The Vanishing Diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome: Identity, Stigma and Everyday Life.

Purpose This paper discusses the proposed changes in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM - 5), which eliminates Asperger Syndrome (AS) and replaces it as "Autism Spectrum Disorder." The social framing and consequences of including and now excluding the Asperger diagnosis in the DSM will be discussed, including impacts on identity of adults with AS and the influence of everyday life. Methodology/approach This research is based on 19 interviews with adults diagnosed or self-diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. Central themes surrounding issues of identity and everyday life experiences were determined using grounded theory approaches. Findings This study demonstrates how a particular diagnosis can have consequences for a person's life and how disease categories can come to carry a symbolic significance beyond the diagnostic criteria. The study shows how the diagnosis and self-diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome (AS) is fused with individual identity and how the Asperger identity is positively embraced. The proposed changes to eliminate the Asperger diagnosis in DSM - 5 threaten these assertions of Asperger identity and could potentially enhance stigma experienced by people with AS. Regardless of its removal, Asperger identity must be considered within the broader context of people's everyday lives and how experiences in social interaction and communication can be strong agents of identity construction. Social Implications The proposed changes to eliminate the Asperger diagnosis in DSM - 5 is a social issue that will impact individuals with Asperger Syndrome and their families, as well as healthcare professionals, health insurers, researchers, state agencies and educational providers. Originality/value of paper This paper offers a unique insight into identity construction based on the diagnosis and self-diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]