Autism Spectrum Disorder and the DSM-V | What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of autism spectrum disorder as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition. We'll explore what autism is and what it can mean for your child and your family.

 

 

Understanding Autism

If you’ve recently heard the words “your child has autism” from a doctor or specialist, you might be feeling a mix of emotions: relief, worry, confusion, even hope. That’s completely normal. An autism diagnosis can feel like a big moment for a family, and it often comes with more questions than answers.

As a speech-language pathologist who works with autistic children and their families specializing in social learning, I want you to know this: a diagnosis doesn’t change who your child is. Your child is the same curious, funny, loving person they were yesterday. What a diagnosis gives you is a new lens to understand them and new tools to support them. Said another way, the goal is not to “fix” your child; the goal is to understand them better, celebrate their strengths, and provide support where it is needed

In this post, I’ll walk you through what autism is according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), and what receiving a diagnosis can mean for your child and family.

What the DSM-5 Says About Autism

The DSM-5 is a book used by medical professionals to describe various developmental and mental health conditions. In the DSM-5, autism is referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The word “spectrum” here reflects the different ways in which autism can present. That is, no two autistic people are alike, and each person’s strengths and preferences are unique, as are their challenges and support needs.

According to the DSM-5, autism is diagnosed based on two separate, and often related, areas:

1. Differences in social communication and social interaction
   Individuals with autism have challenges using social communication skills to engage in social interactions. Oftentimes this can look like difficulties taking conversational turns, using and understanding body language or tone of voice, and making and maintaining friendships.
2. Restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests (RRBIs)
   Individuals with autism must also have RRBIs. This can include behaviors (such as movements like rocking or hand flapping) and/or focused interests (dinosaurs, trains, Minecraft, Bluey, creeks, you name it!). Additionally, individuals with autism tend to prefer routines and may also experience sights, sounds, and textures more intensely than others.

To receive an autism diagnosis per the DSM-5, an individual must meet both of the criteria outlined above, and these characteristics must be present in early childhood. However, it is also the case that characteristics of autism may not fully come online until the child gets older and experiences social challenges. Moreover, these challenges must impact the person’s ability to function in social or occupational settings or other areas that are important and must not be explained by an intellectual disability. Note, however, that a person can have autism and co-occurring intellectual disability.

 

 

What Receiving a Diagnosis Means

Receiving a diagnosis of autism is often life-changing for families. Sometimes families report feeling grief and sadness associated with a diagnosis, whereas others report feeling relief and determination. Regardless of the feelings associated with it, an autism diagnosis is an explanation. It provides families, educators, and professionals a clearer understanding of how the child experiences the world and opens doors for receiving appropriate support for the child’s functioning in daily life.

Here’s what a diagnosis can mean for you and your family: 

• Access to services and supports: A diagnosis can help families access resources such as speech-language therapy, educational supports, and community programs that can make life easier.
  
• Validation of families’ experiences: Many parents sense differences in their child’s communication, play, or learning long before a diagnosis. Receiving confirmation can help you and others better understand the child’s needs.
  
• A framework for growth: A diagnosis helps professionals design interventions that support social learning in individuals with autism. Interventions often focus on enhancing social communication, building friendships, and teaching self-advocacy skills.

Autism Through a Neurodiversity Lens

The DSM-5 gives us a medical diagnosis of autism, but there is more to autism than a diagnosis. Understanding autism through a neurodiversity perspective allows us to appreciate the complexity of the human brain, as well as the uniqueness that each person with autism brings to the world. Neurodiversity means that brains come in many different styles, and autism is just one of them.

An individual’s interests, ways of communicating, and sensory preferences are part of their identity. Because of this, the goal is not to “fix” a person’s autism but rather to foster environments so that the individual feels understood, accepted, and supported.

For example:

• A child who loves trains might use that passion as a bridge for learning language, building connections, or exploring STEM interests later in life.
  
• A child who avoids eye contact may still listen intently and bond deeply, just in their own way.

 

 

What Families Often Feel

It’s natural for families to experience a wide range of emotions after a diagnosis. Some feel relief, others grief, and many feel both. Families may worry about the future or wonder what this means for their child’s opportunities.

These feelings are valid. But over time, many families find that an autism diagnosis is less about limitations and more about clarity, support, and embracing a new way of seeing the world.

No family has to go through this experience alone. There is a vibrant community of autistic individuals, families, and professionals working together to advocate for acceptance, inclusion, and joy.

FAQ

Does an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis change who my child is?

No. Your child is the same person they were before the diagnosis. The diagnosis just gives you a new way to understand and support them, and it helps others (teachers, doctors, therapists) know how to best meet their needs.

Will my child always have autism?

Yes, autism is a lifelong condition (or rather, difference) that is part of who your child is. But that doesn’t mean they won’t grow, learn, and change. With the right support and acceptance, autistic children can, and do, thrive at home, in school, and in friendships, all while staying true to themselves.

Did I do something to cause my child’s autism?

No. Autism is not caused by parenting choices. It is a variation in how brains develop and process the world. Your child’s autism is not your fault or theirs; it’s simply part of their identity

What should I do first after receiving a diagnosis?

After you have felt all of the feelings you are feeling and processed the information, look into supportive services (like speech-language therapy), connect with other families who have similar experiences, and explore resources that celebrate neurodiversity. Most importantly, spend time with your child, follow their lead and interests, and celebrate who they are right now.