Many experts are concerned that autism often goes undiagnosed in girls. Only one girl for every four boys is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.
The new version of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders) proposes to remove the diagnosis of "Asperger's Syndrome," and include all forms of autism as "Autism Spectrum Disorder." On the surface, this may not seem to make much difference, but three criteria must all be met, one which is, "lack of social reciprocity." Most autistic girls and many autistic boys are capable of social reciprocity in some situations. This seems too vague and undefined. In addition, girls learn how to disguise poor social understanding in ways that boys do not.
Autism often goes undiagnosed in girls "because girls general aptitude for communication and their social competence helps some Aspergers girls 'pass'- they pick up on their difference and carefully mask it by mimicking other girls' speech and manner and dress." -Dr. David Skuse, M.D., Institute of Child Health at University College, London
Please let the DSM-V committee know that "lack of reciprocity" as a necessary criterion for "Autism Spectrum Disorder" could lead to greater under-diagnosis of autistic females, and thus fewer females in need of help will receive services.
http://www.dsm5.org/ProposedRevisions/Pages/proposedrevision.aspx?rid=94We, the undersigned, are concerned that proposed changes to the DSM-V will be unfair to autistic girls and women. Autism Spectrum Disorders are believed by many experts to be underdiagnosed in girls. By taking away the Asperger's Syndrome criteria and including all forms of autism under the label, "Autistic Spectrum Disorder," the criteria becomes narrower for diagnosis.
Namely, "lack of social reciprocity" is listed as a necessary criterion. Because there is a "spectrum," there is a range of ability in social reciprocity, sometimes showing up in different situations and times, depending on level of impairment. Because of this, an absolute lack of social reciprocity should not be a criterion for diagnosis.
Not only may both girls and boys with autism have times and situations when social reciprocity may be apparent, but also autistic girls may appear to have greater social skill and social understanding than they actually have.
As it is, many girls with Autism Spectrum Disorders are under-diagnosed "because girls general aptitude for communication and their social competence helps some Asperger girls 'pass'-they pick up on their difference and carefully mask it by mimicking other girls speech and manner and dress." -David Skuse, M.D, Institute of Child Health at University College, London
We ask that you either remove the criterion, "lack of social reciprocity" or define it in such a way that female-specific presentations of ASD are not unfairly overlooked.
Thank you.
