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insideWalk forAutismPage 3Portland PiratesAutism AwarenessNightPage 5MaineMaineProposedDSM 5 ChangesWAutismConnectionsSpring 2012By Janine Collins, Presidentelcome to another edition of the ASM’s newsletter. Inof theresponse to the developing questions and conversationDiagnostic andabout the proposed changes to diagnostic criteria relatedStatistical Manualto autism diagnoses in the forthcoming DSM-V, we have(DSM) which is due to beprovided several resources for your use. First, our own boardpublished mid 2013. The proposedvice president, Dr. Matthew Siegel, Medical Director of therevisions have been in the news lately,Developmental Disorders Program of Spring Harbor Hospitaland have caused concern for some ASMTMoffers some concise information in response to frequentlymembers.occurring questions. Next, is a link to a chart available on ourThe proposed revisions were released January 26, 2011.own website which allows for viewing of the current diagnosticThere have been no announced changes to those criteria, whichcriteria (for autistic disorder, Asperger’s, PDD-NOS) and thecan be reviewed and compared to the currently used criteriaproposed criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Finally,at: www.dsm5.org. The recent spate of news stories occurredthere are three links to additional information includingbecause several studies were just published that attempteda statement from a member of the American Psychiatricto evaluate how the proposed revisions would change theAssociation (APA) Neurodevelopmental Disorders Workgrouppopulation of individuals identified as having an ASD.discussing the committee’s reasons for integrating Asperger’sinto a spectrum diagnosis. We also have included a statementThe studies showed that the new criteria may exclude somefrom the Autism Society (ASA) national office addressingindividuals with high functioning autism whose symptoms areconsiderations for the implication of any changes to diagnosticmore mild in appearance, as the criteria were revised basedcriteria.upon research aimed at making the diagnosis more accurate.The studies also identified, though, that with a couple of smallOn a different note, we invite you to begin thinking aboutupcoming Autism Awareness Month in April. Informationpackets and ribbons will be available for free from our officein the next few weeks. Please consider spreading awarenessby making use of these materials - and remember to wearyour ribbon. Associated events include an April 11 PortlandPirates game and the annual ASM walk on April 29, now tobe held in four locations (Biddeford, Bangor, Farmington, andPresque Isle) throughout the state. In addition to the enclosedannouncements, check out the Events Calendar on our websitefor event additions and updates. We hope that you find all ofthe information useful.Dr. Matt SiegelAs many of you know, the criteria for diagnosis of autismspectrum disorders are being revised for the new edition

AutismConnectionsMaineA publication of theAutism Society of MaineBoard of directorsJanine Collins, PresidentLynda Mazzola, Past PresidentMichael Lamoreau, TreasurerLaurie Raymond, SecretaryDeana BrownDeborah GilmanMarla DiBiaseKen HuhnJon DuguayJean MasonNancy Ponzetti-DyerMatt SiegalDick FarnsworthstaffCathy E. Dionne, Director ofPrograms & AdministrationDarlene Lepoff,Autism Information SpecialistCoordinatorSusan Vincent,Administrative AssistantVal Butler,Secretarychanges the proposed criteriawould be more inclusive ofhigher functioning individuals.ASM has been receiving quite afew calls regarding the proposedcriteria. Here are 4 of the mostfrequently asked questions andsome information to help:1) If my child has a currentdiagnosis of Asperger’s/PDDNOS, will he/she need to bere-evaluated when the new DSMV comes out?A child with autism will notsuddenly lose their currentdiagnosis when the new criteriaare published. Typicallyschools and agencies re-evaluatechildren every 2-3 years.Graphic Designer: Justine BickfordProofreader: Darlene LepoffContributing writers: As bylinedSend article ideas and suggestions forour newsletter to:asm@asmonline.orgStatements made by various authors regarding treatment, products or services represent the views andopinions of solely those authors, and do not constitutea recommendation or endorsement by ASM.As the criteria are still under development, it is too early to be able to clearly know.The proposed criteria can be reviewed at: www.dsm5.orgApril 11, Portland Pirates – Autism Awareness Night, 6:30Diagnostic evaluations can be performed by psychologists and physicians. Whenchoosing an evaluator it is important that they have significant experience in theevaluation of ASD. It is strongly recommended that standardized diagnostic measures,such as the ADOS or ADI, are utilized. If your child has been evaluated in the past, itis often helpful to use the same evaluator for follow up assessment.4) If my child is currently in Special Education with an