How can we get SPD listed on the DSM-V

by Angela
(Minneapolis MN)

In about a year a newly revised DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) will be released.

I know many of you are wondering why you should care and what is this technical sounding thing. Well basically it is the document that describes and labels all of the mental disorders. Most importantly it is the list that your insurance company looks at to decide what therapy gets covered. If a disorder isn't on the list it isn't covered. For most families that means therapy is not affordable.

The worst part of all of this is that SPD isn't even being discussed for inclusion in the new DSM called DSM-V (for fifth edition the current published in 1994 is DSM-IV). Parents will not be listened to about this. You can't just call them up and request SPD be added, it is about as difficult of a process as getting a drug approved by the FDA.

What you can do is contact every health care provider you know and beg them to contact the work groups about SPD. Psychologists are the best ones to contact them but every OT and pediatrician helps. If you have contacts in the research community or educational institutions use them. Time is running out, the decisions are being made right now. If the DSM does not include SPD many children may go without needed therapy.