TORONTO – It may soon be tougher to be diagnosed with autism, under new guidelines being considered by a panel of experts appointed by the American Psychiatric Association.

The panel is completing work on the fifth edition of the association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is considered the standard reference book on mental disorders. It’s used by health professionals around the world, including Canada – and it’s the first major revision of the manual in 17 years.

It’s believed that the panel will come up with guidelines that will narrow the definition of autism.

Currently, to be diagnosed with autism or a related disorder, like Asperger’s Syndrome or pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), a person has to show six or more of 12 behaviours identified. Under the proposed changes, the person would have to exhibit three deficits in social interaction and communication, and at least two repetitive behaviors.

“In the new system there would be no more label Asperger’s Syndrome, no more Pervasive Developmental Disorder, not otherwise specified, and no Autistic Disorder,” said James McPartland of Yale University’s Child Study Center.

“People who met the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder would be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, one in 110 children in the United States has an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Rates of autism have been soaring in recent years. In Canada, more than 200,000 cases have been identified. It’s believed that under the new guidelines, those numbers could come down.

And that’s key for people who gain access to treatment because of an autism diagnosis.

“Will the services and funding be provided based on the need or is it based on the label?” Lisa Wilson told Global News. Her 10-year-old son, Jonathan, has been receiving treatment since his diagnosis almost eight years ago.

“I think that's the question parents like me are asking.”

The proposed changes are expected to affect people who can function at a high level, despite unusual – but not abnormal - behaviour. These people could fall out of the spectrum of conditions now called autism and into a new category – social communication disorder.

According to the CDC, people with an ASD face average medical expenditures of $4,000-$6,000 more per year than those without the disorder. The revisions to the DSM are expected to be finalized by the end of the year.

With files from Jennifer Tryon