What does the acronym DSM stand for?

The acronym DSM stands for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This is a critical resource used by mental health professionals for diagnosing mental health conditions, including autism spectrum disorders. The manual provides standardized criteria and terminology, facilitating consistent and accurate diagnoses across different practitioners and settings.

The DSM is regularly updated to reflect the latest research and changes in the understanding of mental health conditions, which helps ensure that practitioners have the most current information available when making diagnoses. Its role in guiding clinical practice and research in mental health cannot be overstated, as it aims to promote reliable and valid diagnoses.

Each of the other options presents variations on the title that do not accurately represent the official manual, thereby not capturing its intended purpose or the specific focus on providing diagnostic criteria and statistics related to mental disorders.