Can one be borderline between positive and negative diagnosis of HFA?

[eco88 or joe]

Hi everyone, does anybody have any thoughts whether the boundary between having Higher-functiong Asperger's syndrome and not, can be a very blurred boundary. I'm starting to believe that many people, for instance relatives of those with HFA, can only be inconclusively diagnosed for HFA.

 

What do you all think? Maybe this inconclusive situation is very widespread, and there are many people just on the negative side of a HFA diagnosis.

Edited February 26, 2011 by eco88 or joe

[Tally]

Yes, I do think there are people who can be borderline for a diagnosis of HFA.

 

There is a condition called Pervasive Developmental Disorder, which basically means a person with autistic traits who does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ASD. It's also sometimes called autistic traits or atypical autism.

 

In these situations I think it's important to consider the extent of the person's difficulties and whether a diagnosis will bring them any advantages such as peace of mind or access to support services.

[oxgirl]

There is a condition called Pervasive Developmental Disorder, which basically means a person with autistic traits who does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ASD. It's also sometimes called autistic traits or atypical autism.

 

I thought autism was classed as a pervasive development disorder?

 

~ Mel ~

[eco88 or joe]

^^^Yes you're exactly right Oxgirl.

"The diagnostic category pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), as opposed to specific developmental disorders (SDD), refers to a group of five disorders characterized by delays in the development of multiple basic functions including socialization and communication that have traditionally been referred to as Autism...." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pervasive_developmental_disorder

 

I also think what I'm quoting below is very significant

Fifty years later, it (Asperger's)was standardized as a diagnosis, but many questions remain about aspects of the disorder.For example, there is doubt about whether it is distinct from high-functioning autism (HFA);[6] partly because of this, its prevalence is not firmly established.[2] It has been proposed that the diagnosis of Asperger's be eliminated, to be replaced by a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder on a severity scale.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asperger%27s_Syndrome

 

^^^Wikipedia is pretty good for all things medical.

[Mumble]

There is a condition called Pervasive Developmental Disorder

Autism is a PDD. I think you might mean PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified).

[eco88 or joe]

Thanks Mumble

[Tally]

Autism is a PDD. I think you might mean PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified).

Yes, I do. Whoops!