EPA-1755 – High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome in Adults: Still an Open Question in DSM-5

Abstract

Introduction

Asperger's Syndrome is a neuro-developmental disorder characterised by social impairment and restricted interests, similar to those found in autism, but with cognitive and linguistic skills preserved. As DSM-5 has eliminated Asperger's Syndrome, will the patients be included in ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorders)?

Objectives

The objective of this study is the revaluation of the diagnosis according to the DSM-5 criteria, in a sample of subjects affected by ASD-Asperger's Syndrome.

Aims

The secondary aim is to evaluate adaptive skills in order to estimate the probability of the individual's autonomy.

Methods

We performed an observational study. Twelve subjects with ASD-Asperger's Syndrome diagnosis with an IQ≥75 were included. An interview to evaluate the existence of ASD, according to the DSM-5 criteria and Vineland adaptive behaviour scales (VABS) to evaluate the adaptive skills, were administered during the sample.

Results

The ASD diagnosis according to DSM-5 is confirmed only in 16.6% of the included subjects. 83.4% were excluded as they did not meet the social communication criteria and the required age for the onset of this specific symptomatology; the VABS subscales of daily skills and socialization are impaired for the entire sample.

Conclusions

Our research shows how the DSM-5 criteria, despite being more specific than DSM-IV, might exclude the subjects affected by Asperger's Syndrome from the Autistic spectrum. Their exclusion would involve the loss of access to specialistic interventions and clinical trials aimed at psychopathological and pharmacological depth