pdd & pdd-nos?

These are two seperate conditions? I think the more I read online the more confused I get. DC has (from his evaluation papers summary) pdd-nos. If I'm talking to people in general about DC I would just say pdd. But from what I'm reading online they are two different things. Does anyone have more information on the two to make me better understand it. Why the two?

ok, I think this explained it for me

pddnos

Message edited 1/13/2012 2:28:33 PM.

Re: pdd & pdd-nos?

PDD refers to the spectrum of autism disorders, and PDD-NOS is one of the disorders that falls under its umbrella if that makes sense. It is confusing--I think a different name should have been created for PDD-NOS.

My son has PDD-NOS, feel free to FM if you have other questions.

Message edited 1/13/2012 3:25:24 PM.

Re: pdd & pdd-nos?

In general terms all spectrum disorders are Pervasive Developmental Disorders or PDDs. The NOS stands for Not Otherwise Specified meaning a child cannot be classified as having classic Autism or Asperger's or CDD but still falls somewhere on the spectrum. They then call it PDD-NOS. It's confusing and we will likely diagnose somewhere on the spectrum in the next few weeks with our 3 year old.

Re: pdd & pdd-nos?

It is confusing.
My DS also has PDD-NOS

Feel free to FM.

Re: pdd & pdd-nos?

I have 1 son with classic Autism and 1 with PDD-NOS. (rest are typical) my best way to explain it is my PDD son doesn't have all the characteristics my other son has. He's able to learn/comprehend things much easier, he doesn't have the variety of self stimilatory behaviors and is verbal. My other son who's autistic everything is a challenge for him, he has difficulty in all areas-communication. social and behavior. Hope that made alittle sense vs the textbook version sometimes gets really confusing.

Re: pdd & pdd-nos?

The DSM-IV-TR, which is used for diagnostic purposes, uses the heading "Pervasive Developmental Disorders" to encompass what we more commonly call the autism spectrum disorders. Under the PDD heading, you have the following diagnoses:

-Autistic Disorder
-Asperger's Disorder
-Rett's Disorder
-Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
-Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

Basically, the PDD-NOS diagnosis is used for children who show significant delays in communication and socialization, but do not meet criteria for the other specific diagnoses.

In reality, no child can just be diagnosed "PDD," even you'll often hear that terminology used. Each child is given one of those five specific diagnoses.

Hope that helps!