How the New DSM Took My Syndrome Away

Joshua Muggleton isn't just at peace with his Asperger's syndrome, it's become a part of his identity, a source of pride. "When I meet a fellow Aspie, I feel a sense of fraternity," he writes in the Guardian. "This person, unlike the other 99% of people, sees the world in the same way as me." There's just one problem: As far as the newly-released DSM-V is concerned, there's no longer such a thing as Asperger's syndrome. It's just part of the newly named "autism spectrum disorder."

As a psychologist, Muggleton is in a better place to accept this than most. "After looking at the research, I was forced to conclude that actually, the DSM-V is a big step in the right direction." There are potential downsides—the change might mean that many people will lose their diagnostic label altogether, cutting off access to essential support—but assuming doctors exercise due discretion, he's come to terms with the term's demise. "I feel we are opening up the fraternity of Aspie to our autistic friends." Click for Muggleton's full column. (More Asperger's Syndrome stories.)