Autism Soccer: What is the Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS)?

Someone who has PDD-NOS has some, but not all of the characteristics of autism.

A pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified or PDD-NOS is one of the four autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and also, one of the five disorders classified as a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD).

PDD-NOS is a diagnosis used for severe and pervasive impairment in the development of reciprocal social interaction or verbal and non-verbal communication skills. PDD-NOS is also often called “atypical autism,” because the general criteria for autism disorder are not met, because of late age of onset, subthreshold symptomatology, atypical symptomatology, or all of these. PDD-NOS is considered milder than typical ASD, but while some characteristics of this disorder may be softer, other may be more severe.

Signs and symptoms of PDD-NOS

Individuals with PDD-NOS commonly have more social interaction skills and a lower level of intellectual deficit. The main characteristics of people with PDD-NOS are:

Difficulty with social behavior.
Difficulty with changes in routines or environments.
Uneven skill development (strengths in some areas and delays in others).
Communication difficulties (for example, using and understanding language).
Unusual play with toys and other objects.
Preoccupation with fantasy, such as imaginary friends in childhood.
Repetitive body movements of behavior patterns.

According to Autism Speaks, studies suggest that people with PDD-NOS can be set in one of three very different subgroups:

A high-functioning group (around 25%).

People in this group poses symptoms that largely overlap with of Asperger syndrome, but differ regarding having a lag in language development and mild cognitive impairment.

A second group (around 25%).

Whose symptoms resemble more closely those of autistic disorder but don’t fully meet all its diagnosis and symptoms.

A third group (around 25%).

In this group, some people meet all diagnostic criteria for autistic disorder, but their stereotypical and repetitive behavior are noticeably mild.

PDD-NOS Treatment

As with all autism spectrum disorders, early diagnosis and intervention offer the best chance for higher outcomes; this includes success in mainstream classrooms and the achievement of independence and a high-quality adult life.

As said before, individuals with PDD-NOS are all different. Some can have completely different strengths and challenges. That is why treatments and interventions should be individualized based on assessments made by a qualified developmental specialist.

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