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.

For more information about autism spectrum disorders related topics, check our blog! We have a significant amount of articles that might be of your interest. Also, be sure to check our social media networks and do not hesitate to contact us if you want you or your child to be part of Autism Soccer’s community!

The main characteristic of PDD-NOS is a delay in the child's development of social and communication skills.

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Oxytocin and Autism: The Benefits of this Treatment

Oxytocin, often called the "love hormone", has shown some benefits in a subset of people with autism.

In the understanding of ASD, many misconceptions and conditions have been clarified just recently. For example, it was just in 2013 that Autism became a part of a subcategory of conditions that include Asperger’s and PDD-NOS (Pervasive Development Disorder Not Otherwise Specified). This means that not only we’re far from knowing it all, but we're also just starting. Around this discoveries, there’s a recent study that says oxytocin could be an alternative way to help young children with autism.

Oxytocin is commonly known for being produced in the organism during childbirth (both during and after). However, the called “love hormone” also plays a role in social bonding. So the question now must be: what role it plays in helping children with autism? As a naturally occurring hormone, oxytocin can help them to create bonds and communicate with others.

According to a research in Molecular Psychiatry, a five-week treatment with nasal oxytocin spray can improve emotional, social and behavioral difficulties children with autism have in their early growth. Nonetheless, the results have inconsistencies when compared to long term studies. The long-term use of this hormone has shown to be detrimental to children, as it decreases the brain’s natural production of oxytocin. Also, another research has shown that oxytocin levels are not lower on people with autism, compared to non-autistic.

The next step for researchers is to understand the true effects of oxytocin and how it improves social behavior on the brain circuitry. This study might lead them to understand to what extent autistic children respond to oxytocin and the possible development of oxytocin-based medicines, not for individuals cases but a major spectrum.

It’s important to keep track of all the alternatives, such as this one, as they could lead to a better understanding of autism and how the autistic people's brains function. But remember to be wise and cautious about treatments, and never decide before consulting a specialist. Feel like your children could use some extra help? Then Autism Soccer could be the initiative that’ll change their life. Access their website and see it yourself!

Oxytocin used as a medication for autistic children might help with the treatment of the disorder.

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The Importance of Understanding Non-Verbal Communication

Signaling, writing, learning sign language and other ways of expression are often behaviors of kids with special needs. 

Special children can show a variety of signs of their condition, but one of the most widespread ones is their lack of verbal communication. This means they are more likely to express their mind and feelings through other forms of communication, like body language or sounds. It is especially important for parents, caretakers and teachers to understand they are trying to convey messages through a different system that makes them feel more comfortable and why these ways of communication are vital for them to feel safe and understood by those around them. Sometimes these ways of relating will take the form of signaling, or something more complex like the utterance of sounds in a certain order without words in them.

They have something to say

Not being able to express things through regular ways we use doesn’t mean that they don’t have anything to share. Kids with disabilities often have creative ways to communicate, whether that is through signaling or interacting in a more active way than how they normally would. This helps them interact and it’s important for you, as a member of their close circle, to pick the signs right away.

Encourage them to express

Sometimes, these kids will feel misunderstood or frustrated by the fact they are not taking the usual path of expression others use. You need to assure them that regardless of how they do it, they are loved and the way they interact is correct. If the behavior is physically hurtful, teach them other ways to do it, but never tell them that it’s not correct to express. Just find different ways, but always let them know you are happy that they are assessing their opinions.

Let them feel confident

Children with special needs are particularly prone to bouts of depression and frustration over their condition and you, as a caretaker, need to make sure these feelings are tackled down and smoothed as soon as they appear. Teach them they are indeed different but that it doesn’t make them less of a person. Let them know that their ways of expressing are correct and help them reach their desired goals. Remember confidence is a bridge to more communication with you and the rest of the world.

Non-verbal is great and verbal is great too

In some cases, kids can fear to take a different approach to their communication, and would rather stay in just one lane. If you see them struggling, let them know that their preferred form of expression is ok and that they are loved and should be proud of either way they chose to convey their mind and feelings. These assurances need to be frequent and strong, as they need to feel they are in total control of how they decide to get across their message.

Children with special needs have a different and unique way to see the world, and they love to do the things that draw their attention and expressing said love through different methods. You are responsible for making them feel loved and respected, and as such, you need to find ways to encourage their participation in physical activities that will offer them enjoyment and the necessary exercise. Here in Autism Soccer, you’ll have a team of professionals prepared to help your child reach their goals, regardless of their preferred form of communication. Be a part of this excellent initiative in Florida!

There are a million ways to express yourself through something else than verbal cues. 

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Things that Every Parent with a Special Child Needs to Remember

Most of the time, you can find a community that will help and support your whole family. 

