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Pervasive Developmental Disorders–Not Otherwise Specified (PDD NOS)
Diagnosis by Exclusion
Pervasive Developmental Disorders–Not otherwise specified are a group of conditions that fail to meet the criteria of any other Pervasive Developmental Disorder. A person diagnosed with PDD-NOS basically has failed to meet the DSM IV criteria for Asperger’s, Autism, Rett’s, and other PDDs. Individuals who fail to meet the diagnostic criteria for specific Pervasive developmental disorders fall into a descriptive category called PDD-NOS. PDD-NOS is not a diagnosis in and of itself it is a descriptive term. These individuals may display tendencies of other PDDs but do not met the full criteria for a firm diagnosis. As a result, a category to fit this situation was developed. It is called Pervasive Developmental Disorder–Not Otherwise Specified.
Treatment
Intensive, appropriate early intervention greatly improves the outcome for most young children with PDD/ autism. Most programs will build on the interests of the child in a highly structured schedule of constructive activities.
Treatment is most successful when geared toward the individual's particular needs. An experienced specialist or team should design the individualized program. A variety of effective therapies are available including:
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