What's the difference between Autism and Autism spectrum disorder?

[adrianna22]

Hi

A professional looked at DS ADOS report and commented that he met the
cut- off diagnosis of autism, as his diagnosis is not autism spectrum disorder.

Could someone explain what he meant?

Thanks.

There isn't but it's worried me since ASC came out as polter mentioned DSM5.

My DS has just had ados and I was chatting to my mum and said something about DS having autism. (We have no dx).
Her reply was he isn't autistic he's on the autism spectrum - there's a difference.

What's scary is that my mum was a teacher for 40 years. Had many students with asd/ as and was very inclusive. Generally considered an outstanding teacher.

I conclude that the changes have not been clear and explained well enough for people to understand.

Even when DS was put on waiting list 2 years ago we were given information about aspergers - aspergers was the area his behaviour fitted the most and told he would be assessed for an ASD. Yet 3 days ago he was assessed for an ASC. I believe there is no aspergers dx anymore under the DSM5 but yet a dx of HFA can be given? Or he'll be given a dx of ASC?

There is definitely no difference between the dx's. There can't be as many already diagnosed with AS, autism, asd still retain their dx iyswim?

He is not a twit...the person calling him a twit doesn't understand how the test is scored.

The ADOS has TWO cut off scores - a lower score (say, 7 marks) for 'Autistic Spectrum Disorder' and a higher score (around 9 marks) for 'Autism.'

This is to mark the difference between high functioning autism (Aspergers) and more 'classic' autism - which is now academic since the term 'Aspergers' is being withdrawn.

It does annoy me when people with no professional knowledge automatically assume that the person who does possess the knowledge knows less than they do.

I read the ICd 10 guidelines as we are in UK and talk was about aspergers.

Also HFA is always differentiated from AS on early language skills when I read articles. So not sure how they are now almost comparing the 2 as the same dx under differing classifications. (DSM v ICD). Also I have never found HFA as a dx -'just heard it in relation to DS when somehow it went from asd to ASC during our time on waiting list.

I have always come across asd with learning difficulties (moderate or severe) so high functioning 'makes sense' re learning ability but is totally misleading re the severity of the autism part of difficulties.

I read a brilliant article the other day that basically said you can be as high functioning IQ wise as possible but still be severely autistic and function less well on a daily basis as someone who has autism and severe learning difficulties.

I think once DS information has gone to panel I'll be asking some very stringent questions about his dx and what they've used to get that.

Is there anywhere in an information about what diagnostic criteria the UK should use? (Eg ICD 10).

Yes re IQ and high functioning autism. However I can't help but feel it misleads people into thinking they are high functioning individuals and can mislead people into believing their autism is mild iyswim?

The ICD 10 solely separates aspergers and autism by language - my understanding is that it's language acquirement by age 3? (although I've read so much information this past week I may have confused myself and made that up?!)

I just wish the UK used 1 diagnostic classification system - all articles I read say they use ICD but then say they can use DSM and this is preferred by pyschiatrists. But yet all hospitals should record diagnostic information using ICD 10. [comfused]

Ha ha poiter x posts. I just read that bit about ICD 10 on Google!

Hi OP. TBH I would ask the professional, as there is no hope of understanding their thinking because it would appear they are unsure of what they are talking about themselves.

Since ds has been diagnosed he has been referred to as severely autistic, having an ASD, having ASC, mildly autistic, HFA, and last special school referred to him as moderately ASD, but his home visiting SALT seems to think he could manage in a mainstream school with little support.

Generally, it usually makes sense to get a clean ASD diagnosis, unless you feel Aspergers is merited and of benefit. It is neither for my child. They YOU and HE can use it flexibly as needed.

I totally agree polter

I've been left as a parent very much confused. Not a great place to be when your child is probably about to get a dx.

And I'm confused how an autism spectrum disorder (where these disorders are then described as kanner autism, pda, aspergers, pdd-nos) can also get a seperate dx to autism (which comes under asd).
And if we are now using ASC (an autistic spectrum condition) what is an ASC? It feels like that condition should be specified. If that makes any sense?!

I do know that DS was referred for asd assessment but has been assessed for ASC. That they mentioned aspergers but that is an ICD 10 dx and all my Camhs letters re dx are headed DSM.

Also to confuse me matters further salt, neuro and ed psych have all said DS being assessed for aspergers in reports.

ASC is After School Club in my world.

You know, ds' diagnosis has not made a jot of difference to anything. It is the 'having one' that has triggered his rights.

Provision is sooo generic and usually quite awful that splitting hairs about a condition no-one seems to agree on anyway just always seemed a bit pointless.

It is to me too star probably just as well if that's dx DS gets he's leaving after school club (due to secondary not due to dx) - I don't need anymore confusions!

I remind myself daily that once this process is over DS will be the same boy - just with (hopefully) better access to support and understanding.

My DS, according to last EP assessment is not even close to High functioning. Yet at 8 he can make himself dinner, and go to the shops for me on his own, crossing roads, and coming back with the right change.

He can take himself to orchestra, finish there, collect his music and violin and sit outside his piano lesson room, going in when asked and wait in the library for me to pick him up (plus or minus his coat).

So wft does 'high functioning' mean anyway?

I just read ICD 11 is due in 2017!

I think I'll wait and question Camhs thoroughly when they arrange our feedback appointment.

DS certainly fits the criteria of aspergers most closely and that's the books we've looked at, information Camhs told me to read when they placed him on the list.

Although DS probably meets ASC with pita profile most closely of recent

Afaik the high functioning relates to high IQ. Totally misleading IMO. As those with low IQ get a dx of asd and severe/moderate learning difficulties.

Well done your DS for having those skills. My DS is not there yet!