title: Severity of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Current Conceptualization, and Transition to DSM-5.
abstract: Mirroring the evolution of the conceptualization of autism has been changes in the diagnostic process, including the most recent revisions to the DSM-5 and the addition of severity-based diagnostic modifiers assigned on the basis of intensity of needed supports. A review of recent literature indicates that in research stratifying individuals on the basis of autism severity, core ASD symptomology is the primary consideration. This conceptualization is disparate from the conceptualization put forth in DSM-5 in which severity determination is based on level of needed support, which is also impacted by cognitive, language, behavioral, and adaptive functioning. This paper reviews literature in this area and discusses possible instruments that may be useful to inform clinical judgment in determining ASD severity levels.
authors.affiliation: Nisonger Center, The Ohio State University, McCampbell Hall Room 279, 1581 Dodd Dr, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA. mehling.19@osu.edu.
authors.forename: Margaret H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Mehling
authors.affiliation: Nisonger Center, The Ohio State University, McCampbell Hall Room 279, 1581 Dodd Dr, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
authors.forename: Marc J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Tassé
mesh_terms: D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
keywords: Assessment; Autism spectrum disorder; DSM-5; Diagnostic modifier; Severity