Those who are diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) often show dysfunctional social skills, communication, and/or behavioral patterns, but do not meet all the characteristics of autism. Children diagnosed with PDD-NOS vary in the particular symptoms of autism that they have, and because of that, this group of people can be vastly different in their capabilities and functionalities. For example, one child may have difficulties with language and interacting with other children while another child may have no language problems at all but shows a lot of repetitive behaviors and has difficulty maintaining eye contact, and both may be diagnosed with PDD-NOS because no other diagnosis fits them well enough. People who are familiar with the spectrum frequently criticize the PDD-NOS diagnosis due to its broadness and umbrella inclusion.

 

The diagnosis largely depends on individual specialists’ perspectives, and children may be given a diagnosis of PDD-NOS from one doctor and a diagnosis of autism from another. Often, though, PDD-NOS can be thought of as a milder form of autism, and through intervention, therapy, or development, a child who was once diagnosed with the Autistic Disorder (AD) may later be diagnosed with PDD-NOS as a result of improvements in behavior, communication, or social skills.

 

Nevertheless, PDD-NOS is still a disorder on the autism spectrum, and children with this diagnosis must receive therapy and interventions designed specifically for the individual child's needs. Remember that PDD-NOS is a diverse diagnosis, and because of this diversity, it is extremely important for children to get intervention that matches their specific needs. Parents should sit down with their specialists and design an explicit plan of action for their child.

 

 

PDD-NOS is often cross-diagnosed with Atypical Autism as well. Children diagnosed with atypical autism do not meet the full criteria for the Autistic Disorder because they are not affected by the symptoms until later in their life, and their symptoms are slightly altered from those of children with autism. It is difficult to give a universal description of Atypical Autism, because just like with PDD-NOS, individuals who are diagnosed with Atypical Autism vary widely in the type and scope of symptoms. Children who are given the diagnosis often show symptoms in only one or two of the three categories of The Three Aspects of the Disorder.

 

The important thing to remember as a parent or caregiver of a child who receives one of these confusing diagnoses is that each child on the spectrum is unique. Even though a child’s diagnosis may also be shared by other children who are completely different from that child, each child’s doctor and other specialists can help parents design a program of treatment specific to their child’s needs.

 

Sources:

 

[Dodd, Susan. Understanding Autism. Australia: Elsevier, 2005. p.7]

[O’brien, Marion, and Daggett, Julie A. Beyond the Autism Diagnosis. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes, 2006. pp. 16-17]

 

[Pervasive Developmental Disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)]