'Coming Out' with Autism: Identity in People with an Asperger's Diagnosis After DSM-5

Olivia Smith; Sandra C Jones

doi:10.1007/s10803-019-04294-5

'Coming Out' with Autism: Identity in People with an Asperger's Diagnosis After DSM-5

J Autism Dev Disord. 2020 Feb;50(2):592-602. doi: 10.1007/s10803-019-04294-5.

Authors

Olivia Smith^{1

2}, Sandra C Jones³

Affiliations

¹ ACU Engagement, Australian Catholic University, Sydney, Australia.
² Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC), LaTrobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
³ ACU Engagement, Australian Catholic University, Sydney, Australia. sandra.jones@acu.edu.au.

PMID: 31713072
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-04294-5

Abstract

Asperger's Syndrome was introduced as a separate diagnostic category in the DSM-4 (1994). Its subsequent absorption into autism spectrum disorder in the DSM-5 (2013) led to vigorous debate and concerns about the loss of the unique Asperger's identity. Existing research has identified that adults previously diagnosed with Asperger's have expressed a diverse range of opinions regarding the DSM-5 changes. This Australian study explored the role of disability identity development in responses to the change through semi-structured interviews with 12 adults diagnosed with Asperger's under the DSM-4. Their different views did not appear to be a function of demographic variables; a connection was identified between participants' views of the change and differing stages of integration with the Asperger's and/or autism identities.

Keywords: Asperger’s; DSM-5; Diagnostic category; Identity.

MeSH terms

Adult
Aged
Asperger Syndrome / diagnosis*
Asperger Syndrome / psychology*
Australia
Autistic Disorder / diagnosis*
Autistic Disorder / psychology*
Diagnosis, Differential
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders*
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Self Concept*
Young Adult