Asperger’s/PDD-NOSdiagnosis will they keep this service until they can be re-evaluated?IEP’s determine special education services and cannot be substantially changedwithout a re-evaluation. Services cannot be ended without a specific proceduralprocess.DSM IV comparison to DSM V%20vs %20DSM%20V%20comparison(1).pdfAmerican Psychiatric Association (APA) link to press ail.htm?CID 17668499414&ch 6FCCC89F304C921B4DF77BEBED4364D4&h c7233fd80b5913e786f7303f2483ad75&ei TMCgWyp NVisit us online at: e-autism-society-comments.html?print tStay up-to-date forLegislation issues,fundraising events,volunteer opportunities,and ty-Of-Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI)Maine/1077814992582932April Events:April 2, World Autism Day, Hall of Flags – AugustaStatehouse, 2:30 -5:00ASA statement regarding proposed DSM 5 changesMaineThe Month of April is nationally recognized as AutismAwareness Month and April 2nd is World Autism Day, anopportunity for ASM to raise awareness and educate peopleabout autism. It is also an opportunity to raise funds to supportfamilies, individuals, families and providers across the state.Autism Awareness Packets will be available that include anautism awareness poster, informational flyers, ribbons andautism brochures. These would be appropriate for a bulletinboard at your school, workplace library or store. We ask thatyou send in a picture of your bulletin board for the online photogallery that can be seen on ASM’s website:www.asmonline.org/gallery.aspTeachers are also taking this opportunity to educate theirstudents about autism and promoting understanding andinclusion for their fellow classmates. We are happy to help inany way that we can, by providing autism information, books &dvd’s or by offering an autism presentation.2) How do I know if my childfits the new criteria?3) Who can I go to for a new evaluation?Maine Autism Connections is aquarterly publication of theAutism Society of Maine72B Main StreetWinthrop, ME 04364Phone: 1-800-273-5200April is Autism Awareness Month!Continued from Page order-in-the-dsm-5Editorial Notes: Maine Autism Connections and Autism Society of Maine programs and services are made possibleby donations from people like you and funding from the Maine Department of Health & Human Services. We hope youwill also visit us online at http://www.asmonline.org, where we have a great deal of information available about autism,programs, resources, news, a calendar of events, legislation and more.Maine Autism Connections, Autism Society of Maine, Spring 2012April 13, Elks Club, Sanford – Raffle and Dance, 11:00 – 9:00,DJ starts at 7:00pmApril 14, Zumbathon, Hall-Dale High School, 2-4pmApril 29, Applebee’s Flapjack Fundraiser, Waterville, 8-10 a.m.April 29, Walk for Autism – Bangor, Biddeford, Farmington &Presque IsleThe puzzle pattern on this ribbon reflects the mystery andcomplexity of autism. The different colors and shapes representthe diversity of the people and families living with this disorder.The brightness of the ribbon signals hope - hope throughresearch and in the increasing awareness of people like you.When you wear this ribbon it will show your support forindividuals with autism and help raise autism awareness.Join us for the 10th Annual Walk for Autism!Annual Walk for Autism - 10th Anniversary!April 29, 201211:00 Registration12:00 Walk for Autism Begins at all Locations:For your convenience, we plan to make the lines forregistration more smoothly. All teams should have a Captain(designated contact person) who can come to the registrationtable and sign in their team and pass in donations that theirteam has raised. This will alleviate having all team membersin the sign in/registration line.See online walk page to print out: brochure, vendor,registration (Bangor & Farmington), poster & pledge sheet.University of New England, BiddefordUniversity College of Bangor, BangorFarmington Fairgrounds, FarmingtonUniversity of Presque Isle, Presque IslePlease join the Autism Society of Maine for its 10thAnniversary Autism Walk event held in four locations thisyear! Each Walk is under 2 miles, and there will be t-shirts forthose who raise 50.00 or more.Please contact ASM if you are interested in volunteering atthe Walk event and help with the many different tasks such astraffic control (directing cars where to park), set up, take down,balloons, popcorn machine, face painting, etc.1-800-273-5200 or info@asmonline.orgWalk will happen rain or shine!Every year brings new ideas that will make the Walk evenbetter. This year we have added a new location in PresqueIsle, we hope this location will be more accessible to the folksin the Northern part of Maine.You can register your team/self online atwww.firstgiving.com/ASMMaine. Here you will be able tomake your team/individual page and share your page withfriends to help raise donations. If you prefer to register the dayof the event, please come to the registration table and sign in.Maine Autism Connections, Autism Society of Maine, Spring 20123