DSM-5 Criteria for ASD: Research Review and Commentary

Abstract

In May 2013, the American Psychiatric Association published the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5 ). Substantive changes were made in the criteria of the DSM-5 defining many of the psychiatric diagnoses it classifies. Included among these changes were major revisions to the structure and diagnostic criteria for autism and related disorders. With current prevalence estimated to be approximately 1 in 88, this class of neurodevelopmental disorders affects numerous children and families; for this reason, the revisions to prior criteria, contained in the DSM: Fourth Edition—Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR), have been closely followed not only within the scientific and clinical literature but also by the popular media. In this commentary, we review the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, highlighting changes from the DSM-IV-TR. We next review several of the strengths of revised criteria. The final section outlines key issues related to implementing DSM-5 criteria that have garnered discussion, focusing on both the advantages of this revised approach to diagnosing autism and potential concerns that have been voiced regarding the new system. In closing, we provide our opinions about the future of diagnostic taxonomy for autism and anticipated challenges for both scientists and clinicians moving forward.