Pervasive Developmental Disorder (Not Otherwise Specified)
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Description
Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified is a form of Autism
It is also known as PDD – NOS or atypical autism.
It is used to describe people who don’t fit neatly into one of the specific kinds of autism, such as Autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome or Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.
Pervasive Developmental Disorder (Not Otherwise Specified) is a lifelong developmental disability that affects the way a person communicates and relates to people around them.
Children and adults with PDD (NOS) find it hard to relate to others in a meaningful way. Their ability to develop friendships is impaired, as is their capacity to understand other people’s feelings.
Like others on the autism spectrum, people with PDD (NOS) have difficulties with social interactions, social communications and imagination – sometimes known as the triad of impairments.
Sometimes people with PDD (NOS) behave oddly. For example they may flap their hands or repeat words over and over again. They may also develop obsessional interests.
Some people with PDD (NOS) have significant co-morbidities, such as a learning disability or epilepsy.
There is no cure for PDD (NOS) but there are some treatments and therapies (interventions) which can help solve some of the problems faced by people with PDD (NOS) and their families.
Please note
The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders due for publication in May 2013 will eliminate pervasive developmental disorder (not otherwise specified) as a formal diagnosis by dissolving it and other subtypes of autism into one diagnosis called autism spectrum disorder. According to the American Psychiatric Association, this represents an effort to more accurately diagnose all individuals showing the signs of autism.
Last Updated : 08/02/2013 Back to Top
