A proposed change in the way autism is diagnosed in the United States is being closely watched in New Zealand.
The American Psychiatric Association is re-evaluating the formal definition of the autism disorder published in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Some say although change is needed it may affect many of the 40,000 people in New Zealand who live with autism and Asperger's syndrome.
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Autism New Zealand chief executive Alison Molloy said while the proposed re-classification will help some, many are already missing out on essential services and even more will do so.
"For children it will potential make quite a significant difference, particularly around behaviour support, respite, getting extra help at schools," told TVNZ7 News at 8 last night.
"(But) adults don't really get services or support at all in New Zealand - it's very difficult to get even a disability benefit if you've got Asperger's."
Molloy said it is already difficult to get services, and any further reduction will have an enormous social and economic impact.
"Our concerns are with the social services that are already drying up - there are enough loop holes for agencies to decline service anyway so it's quite problematic for these families."
Kiwi doctors currently use the American guidelines, along with British guidelines at times and often the professional expertise of specialists.
Molloy agrees that diagnosis is currently inconsistent and imprecise, but should not be standardised in the way proposed which would take away support from people who need it.
"It's not a precise science, tightening it up does not necessarily make it any better," she said.
She adds that it is very important people do not bury their heads in the sand.
Molloy said even if the definition of autism is changed, it will not make the condition go away.
There is a view in the US that Asperger's is over-diagnosed but Molloy does not think this happens in New Zealand.
"There are some fairly robust tests that diagnosticians would use, but observation is the key part of the diagnosis," she said.
"I don't believe that's the same view in New Zealand. I think diagnosticians are pretty professional about giving a diagnosis."
- with Newstalk ZB
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