After much discussion and a thorough revision, changes relating to the autism diagnostic criteria were adopted in the form of the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-V.
DSM-V is a tool for clinicians and researchers and is used to diagnose and classify mental disorders. It was developed by the American Psychiatric Association and is used by professionals in the USA and throughout the world.
The recognised definitions of autism derive mainly from the DSM-V as well as from the ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases) established by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
In this new version of the manual, the current diagnoses of autism (in the DSM-IV) are grouped in a single condition called « Autism Spectrum Disorders » (ASD) which now encompasses autistic disorders, Asperger Syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive development disorder not otherwise specified.