The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is considering a new definition for the disorder commonly known as autism, one that effects more than 36,000 children born in the United States each year. Autism is a word that normally haunts parents. They fear that the diagnosis means that their child is going to have a hard and unenjoyable life. But current cases of “autism” may no longer meet the clinical definition. The APA is considering generating a new category of disease called “autism spectrum disorder.” Supporters of the proposal say that its more strict criteria would lead to a more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment…in addition to a reduction of distraught parents.
However, many are in opposition to the proposal. This new definition would reduce the rate at which the disorder is diagnosed. It also might make it harder for many families who would no longer meet the criteria to receive health, educational, and social services on which they used to rely. The APA has arranged a panel of experts to reassess the definition of autism, and the association is wrestling with the agonizing mental health question of where to draw the line between unusual and abnormal. Ultimately, this decision is sure to be wrenching for some families.
The proposed changes would probably exclude people with a diagnosis who were higher functioning. In response to parents’ concerns regarding the termination of the services they once received for having children with autism, Geraldine Dawson, the chief science officer for the advocacy group Autism Speaks, said, “Although it is possible that some service providers or funders could request a re-evaluation, especially if a child or adult is seeking new services, it is our hope and understanding that the current diagnosis will stand for existing services.” The APA is thinking thoughtfully, and within a few short months, autism may be redefined.
Redefining this term not only decreases the financial and educational benefits that someone who used to be considered ‘autistic’ receives, but it also changes the way that person is perceived by those around them. This disorder can totally distort one’s perception of what one experiences in the world. A person with autism senses things differently then people without it do and also responds to them in other ways. This is why labels like ‘autistic’ or ‘retarded’ affect our opinions and thoughts on a person with autism. I disagree with the fact that autism should be redefined. This is because by doing so, those who used to be classified as autistic might not be anymore, thus taking away their previous educational and financial benefits. Ths redefining of ‘autism’ can also effect many families who were previously dependent on the benefits granted from their child or children being ‘autistic.’
When asked about her opinion on this new definition, Audrey Rapoport ’15 said, “I don’t think that that is fair at all. People’s rights should not be undervalued or redefined just because of the mental disabilities they were born with. People with autism or people who used to be considered autistic should be entitled to rights as they were before.” She also stated that, “Autism is a medical disease with which one is left with for the rest of their lives. Someone who is not diagnosed with autism but has similar traits has the hope of growing out of their social setbacks. I would not necessarily distinguish between them, but I think that if they have the same disabilities and the same needs, it is not fair to take away the benefits because they are not classified as ‘autistic,'” when asked how she perceives someone who is ‘autistic’ rather than someone who is not technically ‘autistic’ but has similar social skills.
Jamie Russo ’15 also shared her opinion by saying that, “I do not think it is fair to grant someone benefits and rights because of their disability and then take it away because of this new definition. I would not perceive two people differently if one was diagnosed with autism and if the other did not technically have autism but had the same disabilities because they both need and should receive the same benefits and rights.” People with autism have disabilities that make the general public stereotype them as ‘autistic’, when they cannot help who they are. Society labels those with autism as “not normal.” But, who is to say what normal is?