^{Target:  American Psychiatric Association}

^{Sponsored by:  Laura Paxton, Autism Women's Network Advisory Board Member}

^{Petition  [read & sign here]}

Many experts are concerned that autism often goes undiagnosed in girls. Only one girl for every four boys is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

The new version of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders) proposes to remove the diagnosis of "Asperger's Syndrome," and include all forms of autism as "Autism Spectrum Disorder." On the surface, this may not seem to make much difference, but three criteria must all be met, one which is, "lack of social reciprocity." Most autistic girls and many autistic boys are capable of social reciprocity in some situations. This seems too vague and undefined. In addition, girls learn how to disguise poor social understanding in ways that boys do not.

Autism often goes undiagnosed in girls "because girls general aptitude for communication and their social competence helps some Aspergers girls  'pass'- they pick up on their difference and carefully mask it by mimicking other girls' speech and manner and dress." -Dr. David Skuse, M.D., Institute of Child Health at University College, London

Please let the DSM-V committee know that "lack of reciprocity" as a necessary criterion for "Autism Spectrum Disorder" could lead to greater under-diagnosis of autistic females, and thus fewer females in need of help will receive services.

299.00
Autistic Disorder

^{Petition  [read & sign here]}