Diagnostic conceptualization of autism among Indian psychiatrists, psychologists, and pediatricians.
Indian doctors largely agree on autism signs and use DSM rules, giving BCBAs a shared language for assessment plans.
01Research in Context
What this study did
The team asked Indian psychiatrists, psychologists, and pediatricians how they spot autism.
They used a survey. The goal was to see if the doctors agreed on core signs.
What they found
Most doctors named the same key traits. They said they check the DSM.
Still, some doctors had more experience than others. Views were not identical.
How this fits with other research
Demello et al. (1992) warned that DSM-III-R can over-label kids. The Indian docs now lean on later DSM rules, so the risk of over-labeling may be lower.
Chuthapisith et al. (2012) showed a Thai parent interview can match English cut-offs. Like the Indian survey, this tells us DSM ideas travel across Asian cultures.
Chamak et al. (2011) found French parents want clearer talk at diagnosis. The Indian paper looks at the doctor side; the French paper shows the parent side. Together they say: agree on the signs, then explain them well.
Why it matters
If you assess kids in India, know that local doctors already share a common lens. Build on that lens when you train staff or explain results to families. Use the same DSM words they use. This keeps the team and the family on the same page.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Diagnostic criteria for autism and background characteristics used by 937 Indian psychiatrists, psychologists and pediatricians were examined. Participants were asked to rate 18 behaviors as necessary for a diagnosis of autism, helpful but not necessary, or not helpful in a diagnosis of autism, and were asked to provide other information about their experiences with autism. Professionals' experience with diagnosing cases did not vary by profession and, in general, the three professions agreed about the characteristics most necessary for a diagnosis. However, within-group differences were found on the agreement over the usefulness of individual characteristics and amount of experience diagnosing cases as autistic. Comparisons with DSM-III and DSM-IV criteria suggest that Indian professionals may adhere to these systems. Conclusions about diagnosis in a cultural context and areas for future research are suggested.
Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 2002 · doi:10.1023/a:1017947922349