Instead of specific labels, terms like 'high' and 'low' functioning will be used. However, is someone of genius intelligence who needs reminders to take a bath and change their clothes really 'high functioning?' How 'high functioning' is a person with above- average intelligence who can't stay organized, initiate projects, or keep a job? Many higher functioning individuals on the autism spectrum are well-educated but lack the social skills to function in society. While able to write and speak, they may still have problems with nuances like body language, conversations, or literalness. Most of these 'high functioning' individuals won't be able to find work that matches their intelligence and educational background. Many can do the work, but may not be able to think quickly or make appropriate decisions. Sensory sensitivities also make it difficult to function in certain work environments.
Even though we give lip service to individualism, accepting differences, and the benefits of inclusion, our society still does not accept people who are odd or different, who don't quite fit in. Eliminating labels which have served to bring understanding of these syndromes to the general public will have a deleterious effect on how people with these conditions will be perceived by society.
The draft of the DSM V manual is posted at http://www.DSM5.org, for public comment from February 10 until April 20, 2010.
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