title: Concerns about identity and services among people with autism and Asperger's regarding DSM-5 changes.
abstract: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed. [DSM-5]; American Psychiatric Association, 2012 ) now includes a new autism spectrum diagnosis (ASD) with previous separate diagnoses of autism removed. This study explores the concerns of people with Asperger's syndrome (AS) and autistic disorder (AD). Discussion forum data of people with AS and AD (N = 76) were analyzed using phenomenological, inductive-content analysis to gather qualitative data about the concerns of people with AS and AD regarding the changes in the DSM-5. People with AS and AD were concerned about identity, community, the cure movement, and services. They also discussed using advocacy and solidarity to address their concerns.
authors.affiliation: a Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work , University of Hawaii at Manoa , Honolulu , Hawaii , USA.
authors.forename: Jessica L H
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Spillers
authors.forename: Leonard M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Sensui
authors.forename: Kristen F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Linton
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D020817:Asperger Syndrome / Q000523:psychology*; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services; D008875:Middle Aged; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D012933:Social Identification; D061108:Social Media; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Asperger's; DSM–5; advocacy; autism; autism spectrum disorders; identity; services; solidarity