Aspergers Syndrome

Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) is a diagnosis often assigned to those who do not match a specific diagnosis of Aspergers or Autism. It is a condition on the Autism Spectrum and is assigned to those who exhibit some but not all the characteristics of Autism. Characteristics such as social skills problems, repetitive behaviors and sensory problems. They can behave similar to those with classic Autism or Aspergers. With them though one symptom may be much worse and other symptoms more mild.

There is no specific criteria to PDD-NOS and can often become misleading and confusing. Children were studied for levels of function in communication, daily living, social skills, IQ, the age they started talking and stereotyped activities. PDD-NOS children scored between those with Autism and Aspergers but had fewer autistic symptoms then them. They can be higher functioning, have more delayed language and fewer repetitive behaviors then those with Aspergers and Autism.

A PDD=NOS diagnosis should really be used when there is not enough clinical information to make an informed diagnosis otherwise. This might include very young children or those without proper medical documentation.

Http://aarr.stanford.edu/

http://www.autismspeaks.org/navigating/pdd_nos.php