Classification of ASD

One of the points Dr. Uta Frith makes is that more research is showing that there are divergent subgroups within the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Level 1 Autism can look completely different than Level 3 Autism, making it more confusing to parents.

I need to make a caveat that my terminology may be offensive to some, especially since  when I started, the terminology was different than it is today. Level 1 Autism was known as Asperger’s Syndrome. While I understand the reason for the change in the DSM 5 in 2013, I preferred the Asperger’s term because I think it can be confusing for those that are higher functioning. “Functioning level” is easier to understand for those unfamiliar with Autism as a spectrum than “level of support,” the term used in the DSM 5 classification. In any case, I am not trying to offend, I am just trying to be as clear as possible. These are just my thoughts on the confusion surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The classifications in the DSM are used to focus on symptoms, not strengths. This is because behavioral health professionals use the DSM to determine diagnoses. Terms like “High Functioning Autism” and “Neurodivergent” are not in the DSM and focus on strengths. Terms not used in the DSM are useful, but not for classification of conditions.

Some of the criticism of Dr. Frith’s editorial was that it did not discuss strengths and benefits. This is because mental health professionals look at conditions as disorders without accounting for strengths, using a “medical model” instead of a “strengths-based” model. There are many strengths and abilities that people with ASD have, which is why I like the term “neurodivergence,” which uses a strengths-based model. We will look at the terms “Neurodivergent and Neurotypical” in a future post.