"Putting it all on the same spectrum may seem to simplify things, but it really eliminates all the progress that's been made."

I agree.

And, it is a total nonsense. Asperger's is now starting to be recognized and understood by many people. So what do those in authority do, wipe it out!!

You cannot now say "Oh, this child has autism" because that does not truly define Aspergers at all, even though it is classed as high functioning autism. Aspergers is a very specific set of criteria and to now pretend it no longer exists is ridiculous!

You watch them start to redefine Autism next...and little by little, child by child, the funding WILL start to disappear.

It is my guess this has been done purely because the numbers of people being diagnosed with Aspergers is rising all the time. It is said that around 1 in 80 people are now diagnosed with Autism and a great many of those people/children will need a great deal of help. The money is running out in many countries and it seems to me that those with Autism/Aspergers are going to be at the top of the list to 'cut back on' in whatever way they can legally do it.

IF 1 in 80 people were being diagnosed with mumps, whooping cough, plague, scarlet fever, etc etc..there would be a National OUTRAGE of Massive Concern and Worry...but 1 in 80 people ARE being diagnosed with Autism/Aspergers and the world stays SILENT.

WHY?