PDD NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified)
Thaweesak Siriratrekha, MD, Child and Adolescence Psychiatrist
PDD NOS - Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified is the diagnosis of disease in the group of PDDs - Pervasive Developmental Disorders or previously called Autistic Spectrum Disorders which means one type of developmental abnormalities with language, social skills and communication or specifically limited activities and interests but no other diseases of PDD are diagnosed.
Using the DSM-IV classification system, the American Association of Psychiatrists has divided PDDs into 5 groups
1. Autistic Disorder
2. Asperger's Disorder
3. Rett's Disorder
4. CDD - Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
5. PDD-NOS - Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified
PDD-NOS diagnosis consists of a series of symptoms and severities with the similar interferences but not included in the criteria for diagnosis of any specific disease in the first 4 of PDDs. For example, symptoms were shown since aged over 3 years but they did not meet all items specified in the criteria, less severity with various particularities and so on.
In addition, PDD-NOS diagnosis is also applied in the case of uncertainty since the time for observation and analysis is not enough. Changes in methods of diagnosis may be in practice after delicate evaluation is taken place.
The purpose of grouping of PDD-NOS is to allow convenient studies, treatments, rehabilitations and universal understanding for communication.
Care and support for this group of children are symptomatic treatments and behavioral corrections using guidelines common to other groups of PDDs on the basis of urgent and continued treatments upon receiving diagnostic results.
The diagnosis of whatever disease a child faces is neither a stamp of sufferings for parents nor a notification of limited abilities of a child leading to hopelessness. However, it indicates which treatments and supports a child should get as to correct the real deficits. The faster the correct and continued supports a child receives, the wider chance of development to the full potential will be.
Even though, parents will face and pass the difficulties and pains along the way of helping their child, there is so sure that these processes can be able to assist their child to better development comparing to those who have not received early intervention with explicit significance.
The most significant issue parents should do is supporting a child to be developed to his full competence by reinforcing his strengths while simultaneously correcting his weaknesses.
Learning and understanding of these dysfunctions are important for parents to understand and take proper care of their child. PDD NOS is categorized into the same group of Autism or Asperger. Therefore, learning guidelines of treatments is great advantage for further understanding as well.
