Abstract:
TOPIC: Autism as a diagnostic construct in the last
decade has undergone a process of rapid evolution
in the way that it is operationalized. A by-product
of the important conceptual shift is that we have
been left with two terms, autistic disorder and
Asperger's disorder, that point to the same thing.
The existence of two terms that cannot be clearly
delineated results in confusion and an added element
in an already anxiety-laden mix for all those trying
to come to terms with the concept of autism.
PURPOSE: This paper moves beyond contemporary
arguments of whether autistic disorder and
Asperger's disorder are different entities and uses
a case study to consider the mechanism of the
confusion caused, and highlight the importance of
referent clarity.
SOURCES: A review of sources in journals and
texts related to the topic is included to complement
the progressive review of the case study as the
clients move through a l-hour initial consult.
CONCLUSION: The current diagnostic criteria are
ambiguous posing the risk of confusion to parents,
clinicians, and researchers. Nurses have an
important role in assisting parents' construction
of a unified concept of autism clinically, and
through research. This paper moves beyond
merely acknowledging the confusion that exists by
considering the nature of the confusion, and
through sharing the experience of one possible
way of navigating it.
