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From Kanner to DSM-5: autism as an evolving diagnostic concept
Fred R Volkmar1, James C McPartland
1Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520; email: fred.volkmar@yale.edu , james.mcpartland@yale.edu.
Annual Review of Clinical Psychology
|December 17, 2013
Summary
Autism conceptualization has evolved significantly since Kanner
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Psychiatric diagnostics
Background:
- Reviewing the historical conceptualization of early infantile autism.
- Examining changes in autism diagnosis over seven decades, particularly the last two.
Observation:
- Diagnostic approaches have shifted between broad categories ('lumping') and distinct subgroups ('splitting').
- Autism diagnosis presents challenges due to varied expression across age and development.
- The latest diagnostic manual revision signifies a major shift, sparking considerable debate.
Findings:
- The classification of autism has undergone substantial evolution.
- Current diagnostic approaches face ongoing debate regarding their ultimate application.
Implications:
- Understanding diagnostic shifts is crucial for research and clinical practice.
- Clarifying diagnostic criteria impacts service eligibility and intervention strategies.
- Future consensus on autism classification remains an active area of research.
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