LIC Meeting Presentation-Autism Spectrum Disorders: Diagnostic Changes to the DSM and Developmental Red Flags

On May 18th 2013 Changes were made to the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Changes were made to the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorders. There is still confusion as to these changes and what is different. This presentation will compare and contrast the former DSM IV criteria and the current DSM 5 criteria.

People have come to recognize some of the features of Autism Spectrum Disorders through public awareness and knowledge. Knowing the developmental red flags can lead to earlier diagnosis, therefore earlier implementation of services. Many families may miss out on the opportunity of receiving early intervention services due to lack of knowledge of atypical development. This part of the presentation will discuss atypical development, red flags for autism, and introduce resources from the Center for Disease Control’s ACT EARLY Campaign.