Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
Before 2013, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified was considered its own separate disorder. That all changed that year, though, when the American Psychiatric Association released its latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, known as DSM-5.
Under that manual, a few previous separate disorders were linked under one new umbrella called autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These disorders all shared some similar characteristics, including the signs and symptoms of what was previously known as “classic autism.”
All of the different types of ASD also were approached in a similar fashion when it came to treatment. One of the leading treatment options is known as applied behavioral analysis, or ABA therapy, and it helps children with PDD-NOS and all types of ASD to build the social, communication and daily life skills with which they typically struggle.
But, what exactly is PDD-NOS, and how does it compare to other disorders on the autism spectrum? We’ll dive deeper into these topics below.
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What is Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified?
PDD-NOS is one of the disorders included on the autism spectrum. Generally speaking, PDD-NOS is used as a diagnosis when an individual doesn’t completely meet the criteria for any of the other types of ASD, including classic autism and Asperger syndrome.
In this way, it’s sometimes referred to as “subthreshold autism1.” This means that it’s a diagnosis that’s used by professionals when an individual displays some but not every characteristic of someone who has autism, or who displays symptoms that are considered relatively mild.
For example, an individual might display significant symptoms of autism in a core area including deficits in social interaction. However, they might simultaneously exhibit either no symptoms or mild symptoms in other core areas, including repetitive and restricted behaviors.
In these cases, many professionals will diagnose such an individual as having PDD-NOS.
What are the ‘Groups’ of PDD-NOS?
One of the confusing parts about PDD-NOS is it seems to be a catchall for individuals who don’t fit perfectly into another category of ASD. In fact, even the DSM-5 discusses the disorder as what it’s not rather than what it is.
The manual says the category is used “when there is a severe and pervasive impairment in the development or reciprocal social interaction associated with impairment in either verbal or nonverbal communication skills or with the presence of stereotyped behavior, interests and activities2.”
At the same time, individuals with PDD-NOS don’t meet the criteria for other disorders such as autistic disorder, schizotypal personality disorder, pervasive developmental disorder or schizophrenia.
Many studies into PDD-NOS have found that generally speaking, individuals who have this disorder fall into one of three possible subgroups.
About 25% of individuals are in a group that’s high functioning. Their symptoms are very similar to those of people who have Asperger syndrome, but they differ in that they have mild cognitive impairments and lag behind in development with their language.
Another 25% have symptoms that closely resemble individuals with autistic disorder. At the same time, they don’t meet all of the symptoms and signs that are typical in such a diagnosis.
Finally, the remaining 50% meet the criteria to be diagnosed with autistic disorder. However, their repetitive and restrictive behaviors are typically mild.
How is PDD-NOS Treated?
Like all other forms of ASD, ABA therapy is considered the leading treatment plan for individuals who have PDD-NOS. The treatment is personalized to each individual based on whatever particular strengths they have and challenges they face.
Through positive reinforcement and repetition, children with PDD-NOS learn the skills and behaviors that they need to live a happy, healthy and fulfilling life. This treatment plan is not only administered one-on-one, but also integrates family members, caregivers and anyone else who will have direct contact with the patient.
This is done because it’s important to emphasize the skills and tactics that are taught during sessions once the sessions end. In this way, the results of ABA therapy can be even more effective.
Trust Blue Gems ABA with Your Child’s ABA Therapy
PDD-NOS is one of many neurodevelopmental disorders that fall on the autism spectrum. There are many similarities to other disorders but many unique signs and symptoms as well.
At Blue Gems ABA, we have a team of experienced BCBAs who administer ABA therapy on a one-to-one basis with children who are diagnosed with PDD-NOS. We help them learn the communication, social and daily life skills that they typically struggle with.
To learn more, please contact us today.
617-297-7998
617-340-3371
info@bluegemsaba.com
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