Autism Doctors Move Step Closer to Overhauling Diagnosis Rules
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The American Psychiatric Association is moving a step closer to overhauling the criteria for diagnosing autism after two just-completed field studies found the new definition won’t exclude patients who need treatment.
The change, to be included in a manual used by doctors, is designed to help them better identify the disorder by including several closely related conditions under the autism mantle, and by making symptoms more precise. Disease advocates have said they’re concerned the change may improperly reduce the number of children diagnosed, limiting access to health services.