Application of the Final DSM-5 Criteria for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Background: DSM-5 has received considerable attention all over the world. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic outcomes using both DSM--TR and the final version of DSM-5. Methods: One hundred eighty children under 5 years old at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders had been detected by a regional screening system in Nagoya, Japan. We collected their information from diagnostic records including scores of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders Autism Society Japan Rating Scale. Results: All 8 cases with autistic disorder and all 27 with Asperger's disorder corresponded to the ASD criterion. Although 2 cases with PDD-NOS were suspected of social communication disorder, 27 cases with PDD-NOS corresponded to ASD. Among 47 cases with specific language impairment, 5 cases were suspected of social communication disorder. Conclusion: Most of the cases (62/64) with PDDs met the ASD criterion, but the abolition of subcategories of PDDs results in one criteria of ASD covering a wide range, from extremely severe to more mild types. Further investigation and discussion are necessary for an appropriate use of DSM-5.