Examining the Validity of Autism Spectrum Disorder Subtypes

@article{Witwer2008ExaminingTV,
  title={Examining the Validity of Autism Spectrum Disorder Subtypes},
  author={Andrea N. Witwer and Luc Lecavalier},
  journal={Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders},
  year={2008},
  volume={38},
  pages={1611-1624}
}
The classification of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is a topic of debate among clinicians and researchers with many questioning the validity of the distinction among subtypes. This manuscript examines the validity of three ASD subtypes (Autism, Asperger’s, and PDDNOS) by reviewing 22 studies published between 1994 and 2006. We reviewed studies that examined differences between the subtypes in terms of clinical and demographic characteristics, neuropsychological profiles, comorbidity, and… Expand
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168 Citations
Highly Influential Citations
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168 Citations

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Citation Type

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Cognitive functioning may be a more salient variable than subtype when studying psychopathology in individuals with ASDs. Expand
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The adequacy of diagnostic criteria for Asperger’s syndrome (AS) has been debated, and many in the field do not believe that AS warrants a discrete subgrouping, considering AS to differ from classic… Expand
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This review shed light on a number of discrepancies regarding the current classification of ASD and suggested that future research will be necessary to provide a more definite answer on the question of a definition based on separate diagnostic subtypes or on a severity gradient by applying better diagnostic system and choosing the appropriate variables. Expand
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Findings do not support the conceptualization of AD, AsD and PDDNOS as a single category of ASD and future research and clinical practice will continue to find ways to meaningfully subtype the ASD. Expand
Autism spectrum disorders
  • M. Lauritsen
  • Medicine
  • European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
  • 2012
The revision of the diagnostic criteria for ASD has been widely anticipated and is expected to be an important contribution to the refinement of the definition of ASD. In the upcoming DSM-5, several… Expand
The Neuropsychology of Male Adults With High-Functioning Autism or Asperger Syndrome†
  • C. E. Wilson, F. Happé, +11 authors D. Murphy
  • Psychology, Medicine
  • Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism Research
  • 2014
TLDR
Cognitive classification models could be a useful aid to the diagnostic process when used in conjunction with other data sources—including clinical history. Expand
Phenotypic Variability in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Clinical Considerations
This chapter provides an overview of the topic of high and low functioning in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). High and low functioning are relative terms and typically defined by an IQ above or below… Expand
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