The specificity of the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria and the classification of ASP as a separate entity have been reconsidered by the Neurodevelopmental Disorders Work Group, resulting in a redefinition of diagnostic boundaries. In the new DSM-5, ASP falls into ASD with essential equivalence to high functioning autism (HFA) and the ‘Asperger’s Syndrome’ name has been dropped [9]. Although clearly intended as a reasonable nosological correction, it places children with severe autism, who have significantly impaired language and/or interaction capacities, under the same ASD umbrella as those who have milder forms, such as HFA and ASP, who lack social skills yet possess normal to high intelligence and typically vast knowledge, albeit often in narrow subject areas. Families fear that the loss of the specific Asperger’s diagnosis, as is the case with DSM-5, may result in the loss of specially tailored, individualized and, importantly, reimbursable, appropriate services for their children [10-13]. Serious concerns have been raised regarding the DSM-IV to −5 changes [14-19].
