autism intro

The evolution of the DSM changed the label and treatment of autism. Originally linked to childhood schizophrenia, autism became separate in DSM-3 and listed as autism spectrum disorder in DSM-5. Diagnosis in DSM-5 focuses on communication differences and repetitive behaviors. An example of Catherine in 1952 illustrates these changes. Autism is another major example of how the evolution of the DSM changed not only the label a person had, but also how they were treated. The Autism History Project from the University of Oregon states that autism was originally connected to childhood schizophrenia in the first and second DSM. In DSM-3, it became separate from schizophrenia, then in DSM-5, it became listed as an autism spectrum disorder. According to the CDC, DSM-5 diagnosis is focused on communication differences and repetitive or restricted behaviors. To help this make more sense, let's imagine a girl named Catherine is brought into a clinic in 1952 by her mother.