Autism definition by APA - KMSP-TV

Autism definition by APA

Max Rudley was three years old, but he couldn't talk and his mother knew something was wrong.

Max's parents took him to the doctors and the doctors came back with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum. Lisa Rudley, Max's mother, got services for Max to grow starting with speech therapy until the school added occupational therapy as well. "He's come a long way and he works really hard," says Lisa Rudley.

The American Psychiatric Association is trying to simplify the definition of autism for the first time in 12 years, according to Fox News Medical Editor Dr. Manny Alvarez. "The federal government is trying to make sure autism is properly defined." It is unclear if Max will be affected, but studies show that between 37 and 55 percent of children will no longer get an autism diagnosis.

As a result, Lisa is working on a bill that will not allow the APA's new definition to affect New York. "I think passing this bill will show to the federal government that we are protecting our children in the state of New York," said Lisa. Alvarez supports the bill because a lot of kids need help, but fears the federal definition may supercede the state.