Diagnosing/recognising high functioning autism in adult females: challenging stereotypes

The apparent global rise in Autism has led many to describe it as an epidemic and a major public health concern [1-4]. The extraordinary claim of an epidemic has, however, been widely refuted [5]. Most recently DSM-V unified the four DSM-IV diagnostic categories of Autistic Disorder (“previously referred to as “Autism”), Asperger’s Disorder, is Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, into the single category of Autistic Spectrum Disorder. This shift in diagnostic criteria will change the landscape of autism further, in terms of its presentation, prevalence, and treatment. However, in order to ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment/intervention across the spectrum, it necessary to address some of the mis-understandings and stereotypes that plague diagnostic and research endeavours with regards autism.