Personal–social development differences in toddlers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder: DSM-IV-TR versus DSM-5

• In this population, 39% of those with an ASD would no longer meet the criteria under DSM-5.
• DSM-IV group participants were significantly different from both comparison groups but more closely resembled the DSM-5 group.
• DSM-IV group exhibited severe deficits in all areas of personal–social development compared to atypically developing.
• Those who no longer meet the criteria could still benefit from treatments designed for children with an ASD.

Recent changes in diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has stimulated research comparing the differences between those who would no longer meet the criteria for an ASD and those who would according to DSM-5. Previously, researchers have shown that individuals who no longer meet the criteria still have severe deficits in several areas when compared to atypically developing controls. These challenges are often similar in severity when compared to those who retain their diagnosis. The current study sought to compare these groups on a measure of personal and social development using the Battelle Developmental Inventory, second edition (BDI-2). Results were similar to previous research showing that those in the DSM-5 group had the most severe impairments followed by the DSM-IV group and then atypically-developing peers. The participants who no longer met the new criteria (DSM-IV group) were significantly different from both comparison groups but more closely resembled the DSM-5 group. They exhibited severe deficits in areas of personal–social development. These findings support the idea that these individuals do have significant impairments similar to those who would retain their diagnosis and that treatments developed for those with ASD would be beneficial; however, with the new criteria these children may never receive these services.