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08:31
Conscious and Non-conscious Representations of Emotional Faces in Asperger's Syndrome
Published on: July 31, 2016
Qualitative or quantitative differences between Asperger's disorder and autism? Historical considerations.
1Department of Educational Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2G5. sanders1@ualberta.ca
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|June 24, 2009
Summary
Autism and Asperger's Disorder (AD) may not be distinct conditions, but rather quantitative variations of the same disorder. Current diagnostic criteria require review based on empirical evidence and historical context.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Psychiatric Diagnostics
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Review of historical contributions by Kanner and Asperger to autism and Asperger's Disorder (AD) definitions.
- Analysis of the influence of these historical perspectives on DSM-IV diagnostic criteria.
- Examination of the distinction between autism and AD within the DSM-IV framework.
Observation:
- Empirical research suggests autism and AD are not qualitatively distinct.
- Observed differences may represent quantitative variations rather than separate disorders.
- Individual variability might account for the perceived differences between autism and AD.
Findings:
- Autism and Asperger's Disorder (AD) appear to be quantitative manifestations of a single neurodevelopmental disorder.
- The distinction in DSM-IV may not be supported by current empirical evidence.
- Individual variability is a significant factor in symptom presentation.
Implications:
- The DSM-IV criteria for autism and AD warrant critical review and potential revision.
- Reconsidering diagnostic categories could lead to more accurate and unified understanding of autism spectrum conditions.
- Future research should focus on the spectrum nature of these conditions rather than distinct classifications.
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