A new definition of autism will be coming out in the next year. Some doctors say that it will stop the explosion of autism diagnoses. Many people diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome or PDD.NOS (pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified), would no longer be on the autistic spectrum.
The proposed changes are in the article below. My two older children meet both sets of criteria – even though they are cognitively able and very high functioning. My younger daughter does not qualify under the new criteria, which makes sense – and supports her contention that she does not have autism.
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/01/20/health/20autism.html
This will affect some individuals with special needs in negative ways because the autism label makes it easier to obtain needed services.
annkilter 
Hey, Miss Ann.
I am Rose. I read your comment on Astrid’s Journal :
“Having young adult children with high functioning autism, I have frequently heard through the years that many things are related to genetic autism including bipolar disorder (I have bipolar II disorder – I have often said that having kids with autism CAUSES bipolar disorder – although my symptoms predated their birth), learning disabilities, ADHD, etc. Bipolar disorder, learning disabilities, and ADHD run rampant through our extended family on both sides. Also determination, genius, and talent runs rampant through our family on both sides”
Beautiful. I cried (well, almost) those same words 15 years ago when my son was first diagnosed. To see them again reminds me of the hope I’ve held onto all these years…that “experts” sometimes have their head up their ass, and none of us are perfect and we all need a little help.
Someone once said to me that along with autism, your children also have inherited many of your traits. They are like us. So my children are also smart. Two of them have musical talent like my side of the family. One cannot sing on tune, like her father. They all are hard workers. In part because we insisted on it.