Medical Notes

Change of reference: The term “Asperger’s disorder” is being dropped from the new edition of the major diagnostic reference …

Change of reference:The term "Asperger's disorder" is being dropped from the new edition of the major diagnostic reference book for psychiatrists. The symptoms of Asperger's disorder will come under the newly added "autism spectrum disorder", which is already used widely in the new edition of The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). In addition, abnormally bad and frequent temper tantrums will be diagnosed as DMDD, meaning disruptive mood dysregulation disorder.

Assistive technology:An information evening on assistive technology for students with disabilities will be held in University College Cork on Thursday, December 6th, 8-9.30pm. ucc.ie/dss.

Toy tips:The National Consumer Agency (NCA) has issued toy safety tips for consumers. The tips, available on nca.ie, highlight the possible dangers to children of unsafe or unsuitable toys.

Employment rights:A new information booklet outlines a range of rights in employment and equality for people with Alzheimer's and dementia. I Have Dementia, I Have Rights from the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and the Equality Authority explains how equality laws can help a person with dementia and includes information on employment rights, rights when buying goods and services, decision-making rights and lodging complaints.