Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDDNOS) is a childhood disorder similar to autism but does not fully meet the criteria for other pervasive developmental disorders. Symptoms vary, and treatment depends on the individual. Early recognition and intervention lead to better outcomes.
Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDDNOS) begins in childhood and bears striking similarities to other conditions such as autism. A disease receives this classification if it does not fully meet the criteria for autistic disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, or other conditions classified as pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). In most PDDs, children have severely impaired social skills, but the degree of impairment and the precise characteristics of PDDNOS in each child vary. This means that the treatment and outcome are also different.
In classification manuals such as the American Psychological Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manuals®, the issue of pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified is not described much. Many developmental disorder experts consider this unfortunate because a PDDNOS diagnosis encompasses a significant range of what the disorder can look like. For example, it may have all the features of autism, but be diagnosed after the required age of onset, which is three years or younger, in which case it may informally be called atypical autism.
Alternatively, a child with pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified may have only some of the impairments shared with autism. Often, verbal and/or nonverbal communication is below normal levels, which can interfere with the child’s ability to interact socially with parents or peers. There may also be features of autistic disorder such as stereotyping or copying the language or actions of others. Unlike autistic children, many children with PDDNOS have some language skills.
In making an official diagnosis of Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, all other PDDs must first be ruled out. Schizotypal and avoidant personality disorders need not be able to better explain the set of symptoms. Physicians also need to ensure that a suspected case of PDDNOS is not more accurately diagnosed as schizophrenia, which can also seriously impair communication skills.
Any type of treatment undertaken for pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified is related to the symptoms. Some communication problems are handled well with adaptive technologies, such as the use of computers. Other therapies that might help include various behavior therapies or play therapy. It is difficult to say whether a child with PDDNOS will need special classrooms or may be able to participate in traditional settings.
Given the diversity of symptoms that could be part of pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified, it’s also difficult to predict the long-term outlook for children with this diagnosis. Some children will respond well to treatment and may live fairly normal lives as adults. Others may have ongoing problems with socializing and communicating that require additional support. In general, early recognition and intervention for PDDNOS is associated with greater functional gains in childhood and adulthood.
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