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Comparing Rates of Diagnosis Using DSM-IV-TR Versus DSM-5 Criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders volume 50, pages 1898–1906 (2020)Cite this article

Abstract

With the publication of DSM-5, many changes were introduced regarding how Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) would be diagnosed. Changes from DSM-IV-TR were controversial, with many arguing that individuals would lose their diagnosis with the new criteria. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in the application of diagnostic criteria across both recent versions in a sample of infants and toddlers. Fewer individuals met criteria according to DSM-5; however, a larger proportion of individuals met criteria for both. Additionally, individuals with higher levels of symptoms were more likely to meet criteria for both versions as compared to either alone. Overall, results suggest that there are meaningful differences in how DSM criteria may apply to individuals with an ASD.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA

    W. Jason Peters & Johnny L. Matson

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  1. W. Jason Peters
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  2. Johnny L. Matson
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Contributions

WJP and JLM conceived of the study, participated in its design and coordination, and drafted the manuscript. Both authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to W. Jason Peters.

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One of the authors is a co-author of the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits, which is owned and distributed through his wife’s company, Disability Consultants, LLC.

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Peters, W.J., Matson, J.L. Comparing Rates of Diagnosis Using DSM-IV-TR Versus DSM-5 Criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 50, 1898–1906 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-03941-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-03941-1

Keywords

  • Autism
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Diagnosis
  • Diagnostic criteria

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