| Asperger's Disorder (AD) was recently included in the DSM-IV, although it appears that researchers and clinicians are not able to agree on the diagnostic criteria that should lead to a diagnosis of AD. Thus it is possible that child health care professionals may not be utilizing the same methods and criteria when making a diagnosis of AD. This study examines the diagnostic process that three groups of professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, and pediatricians) utilize in order to make a diagnosis of AD. Seventy health care professionals, 23 psychologists, 22 psychiatrists and 25 pediatricians, participated in this study. Participants completed questions based on clinical vignettes of autism and AD, knowledge questions regarding pervasive developmental disorders and general assessment, and demographic questions. Significant differences were found between groups on the knowledge questions, in particular pervasive developmental disorder knowledge question. No significant differences were found between group on their accuracy in diagnosing clinical vignettes of autism and AD. Thus it appears continued education regarding AD to health care professionals would likely be beneficial. |
