There was a recent discussion on the confusion as to terminology: HFA Autism vs Asperger’s Syndrome. Personally, I thought that HFA (High Functioning Autism) was just another term for Asperger’s Syndrome (now that it was considered part of ASD, Autistic Spectrum Disorder). Today I read about “SCD” a new non-ASD diagnosis, implemented in 2013.
ASD – is an umbrella term that is supposed to include Autistic Disorder (Autism), Asperger Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS). (quoted from: http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism
An online survey by Autism Speaks has already drawn accounts of children losing autism services after their ASD diagnosis was changed to SCD. Social communication disorder involves problems with social and communication skills, but without the repetitive behaviors and restricted interests typical of autism. (quoted from http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/cdc-evaluates-how-dsm-5-may-affect-estimated-autism-prevalence)
I admit, I’m still confused.