Update: New Proposed Autism Definition Could Include Fewer People

KINSTON, N.C. (WNCT) – It’s a question researchers and doctors have battled with for years. What is the correct definition of autism?

Sisters Riley, Maggie and Ella have all been diagnosed with Autism but that doesn’t mean they’re all alike.

"Every autism is very unique. I mean our three daughters, none of them are the same,” said Erin Burton.

Erin and Corey Burton knew something was off with their daughters but say it took years before they were ever diagnosed.

"It is very hard when they don't fit what people think is autism and people still picture non-verbal, aggressive, frustrated angry kids and that's not the case,” said Erin Burton.

"When they're higher functioning a lot of people are just going to think well they're just hyperactive kids,” said her husband Corey Burton.

Now the fight may get even harder.

"If the definition of autism does change that means people like the Burton girls may not get the special services they need"

It’s estimated that about ¾ of those with Asberger Syndrome and 85% of those with Pervasive Development Disorder would be left out under the new definition. That’s what worries the Burtons most.

"If they do change the definition then none of our children will be classified as autistic,” said Erin Burton.

Each of the girls has been diagnosed with a higher functioning form of Autism. Even though they are able to do a lot, the Burtons say their daughters wouldn’t be where they are today without therapy.

"It's between speech therapy, occupational and physical therapy -- my kids can talk and walk,” Erin said.

And doctors agree.

"If you have a diagnosis of autism you get better services than if you don't,” said child neurologist, Dr. Susan Boutilier.

But for now the Burtons say they will keep focusing on the services their daughters do get. It’s help they hope to get for years to come.

The Burtons are one of only 15 families in the country that have three daughters with Autism.

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GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) – Millions of people are diagnosed with autism each year, but that could soon change.

According to the New York Times, The American Psychiatric Association is re-evaluating the definition of Autism, which could mean fewer diagnoses of the disorder.

Some experts think the current criteria for diagnosing Autism needs to be narrowed to include less people. But doctors in the east say there are ways around it.

There’s a fine line between unusual and abnormal behavior when it comes to diagnosing autism.

"There is a broad spectrum so there are people that have some features of autism, not full blown. They may have autistic features that are caused by another disorder,” said child neurologist, Dr. Susan Boutilier.

She works with autistic children on a daily basis. When it comes to diagnosing them she says there’s mixed reaction from parents.

"Some parents really want their kids to get the diagnosis of autism so they can receive services, other parents are scared to death of having their child labeled, don't want the diagnosis."

But one thing is clear.

"If you have a diagnosis of autism you get better services than if you don't,” said Boutilier.

She says the diagnosis itself can get people speech therapy and extra educational support. Which is why the proposed changes in the definition of Autism have many people worried they will no longer meet the criteria.

But Dr. Boutilier says even if the definition does change, getting those extra services shouldn’t be a problem.

"For the most part children and adults who receive services receive them because they need them not because they have a label, but based on their actual physical disabilities, their mental/emotional disabilities."

And there are ways to get around it.

"There are other diagnoses that could be applied to them such as a learning disability, sometimes even a mild mental retardation that could be applied to some kids that would get them equal services without necessarily fitting the criteria for autism,” said Boutilier.

Doctors say the likelihood of being excluded under the new definition of autism depends on your original diagnosis. It’s estimated that about ¾ of those with Asberger Syndrome and 85% of those with Pervasive Development Disorder (P-D-D) would be left out under the new definition.