Recently, there has been much attention regarding the changes in the 5th edition of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). 

One of the most talked about is the new criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). One concern was that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), Text Revision widened the criteria for autism diagnoses and thus was partially responsible for the increase in prevalence rates. 

The DSM-5 is designed to improve sensitivity and specificity of the ASD diagnosis. The new criteria allow for an increased description of the individual's needs with severity ratings and specification of accompanying impairments.