Autism Labeling: Beyond the DSM-5

Send us Fan MailThe evolution of autism terminology has shifted dramatically over time, from PDD-NOS and Asperger's to the current three levels of autism in the DSM-5. Understanding these changes helps church leaders better serve individuals with autism while recognizing that getting to know each person is far more valuable than relying on diagnostic labels.• Over 65 million Americans (25% of the population) have a disability, yet 80% are not inside church walls• Temple Grandin believes removing Asperger's syndrome from the DSM-5 was a significant mistake• Parents often use varied descriptors because a single label cannot fully capture their child's experience• The debate between person-first and identity-first language reflects different approaches to disability identity• Current DSM-5 categorizes autism into three levels based on required support• Always start by assuming competence rather than limitations• Understanding autism terminology helps facilitate better conversations with families• Our identity as Christ-followers should take precedence over any other identifierVisit indispensable-people.com for deeper dives into these topics and check out "The Indispensable Kid" and "Gospel, Accessibility and the Indispensable People" on Amazon.