Although the DSM-IV-TR criteria proved useful in identifying ASD in some

children, clinical agreement and diagnostic specificity in some subtypes

(e.g., PDD-NOS) was poor, offering empirical support to the notion of two,
rather than three, diagnostic domains. The DSM-5 introduced a
framework to address these concerns (18), while maintaining that any
person with an established DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of autistic disorder,
Asperger disorder, or PDD-NOS would automatically qualify for a DSM-5
diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Previous studies suggest that
DSM-5 criteria for ASD might exclude certain children who would have
qualified for a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis but had not yet received one,
particularly those who are very young and those without ID (19–23). These
findings suggest that ASD prevalence estimates will likely be lower under
DSM-5 than they have been under DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria.

This report provides the latest available ASD prevalence estimates from
the ADDM Network based on both DSM-IV-TR and DSM-5 criteria and
asserts the need for future monitoring of ASD prevalence trends and
efforts to improve early identification of ASD. The intended audiences for
these findings include pediatric health care providers, school
psychologists, educators, researchers, policymakers, and program
administrators working to understand and address the needs of persons
with ASD and their families. These data can be used to help plan services,
guide research into risk factors and effective interventions, and inform
policies that promote improved outcomes in health and education
settings.