pdd-nos versus classic autsim

what the real difference? I am really sorry if this is a dumb question, but my 19 month old was just diagnosed with pdd-nos. I know a lot about autism. Is it pretty much the same thing, just less severe?

Message edited 10/19/2011 10:44:05 PM.

Re: pdd-nos versus classic autsim

Pdd-nos stands for "pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified", which means that the child has some symptoms of a pervasive developmental disorder (such as autism or rett's), but does not meet full criteria. Most commonly, it is used in the case of a child who shows some signs of autism, but doesn't have enough symptoms for that formal diagnosis. Hth.