That Pesky Thing Called the DSM

Every year around this time I run into a variety of challenges, primarily due to the scheduling changes from 'school schedule' to 'summer schedule'. This year was no exception and is one of the various reasons as to why this newsletter has been delayed. Let's just say that plenty of coffee, lack of sleep, and a few home projects became the priority.

Now that the transition time has ended, we shall continue this journey, and I thank you for joining me, so let's dive into this week's topic... that pesky thing called the DSM, or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Today I'm reminded of the constant level of misunderstandings and incorrect assumptions about Autism being propagated by people who should really know better... but have no clue.

For clarity, I'm just an autism parent, not a trained professional. That being said, there are some things that I can chime in on from my perspective that can be a bit frustrating. At the same time if I get anything incorrect here, please feel free to let me know in the comments, as we're all still navigating this journey.

As an example, Adam Cole messaged me the following, and asked for my thoughts:

Now, there's a lot to unpack here, and that's exactly what I told Adam. I also told him that I agree with him in regard to not being able to classify ASD that simply.

For one thing, I can't tell you how many times my non-verbal son responds and acts appropriately to our social cues, as well as how well he reads our expressions. So, I can say unequivocally that Gladwell's statement is absolutely incorrect. With many ASD people I have met and had several conversations with over the years, Gladwell's assessment is limited by his exposure to autistic individuals, and therefore is applying his observations through a very limited perspective.

Suffice it to say, many changes in how Autism is perceived and diagnosed in the past several years has allowed a broader set of people within the spectrum, and many of those diagnosis include individuals who can speak and communicate closer to us neurotypical folks. This leads me to address that topic that can be a two-edged sword of sorts, the DSM.

The reality is that with the past couple of DSM revisions, the 'powers that be' seem to have lumped anything associated with autism, as an ASD diagnosis. This may include ADHD, ADD, Asperger's, and so forth. When this happened, resources for more 'classic' autism tended to get taken up quickly, leaving families like ours on an ever-increasing waitlist.

When the discussions came up to even update the DSM years ago, the concept was filled with good intentions. However, it seems that even the 'powers that be' realized that they didn't really think this through, and this past year have suggested having a diagnosis of 'profound autism' to be on the list of recommendations as to the next series of 'changes'.

Confused yet? Well, it gets even more involved when you're talking about executing programs and having wait lists and tracking who needs what to help with specific issues.

My logistics background chimes in and says, we have a lot of issues here...so much so that it becomes more and more difficult to even tell people that my non-verbal autistic kid needs these specific services... only to discover that either a) those services aren't available, or b) there is a 5-year waiting list... and even more so to c) what is it that he needs again?

So, when someone over-generalizes autism, I have to take a few steps back and enter into facepalm meme mode. As a parent, statements like what Gladwell shares doesn't help. In fact, even Forbes got it right with this article, titled The Worst Treatment Autism Got In 2015 Was From Malcolm Gladwell. Maybe his perspective has changed in the past 7 years, who knows? But these conversations are far too common even today as it has become more and more difficult to get services as our kid gets older, and as the specifics of what diagnostics are used to specify his specific needs are also a constant moving target.

You see, folks, as I've shared time and time again, our challenges with autism isn't really with our kids. Sure we have to help them through meltdowns and address some other issues, but our biggest hurdle is dealing with people who don't live in the 24/7 care-giving mentality that we do.

Adam shared a Steven Silberman quote that is often shared by the autism community, "when you met one ASD person, you met one ASD person." This is about the only level of over-generalization about autism that is widely accepted.

One other common quote that I'm reminded of here is that "people don't know, because they don't live it." This is a sober reminder as is often the case, that people won't care about things that don't impact their lives directly. IF they don't see it, and how it impacts their lives, then why should they care? This is THE ongoing challenge autism parents and guardians deal with on a daily basis, trying to show the world how amazing our kids are, and how much help we need to help them be the best that they can be.

Yet, here we are, and here I am, sharing with you this journey of being a neurotypical dad of an autistic son.

Now for the Podcast News…

Here’s the?New YouTube Channel?for you to Subscribe to.

I am still doing interviews! I have a few in the pipeline that I'll be releasing during the summer, and will gladly coordinate interviews for those who may be interested. Please bear in mind I do get a lot of requests each week.

Autisable Dad's is available on most streaming services where you can find podcasts, we're always growing and expanding our efforts.

Just select your preferred podcast streaming service and search for 'Autisable Dads'.

Become a Patron!

If you like this newsletter, or even the podcast and what I'm doing with Autisable, consider becoming a Patron. There's even more behind-the-scenes information, interaction, and collaboration on Patreon.

We have a NEW TIER for Patrons! Thanks to?Michael Klemmer?of?Aerial Resupply Coffee!

Visit our Patreon page to support this effort:?https://www.patreon.com/Autisable

And now, for more!

Sometimes an individual and organization need a bit of a shoutout, as they are making great strides in helping the autism community in some way. Here is this week's highlight:

1. Autism Today Foundation?- is quickly on its way to providing more information and entertainment by and for the autism community. Check them out!
2. Autism Radio?- with their flagship show HOPE Saves the Day, hosted by Paul Cimins is on iHeart Radio nationwide, and their podcast is on many streaming platforms. They help many autism families with a variety of services available.
3. MSP Design Group - a promotional marketing company that helps you sell more of your product or service, engage with prospects, influencers and your community and motivate your employees.?

Thank you for subscribing and being a part of this journey.