PDD

What It Is
Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified, or PDD-NOS for short, is a condition on the spectrum. A person with PDD-NOS exhibits some, but not all, of the symptoms associated with classic autism, including difficulty socializing with others, repetitive behaviours, and heightened sensitivities to certain stimuli.

How It's Similar to Classic Autism
People with PDD-NOS behave like those with classic autism in many ways. Each individual with PDD-NOS is just that – an individual. One person with PDD-NOS doesn't act exactly like another, and the same holds true for classic autism. When interacting with others, they may appear unemotional or unable to speak, they could have trouble holding eye contact, or they may have trouble transitioning from one activity to the next.

How Diagnoses Differ
Those with PDD-NOS are different from others on the spectrum in one specific way: While they may exhibit some symptoms of the other conditions, they do not fully satisfy all criteria set by the experts.

In some cases, the behavioural or other challenges experienced by individuals with a PDD-NOS diagnosis may not be observed until a later age as compared with others on the spectrum, and as a result and depending on their specific challenges, they may be diagnosed later than those with classic autism.

Alternatively, individuals with PDD-NOS may face the same challenges as those with classic autism – for example, they may be oversensitive to their surroundings – but not to the same extreme as others on the spectrum do.

Consequently, those with PDD-NOS are sometimes thought to have a "milder" form of autism, though this may not be technically true. One symptom may be minor, while another may be worse.

What to Do About It

Treatments
According to the experts from the Yale Developmental Disabilities Clinic, treating children with PDD-NOS could prove tricky. Sometimes, they may not get the help they need as quickly as those whose behavioural patterns are more clearly definable as autistic. Healthcare providers may not provide a diagnosis of PDD-NOS until after they've considered all the other "types" of autism. In short, they may arrive at their conclusion after essentially a process of elimination.

As with other conditions, it takes a village of doctors, psychologists, teachers, therapists, and family members to arrive at an action plan that would work best for someone with PDD-NOS. A "one-size-fits-all" approach usually doesn't work. A multi-pronged regimen may be the most advisable. These treatments could include:

Various behavioural regimens, including but not limited to play therapy, Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), sensory integration therapy;
Medications, including antidepressants;
Social skills training, which teaches children how to interact with their peers for specific situations;
Alternative therapies such as martial arts therapy, wherein they flex their muscles literally and figuratively (they get stronger and learn how to function in a group setting); music therapy, which teaches kids how to communicate with the help of songs; or facilitated communication in which children are taught to use computers or other equipment to make their thoughts known, especially if they have trouble expressing themselves verbally.

How to Cope
Like other parents with children on the spectrum, you may face many challenges, starting with the incomprehension and insensitivity of others unfamiliar with your situation. They may think your child is "misbehaving" and, consequently, deem you a parent unable to "control" him. This may be especially true because PDD-NOS kids don't fit into the more easily identifiable forms of autism spectrum disorders. Lack of understanding or information often results in people being more judgmental.

That's why it's important to surround yourselves with friends, family members, teachers and healthcare providers whom you trust. Be sure that the lines of communication with and among them are clear. You will be relying on them through the many ups and downs of life with your loved one diagnosed with PDD-NOS.

Structure and consistency are helpful for all children on the autism spectrum, including those with PDD-NOS, so take this into consideration when deciding what events to attend or places to go. Preparation is key, so let your child know what to expect before putting him in the situation or reaching a destination.

As children grow older and become more aware of the limitations that their condition has placed upon them, it may be helpful for them to receive counselling with a therapist trained in dealing with autism spectrum disorders. As difficult as it is for parents to go through this journey, it's even harder for the children who have to work through their own personal challenges and the lack of knowledge or understanding of others as they make their way in the world.

How to Grow With It

Teens & Adults
Adolescence is hard enough for children who aren't on the spectrum, so you can imagine the challenges that teens (and even adults) with PDD-NOS face. They're equally hampered by hormonal fluctuations, but also have to take on the complicated (and sometimes cruel) social habits of their peers even though they don't have the full complement of skills to do so. Dating and friendships, so simple for some adolescents and adults, often prove very difficult for those with PDD-NOS. This is why your child may need more support at this stage than ever before, especially as he grows more aware of his own condition. A counsellor trained in dealing with teens on the spectrum can help immensely, as will knowing that you're by his side every step of the way as he learns how to navigate a bigger and more complex world.

Long-term Care
It's difficult to predict how easy – or hard – life will be in the long run for a person with PDD-NOS, as much depends on the severity of the person’s symptoms and how he reacts to therapies. But if, like many others, the condition is on the "milder" end of the spectrum, your child will likely be able to care for himself while growing older. Marriage and parenting may prove overwhelming for some, though not necessarily for all of those with PDD-NOS. As with all of our loved ones, with proper supports and interventions it is possible to enjoy a full, happy and fulfilled life.