Children are incredibly important for their parents, especially when they have special needs. It means trips to the doctor, making friends with the pediatrician, and being more than a parent to their kid, being their advocate in the world and their main source of comfort and calm. That can be an incredibly complicated pair of shoes to fill, but it’s all worth it for the child’s happiness and quality of life. But usually, this means they can get lost in their job as parents and lose themselves in the way, and this can be incredibly frustrating. However, even when it seems like the world is going to end, there are a few things you need to remember.

You are somebody’s hero

Your child is always looking out at you, and you need to remember that. More than their primary caretaker, you are their connection to the world, and they are grateful for it, even when it doesn’t seem that way. In the list of superheroes, you are closest to Superman or Wonder Woman for them, because even if you can’t fly or vaporize people with your eyes, you are the one they look for when their world is topsy-turvy.  

You have your own identity

Parents of children with special needs often get their identity defined by the fact that they are caretakers, and get their identity lost in those terms: Being legal guardian and responsible for their medications, doctor’s appointments, and many other things. But you are much more than that, and your essence needs to be preserved for you to live a happy life with your child. Yes, it’s great to mature and grow, but it’s important that you stick to your beliefs and incorporate them into your new life.

Trust yourself

Being a parent is challenging, but when a child depends solely on you and you have to make tough choices, sometimes your personal beliefs are shaken. These can be medical, personal or professional choices, and they can take a toll on your self-esteem and security. All you have to know is you are the only one with the context to make these choices, and while you can ask for advice or support, no one but you has the last word. Trust your instincts and know that regardless of the outcome, you did what you thought was best for your kid.

Be your child’s best advocate

Sometimes, people don’t get right away your child is different, and that’s what makes them unique to you. Their disability doesn’t have to define them, but it will shape how they react to the outside world, and you need to be prepared to teach people about it. Sometimes it’s okay for you to be blindsided by certain questions, or to be tired of the fact that you have to explain over and over again what makes them special. However, don’t let this stop you from presenting them in the best light, and always inform people that are just meeting your child about them needs and disabilities.

Enjoy your kid

Medical bills, appointments, and treatments can work as a vacuum for fun, but I can assure you it doesn’t have to be that way all the time. Enjoy the precious moments your child has to enjoy, laugh with them, and let them know you love them. Regardless of their particular need, they are children and need love and support that only a parent can offer them. Teach them things and be with them in every step of the way. Let them know they are unique and special to you beyond measure, regardless of their condition.

You are not alone

If there is something parents of kids with special needs have is a support system with other parents that are going through the same situation. Inform them of your needs, and talk to them about challenging situations, give helpful advice or just lend a much-needed ear or hug to show your support. Family members and friends are also there for you, and will gladly help you through the process of raising your child.  This means that regardless of what you might feel at a certain point, you are never alone.

These are the things you need to remember every day as you raise your child. I can assure you that you’ll have plenty of alternatives to enjoy life with them without having to think about their disabilities. If you want them to practice a sport that will make them feel confident and free, contact Autism Soccer. They offer classes with supportive and understanding professors who will make your child feel unique.

Some parents with special needs children forget that they belong to a community.

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We are an inclusive organization

Autism Soccer works with all kinds of people to make them feel the love for sports regardless of their condition. 

Most people see the name “Autism Soccer” and think that we only work with kids within the autistic spectrum, but the truth is this organization is not limited to its name. As a group, we are proud of being inclusive and bringing the love for sports and exercise to kids. This is done with the utmost respect and thinking of every individual’s requirement, making them feel comfortable while having fun. With that in mind, our classes are not limited for children within the autism spectrum, as our services are provided to children with Asperger’s Syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder - not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), Down syndrome, selective mutism, sensory processing disorder, attention deficit disorder / attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD), apraxia,  dyspraxia, cerebral palsy (high functioning), learning disabilities, cognitive delays, global developmental delays and those behaviorally challenging children.

This, in turn, means we are integrally prepared to work individually for these children’s needs while simultaneously fomenting the solidarity and interaction that are needed inside team structures. This allows them to feel comfortable with their peers, as well as it increases their health by making them create a bond with physical exercise. At the end of the day, we focus on creating activities that will allow them to feel welcomed and supported. It’s a constant work in progress, changing and modifying our setting to make sure every single moment they spend in the field is great for them, and that they’ll have the chance to participate like any other kids would do in that sort of activity. This is not a place that will highlight their differences in a bad light, as we are always looking for ways to help them transform those differences into strengths and to make them see themselves with a new and positive light that will help them feel confident and loved.

That’s the main objective of Autism Soccer, to include kids into an activity that will allow them to be themselves, without the pressure but with all the fun sports, especially soccer, offer. Much like other organizations, this one strives to motivate the collaboration of others, so go ahead and make yourself a part of this amazing project by participating in any way you like!

We look for passionate individuals to work with people who suffer from different conditions as it requires dedication and love for what they do. 

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