PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder)

What is it?

PDD-NOS stands for Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified. It's a condition that has been recently identified within the autism spectrum. This diagnosis is usually given when a person exhibits one or more charecteristics on the autism spectrum, but doesn't fit all the criteria for a specific diagnosis.

How is this diagnosis similar to classic autism?

    Individuals diagnosed with PDD-NOS  are like those who have been diagnosed with classic autism. Every diagnosis is different as well as every individual dealing with PDD-NOS.  The major difference is that individuals with PDD-NOS may appear the same as others, its their interactions with others socially that are impaired. They may seem unemotional, detached, or as if they are not paying attention. They may have trouble maintaining eye contact, or following a conversatione, especially if it transitions quickly from one topic to the next.
 

How is this diagnosis different?

       The main difference between PDD-NOS and other forms of autism is that the individuals diagnosed have many symptoms or exhibit charachteristics of more than one specific form on the autistic spectrum. 
        First lets define the other catagories under the Autism spectrum or umbrella.
 
                                                            

The Autism Umbrella

     Autism            Rett's            Childhood Disintergrative        Asperger's        PDD-NOS
                                                        Disorder
 
    
    Children are usually diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder between the ages of 3 and 4 years old.    This is a critical age in development and children diagnosed early, can receive intervention from proffessionals that will help enhance the childs life and educational career.  Most children diagnosed with PDD-NOS at this age are thought to be oversensitive to their surroundings, but not to the extremes that others diagnosed with classic autism are, and therfore that is why most diagnosed with PDD-NOS are thought to have a milder case of autism compared to others.
 

Key Characterisrtics of Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified

      * A definte impairment in socialization that can be seen in relationships with others and with interactions with others
      * Impairment with communication- this may be seen as verbal or non-verbal. individual may have unusually speech or cadence while talking, or may use patterns or unexpected words frequently and out of context.
      *  Individual may show some rigidity to change and may be inflexable during these changes.
      * Individual may seem restricted in their play, may play the same thing over and over without getting tired of this play, and may have difficulties applying social cues and schemed into their play.
      * Often unusual and repetitive movements can be observed, and individual is unaware that they are doing them. Sensory issues,and  motor difficulties can often be observed.
 

What is the next step? 

Finding a trearment or a plan of action is always a good bet, and the sooner after diagnosis the better for the child. Because PDD-NOS can be difficult to diagnos, starting an intervention or a treatment plan as early as possible after diagnosis is very beneficial. It is important to remember that not every child is the same, therfore treatment is based on the individual child, and just because one treatment works or deosn't keep trying. Above all else each child is an individual and their treatment should be as tailored and individualistic as possible.
    * Play Therapy
    * Applied Behavior Analysis
    * Sensory Intergration Therapy
    * Medications (sometimes the use of anti-depressants
    * Social Skills Training witha nd without peers present
    * Alternative forms of therapy- May include but are not limited too:
                Martial Arts Classes
                Team Sports
                Music therapy
                Computer training
                Art Classes
These all have been proven to help engage a child with PDD-NOS and allow them to interact with other peers while being supervised in an activity that can often be rigid. (HINT) children with PDD-NOS thrive in arenas  where they know what is expected of them and what will happen next, and how they are supposed to respond.
        Personal note** My son was diagnosed with PDD-NOS recently and we found that some sports he couldn't handle becasue he didn't know what was expected of him, or what to do, he thrived when we placed him in a local midget football team. Why do you ask? Becaus its rigid, he has a position, he knows what he is supposed to do, he knows who he is supposed to block, and he knows what to expect. His practices were run like a mini bootcamp, he knew what exercises they would be doing, who was leading them off, how many they were doing, and how long practice would be. It got to the point that he felt so comfortable, he couldn't wait to go to practice he would be ready upto an hour and half early. He would actually get upset if we couldn't bring him to the practice field early. He started making more friends, we noticed he watched the other kids very carefully and started to mimick what they were doing when he got home. This was his own personally version of play therapy, where he learned appropriate responses to stimuli and how to cope with situations.
 

In closing:

    Be patient!  Be flexible!  Allow for mistakes to happen it's a learning process afterall for both you and your child.   Be strong and inventive, be courageous, and don't let anyone tell you what is best for your child, you are their advocator, go with your gut. Educate yourself constantly and update!,  update!,   update!,  other pertinant people who are involved in your childs life. Remember it takes a village to raise a child...........

Comments

©2009 Google