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Information disseminated by Autism South Africa is for information purposes only.
The onus rests with the reader to explore and investigate the relevant information and alternatives for each individual.
Information disseminated by Autism South Africa is for information purposes only.
The onus rests with the reader to explore and investigate the relevant information and alternatives for each individual.
Information sent out does not imply that Autism South Africa underwrites or endorses any particular therapy, intervention, method or medication. Autism South Africa assumes no responsibility for the use made of any information provided herein.
Pervasive Developmental Disorder
The diagnostic category pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), as opposed to specific developmental disorders (SDD), refers to a group of five disorders characterized by delays in the development of multiple basic functions including socialization and communication that have traditionally been referred to as Autism.
What are pervasive developmental disorders?
The diagnostic category of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) refers to a group of disorders characterized by delays in the development of socialization and communication skills. Parents may note symptoms as early as infancy, although the typical age of onset is before 3 years of age. Symptoms may include problems with using and understanding language; difficulty relating to people, objects, and events; unusual play with toys and other objects; difficulty with changes in routine or familiar surroundings, and repetitive body movements or behavior patterns. Autism (a developmental brain disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication skills, and a limited range of activities and interests) is the most characteristic and best studied PDD. Other types of PDD include Asperger's Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Rett's Syndrome. Children with PDD vary widely in abilities, intelligence, and behaviors. Some children do not speak at all, others speak in limited phrases or conversations, and some have relatively normal language development. Repetitive play skills and limited social skills are generally evident. Unusual responses to sensory information, such as loud noises and lights, are also common.
PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDER - NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED (PDD-NOS)
The classification and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders, most of which are also known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders, is typified by this disorder. Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified is usually shortened to PDD-NOS, and is a ‘sub threshold’ condition in which some — but not all — features of Autism or another explicitly identified Pervasive Developmental Disorder are identified.
PDD-NOS AND TERMINOLOGY
PDD-NOS is often incorrectly referred to as simply “PDD.” The term PDD refers to the class of conditions to which Autism belongs. PDD is not itself a diagnosis, while PDD-NOS is a diagnosis. To further complicate the issue, PDD-NOS can also be referred to as “atypical personality development,” “atypical PDD,” or “atypical Autism”.
PDD-NOS AND DIAGNOSIS
PDD-NOS is included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) to encompass cases where there is marked impairment of social interaction, communication, and/or stereotyped behavior patterns or interest, but when full features for Autism or another explicitly defined PDD are not met. Typically, the symptoms should be recognizable before a child is 3 years old. Although a toddler's behaviors might seem to fit the criteria, they also might just be part of a youngster's developing personality.
What is PDD - NOS
Q:My son was diagnos with PDD-NOS. What is it exactly. His thearapist explained but I still don’t really understand. Please help.
Answer:
PDD-NOS is not autism. This diagnosis is given when they have some symptoms of autism, but not enough to have the Autism diagnosis. Don’t misunderstand me, depending on what symptoms are showing up in the [...]
PDD/Autism
A Clear Practical Approach for the Parents.
Dr. Grossmann has provided this PDD/Autism section of our website as a clear and practical resource for patients and their families who live with one of the various forms of PDD:
Childhood autism
Asperger's syndrome
Childhood disintegrative disorder
Rett's disease
PDD NOS (pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified)
Please use the links below to access the various pages of the PDD guide written by Dr. Rami Grossmann.