Now I'm confused..

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Hi,
Just registered as a parent of Asperger's teen daughter.

I went to an anxiety seminar two days ago in regards to Asperger's disorder.

Just when I think I may get my head around this mystery, I get confused once more.

I thought Asperger's was autism spectrum disorder, now I think it two separate disorders.
Can I be enlightened?

Is the name changing for this disorder next year here in Australia?

Thanks

I think it really depends who you talk to, right now. There are some problems with the terming and the broad criterion that need to be re-examined, which I believe some people/places are talking about addressing.

Generally, AS is considered on the spectrum, but some people feel it's simply a social disability not related to autism at all, and the thresholds are not necessarily concrete yet, since it's fairly new and varies so widely person to person. (moreso then, say, downs)

The diagnostic manual used in the US are called DSM-IV, but it is being "patched" in 2013 to DSM-V (DSM-5). In that manual, Asperger's will disappear and Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD) emerge. However, in Norway, the legal system use the ICD-10 manual for diagnosing, and that won't be upgraded with ASD until 2015. So yes, there is a confusing time now, indeed. I do not know what manual they use in Australia.

If you want to read more about ASD, I suggest reading about it on the dsm5.org website. If you go to http://www.dsm5.org/ProposedRevision/Pa ... spx?rid=94 , I can recommend clicking on the "severity" tab for more info. ASD will be divided into 3 levels.

Yes, in DSM-5 ASD and Social Communication Disorder ( http://www.dsm5.org/ProposedRevision/Pa ... px?rid=489 ) will be seperated. I suspect some Aspies will fall into this category.

Hi Leiselmum! Welcome to Wrong Planet. Check out the many interesting and helpful forums here. Classic Autism and Asperger's Syndrome are two different conditions, but they are both on the Autism spectrum along with several other conditions. Each condition on the spectrum has many possible traits. Many of the traits are common among the different disorders on the spectrum, indicating that they are all related conditions. Also, it is not necessary to have every trait possible to a condition, in order to have the condition. I have almost all of the Aspie traits, but not all, but it is obvious that I am Aspie because I have so many of the traits, and have always had them. People on the spectrum often have one or more co-morbid conditions along with their spectrum condition. I have Executive Function Disorder (EFT), and Avoident Personality Disorder (AvPD) along with my Asperger's. The problems caused by my conditions have caused me to also suffer from chronic lifelong depression, but that is under control. I also have IBS and stomach problems. Stomach and intestinal problems are common on the spectrum, as is Celiac's disease (gluten intolerance), but not everyone on the spectrum has such problems.

There is a lot of stuff involved in spectrum disorders, so you will have to do your homework. This site is a good place to start that. The forums here are very helpful.

And remember, you are among friends here! If you need spectrum info help, ask for it here at WP!