Old Dx Asperger's

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Some years ago, when we still used DSM-IV, I got a written Dx of Asperger's from a reputable mental hospital. I think I was about 50yo. That Dx cleared the way for me to get help with Asperger's.

DSM-5 moved Asperger's into Autistic Spectrum Disorder. I remember seeing that everywhere "Asperger's" appears, it shall be deemed to read "ASD."

Now my family doc says I'm not Dx'd for Autism, I'm Dx'd for Asperger's. This is in connection with my insurance company.

Can anybody tell me what to do now? Is there a current DSM5 paragraph number that solves this? Or do I have to go and get Dx'd all over again?

The original Dx took 2 years waiting and several appointments after that. I'd really like to use the Dx I've got.

I'd really appreciate any help you can give me.

Hello, Claradoon! Long time, no see! It's good to see you again.

I wonder if you could discuss this with your primary doc. In view of the great expense, also the time, to re-evaluate and re-diagnose, it would make sense for both you and the health system to use the earlier diagnosis as it maps onto the current one. In current nomenclature you might be ASD1, 2 or 3 depending on how much support you need. Could a neuropsychologist review your old testing and your recent medical records and do this? Push back and ask if your doc can find someone who could do this sleight-of-hand.

Sorry you are tangled up in bureaucracy yet again. Good luck.

I was under the impression that an Aspergers diagnosis, DSM IV, automatically transferred to an Autism Spectrum Disorder Level One, Without Intellectual Disability and Speech Delay, DSM 5.

The code number is 299.

Here is the relevant link

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/hcp-dsm.html

The DSM 5 diagnostic manual is a guideline. Clinicians will not lose their licenses for going against it. Almost 10 years in most clinicians abide by it but very occasionally I still read about the "Aspergers" diagnosis as well as the "High Functioning Autism" diagnosis which has never been in any manual being given out.

The ICD is also used in the US.

HFA, as you know, has never been an official diagnosis.

I think you’re okay, Claradoon.

Your diagnosis never “expired.” It’s just been “taken over” by the DSM V diagnosis of ASD, Level One.

This is explicitly stated in the link I posted. It’s right below the “severity” section.

Hi Claradoon. Good to see you again.

Kortie is right. Your diagnosis is just fine here, should be in Canada too. Best wishes.

Hello Bea Arthur! Good to see you again. I'm afraid I've been away so long I don't know how to answer without using Quote

Actually, it was discussing this with my primary doctor (by that you mean my family doctor?) that started this trouble. She's old faithful in my care, even makes house calls! But she can't get past Asperger's.

You're probably right about a neuropsychologist - they have invented that, have they? I'm so behind the times. It sounds like somebody I should consult anyway.

Thanks so much.

Hi, KK, this is absolutely perfect, thanks so much.

That's what I'm looking for, "automatically transferred". It's reassurace to the doctor who is not a psychiatrist. But I think what you've given me would life that burden off her.

My old Dx doesn't specify With or Without. But maybe we could just leave it at ASD.

These days I seem to have speech delay. The less I strive to act "normal" the more relaxed I am about these things.

Many thanks for your help!

I'm not sure what a clinician is. My doc is a family doc, what we used to call GP. She won't approach the DSM casually.

I knew that HFA isn't official. Conversationally, it could take some of the heat off people who would say, "You can't have Asperger's, you can walk and talk at the same time."

Retirement has spared me so many people to please.

Thanks again, so very much, Kortie!

This is exactly what I was hoping to find. You word it perfectly; I did indeed feel "expired."

Onwards and upwards (whew!).

Hi blazingstar, good to hear from you too.

Yes you're right, I believe. I'm clear to forge on ahead.