DSM-V Changes Piss Me Off

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http://www.autism.org.uk/about-autism/a ... teria.aspx

The UK's National Autistic Society's explanation of the new DSM-V is in favor of streamlining the diagnostic criteria, but they also say that "the proposed severity levels are not fit for purpose and potentially very unhelpful as they are currently drafted." Following this, they note that "Key areas, including sensory aspects, are not mentioned within the severity levels."

This affects me hugely. I am having the devil of a time getting referrals to specialists through my HMO because there are no specialists in my region. None, nada, zip. I would have to be referred out of region, and of course, I must go through multiple channels to get there, not to mention pay for the trip if I do get a referral.

I feel discriminated against because my symptoms are not obvious when you first meet me--I have learned how to "hide" a bit. Also, I have a certain level of what NTs see as success. What they don't see is how effing hard it's been for me to have gotten to this point--whatever it is. My level of "success" keeps me in the lower-middle class: too rich for government aid and too poor to save money.

I'm grateful that I've made it through the NT system as much as I have and that I am able to support myself. I've worked since I was 15. And I realize how many people suffer far worse than I do. But it pisses me off that NTs who review my symptoms don't see that I could use some help--counseling & therapy, not meds. I've been doing it all on my own for decades, and I'd like a little relief.

I've recently realized how much I've been bullied throughout my life--at work and by so-called friends. I've been discriminated against time and again by both groups, but it's particularly hard in the work environment because I lack the skills to fight back. With so-called friends I can decide not to hang around them, but I can't do this at work. All I end up doing is acting weirder and then I get to hear things like, "No wonder everyone thinks you're crazy" and, "Yes, well so-and-so is just more qualified than you are." This last came when I got bumped by someone who literally just got their degree three weeks earlier.

Thanks a lot, effers who base their opinions on studies of children and ignore what happens to us when we grow up--FU please!

If you've made it this far, thank you for reading my rant--I can't believe how much anxiety and anger this is giving me. Any feedback would be much appreciated.

I didn't know they used the DSM in the UK.

They don't. The link is to a critique of the proposed changes. I often visit UK sites as they offer a different perspective on ASDs. Here's another blurb from the beginning of the article.

"The DSM is very influential, although the main set of criteria used in the UK is the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD). This article summarises the key points of the changes, what The National Autistic Society (NAS) thinks about the changes, and what you can do."

I was initially incensed with the proposed changes to the DSM. Diagnosed as an adult with Aspergers, it took me alot of self-investigatory work to prove the Psychologist's diagnosis correct. Then, I had to go through a period of self-acceptance. To have a diagnostic label (of Aspergers) that explained so much of how I think and operate helped me hugely to understand and accept myself. Thus, with the proposal of removing the term of Aspergers is infuriating - it felt like part of my identity was going be denied and that my past experiences would no longer be explained/justified. However, I have looked at the diagnostis terms of Autistic Spectrum Disorder, and for myself, I believe I still fit into that criteria, albeit, Level 1 (which I translate as High Functioning).

However, for me in New Zealand, the diagnostic change of terminology has no affect. As I do receive no Public Health Funding. I have had to privately pay for years and years of counselling/Psycological treatment and medication (i.e. for my anxiety, depression and social deficits). I do not suffer any sensory impairments that I cannot manage myself. Plus, I am not in employment, and I tend to be a social hermit, so I cope fine.

But is disgusting to think, some high functioning people may not be recognsied and diagnosed, because they are working really hard all the time to cope with their impairments (and without the support they need).

Hopefully, this will not be the case and the DSM will be revised to better recognise the distinction, and that the people who need assistance will get it.

But I note from the UK National Austic Society comments on the propoased DSM changes, that, for those already diagnosed with Aspergers this will not change their diagnosis, rather, it is applicable to future diagnosises'. Personally, this also gives me peace of mind for my current situation, as I had intended to go throught the whole diagnosistic process again!!