for over four decades. He holds a Ph.D., two Masters Degrees in Educational Administration and Supervision and an MBA in Executive Administration. He has been the CEO in healthcare, social services, and business corporations. He’s the president and founder of Shema Kolainu-Hear Our Voices, Tishma for children with autism in Jerusalem and ICare4Autism- International Center for Autism Research & Education- a global leader in autism research & education. He can be reached via email at [email protected].