Social justice: We value equality and recognise that some people need a greater share of resources in order to have equal opportunity. Inherent worth: We recognise and celebrate that people on the autism spectrum are valuable members of society, capable of contributing to and enriching the lives of those around them. To help adults and children in Tasmania on the autism spectrum, their families and carers to participate fully, independently, and equally in all aspects of their everyday lives. Optimum life outcomes for adults and children on the autism spectrum. Levels of support indicators are attributed to each of the two main domains, so it is possible for an individual diagnosed under the DSM-5 to have two different ratings of required support. These levels are a guide for planning only and should not be used as an assessment indicator for long term support needs. Level 1 indicates that the individual “requires support”, level 2: “requires substantial support” and level 3: “requires very substantial support”. This rating system indicates the level of support required by the individual in each domain and reflects the broad spectrum of ways in which autism affects different people. ‘Dimensional elements’ – level 1, 2 or 3 – were also introduced in the DSM-5. Differences in sensory perception are included in the second domain. The DSM-5 describes autism as having two main areas of impairment: “social communication” and “restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests and activities”. This knowledge base contributed to the revised description of autism found in the DSM-5. Prior to this time, previous editions of the DSM were used.Įxtensive research into autism has led to an increased understanding of its characteristics. Sometimes the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Edition (ICD-10), is also referred to.
#What is the dsm 5 manual#
Since 2013, diagnosis of autism in Australia is made in accordance with the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition – also known as the DSM-5.