Pervasive developmental disorder PDD-NOS

By
Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified is abbreviated as PDD-NOS. With the publication of the DSM-5 diagnostic manual in 2013, PDD-NOS was one of several previously separate subtypes of autism that were merged into the single diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

PDD-NOS, like all forms of autism, can be associated with a wide range of intellectual ability. Its distinguishing characteristics are significant challenges in social and linguistic development.

Appearance

What might the appearance of a person with PDD-NOS be like? Of course, this will vary, but in one study, researchers discovered that those with PDD-NOS could be classified into one of three distinct subgroups:

  • A high-functioning group (24%) who resembled people with Asperger's syndrome but had transient language delay or mild cognitive impairment (and thus could not be diagnosed with Asperger's, which requires no speech or cognitive delay).
  • A group (24%) who resembled people with autism but did not meet the criteria for autism due to a late age of onset or other factors.
  • A group of autistic-like people (52%), but with fewer stereotyped and repetitive behaviours.

More research is needed to determine whether specific autism spectrum conditions, as yet unnamed, can be separated from the catch-all category known as PDD-NOS. There is no doubt that such conditions exist, that PDD-NOS (or whatever conditions we are lumping in that category for the time being) exists.

Symptoms

Symptoms might include the following:

  • Difficulties relating to people, objects, and events
  • Difficulties using and understanding language
  • Playing with toys and other objects in various ways
  • Difficulty adapting to changes in routine or environment
  • Body movements or behavioural patterns that are repeated

    • Children with PDD vary widely. Some children do not speak at all, while others speak in short phrases or conversations, and still others have average language development. In general, repetitive play skills and limited social skills are evident. Extreme reactions to sensory stimuli, such as loud noises and bright lights, are also common.

    vectors by Freepick; graphic design by Vadot


    Reference:

    Children with PDD vary widely. Some children do not speak at all, while others speak in short phrases or conversations, and still others have average language development. In general, repetitive play skills and limited social skills are evident. Extreme reactions to sensory stimuli, such as loud noises and bright lights, are also common.

    ‌PDD-NOS. (2023). Kennedykrieger.org; Kennedy Krieger Institute. https://www.kennedykrieger.org/stories/interactive-autism-network-ian/pddnos#:~:text=PDD%2DNOS%20may%20be%20thought,in%20another%20key%20area%20(like ‌Pervasive Developmental Disorders. (2023). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/pervasive-developmental-disorders

    Comments

    Post a Comment

    Popular posts from this blog

    Neuro Developmental Disorders Intro

    By
    Image
    Despite the fact that the term "neurodevelopmental disorders" has a long history, it was not included in prior editions of the ICD or the DSM. The term refers to a group of early-onset disorders that affect both cognitive and social communicative development, are multi-factorial in origin, have significant sex differences with males being more commonly affected than females, and have a chronic course with impairment lasting into adulthood. The term separates these diseases from other more prevalent childhood disorders, such as anxiety and mood disorders, which were assumed to be the result of some form of psychosocial stress and to have a more episodic history. Following extensive research, we divided these disorders into five major categories, each with its unique system: 1. Motor Disorders 2. Communication Disorders 3. Intelectual Developmental Disorders 4. Emotional and Behavioral Disorders 5. Specific Learning Disorder We st...
    Read more

    Ataxia

    By
    Image
    Ataxia is defined as a lack of coordination, a broad term that refers to the general impairments in movement coordination and accuracy that occur as a result of cerebellar damage. Ataxia patients lose muscle control in their arms and legs. This can result in a loss of balance, coordination, and difficulty walking. Fingers, hands, arms, legs, body, speech, and even eye movements can be affected by ataxia. There are two major forms of cerebellar ataxia. Disturbances of posture or gait result from lesions to the vestibulocerebellum. Patients have difficulty maintaining their posture due to the loss of fine-control mechanisms programmed by cerebellar circuits that translate vestibular signals into precise, well-timed muscle contractions to counteract small sways in the body. As a result, patients frequently develop abnormal gait and stances to compensate. When the patient stands still, for example, the feet are often spaced widely apart to provide a more stable base for m...
    Read more

    ADHD/ADD

    By
    Image
    ADD, or attention deficit disorder, is an outdated term for the disorder known as ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. ADD was the name until 1987 when the word "hyperactivity" was added. Previously, a child would be diagnosed with ADD, either with or without hyperactivity, say in 1980. That child, however, would be diagnosed with ADHD beginning in the early 1990s. Diagnoses included one of three types from the early 1990s until recently. Inattentive type refers to children who only have inattentive symptoms. Children who were only hyperactive and impulsive were classified as hyperactive/impulsive. Children who had all three symptoms were identified as having the combined type. ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the resul...
    Read more

    About Us