Pdd-nos or Mild Autism

PDD-NOS is "pervasive developmental disorder- not otherwise specified."

PDD-NOS is when they don't know, what is wrong... exactly and conclusively.

In other words, "NOS" is not otherwise, "specific"... and the child's symptoms, does NOT 'fit' perfectly, into the category of a finite diagnoses meeting all of the typical symptoms. But that, there is something 'wrong' per the behavior of the child. But they cannot, pinpoint pin it down, EXACTLY.
So they don't know, what exactly is his specific, condition. Only that it does 'seem' to be on the spectrum of disorders.

It is one of the forms, of Autism. But yet, does not meet exactly, ALL of the symptoms. Because it is a spectrum disorder, not all children will display ALL of the exact symptoms, across the board.

My friend's son is PDD-NOS. He is high functioning. He is also, VERY bright/smart/advanced academically and ahead of his age level etc. But... he is, socially and emotionally... not at his age level. He has an aide in school. He is a nice boy, behaves mostly in school. But he does have 'something' not in the norm. He is, high functioning Asperger's.

Get a second opinion, some of his behaviors do fit autism, and i have never heard of some of the other things he has diagnosed him with. ADHD children are often problems in school with out meds, and if he is good, then that makes me iffy. Most children are peer oriented, and will leave someone for being weird, the "Angels" are the ones who see the good in someone and are hard to find. There was a story a little while ago on here about a child with similar issues. I will post it once I am able to track it down.

High functioning autism or Asperger's- Aspie because of the verbal ability.

I know because you just described my son and that is his diagnosis.

My son was diagnosed with autism at 19 months old. There was a team including a pediatric speech pathologist, a pediatrician and a pediatric psychologist who evaluated him and came to the diagnosis. The physician said that once upon a time they would have labeled him PDD-NOS, but that just doesn't seem to get the results that a label of Autism does. Perhaps the most important thing I heard that day was also from the physician who said the only value these labels had was the doors they open for treatments and services. So I say, USE THE LABELS! Every one of them entitles you to services and the more you get for him the earlier, the better his longterm prognosis. In a year or two they may look back and say, "Why was he ever diagnosed with X?" But isn't it better to have it now and get him treatment (like various therapies or social skills groups) rather than find out later he needed more help earlier on? Don the armor and join the Mommy Warriors and use every label they heaped on your child as ammunition to get him every service available to him.

At least that's what I've done.

Best wishes to you.

Pervasive Development Disorder places someone directly on the Autism Spectrum. PDD means Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) whether the NOS is added or not. Most people with Autisms are very intelligent and can be very verbal.

ADD/ADHD is often diagnosed along with ASD if there are attention and concentration/focusing problems particularly in the classroom. In your son's case the ADHD would be part of the Autism and not separate from it.

If he's covering his ears and is sensitive to other sensory stimuli (textures for food, tastes, smells, touch, etc) he sounds like he may possibly have Sensory Processing or Integration Disorder (same disorder, different name). This is part of the Autism and not separate from it. Self injury would be part of this as well. Self injury can be used as a distraction from something that's overly exciting or upsetting... but it is very often something called Sensory Seeking Behavior and it's to satisfy a need for sensory input. When I realized this with my middle daughter, I started her on what we call a Sensory Diet.

With a Sensory Diet we give her things every day to stimulate her senses. Sometimes it's tickles up and down her arm. Back rubs. Brushing her hair. Head rubs. Letting her play in sand (she loves her sand table) or dried beans or uncooked rice. Letting her play with Play-Doh. Letting her play in a sink full of water with some toys. Setting up a bucket with "slimy" cornstarch which is just cornstarch with enough water added to make it similar to "slime" like on TV. :-) She also will get a little cup out and drink lemon juice or she'll put red hot sauce on bread or corn or chicken.

Anxiety Disorders are also often part and parcel of Autism. So is OCD aka Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and so is ODD aka Oppositional Defiant Disorder.

Staring into space may be a sign that he's trying to process or detox something he's experienced, however with my daughter it was a sign that she was experiencing mild seizures so please have your son see a Pediatric Neurologist that specializes in Autism and other Behavioral Disorders. Things like migraines and seizure disorders are 75% more likely in people with Autisms.

He may make animal noises just because he likes them. :-) If he has a lot of repetitive behaviors or words or phrases or sounds, those have a function and they're called Perseveration. They are Perseverative Behaviors. We all do them to some extent but they're more noticeable with people who have ASD. Arm flapping, repeating a word or phrase someone else just said, repeating the same thing over and over and over, jumping, hopping, spinning, rocking, running in circles, tapping, humming... all of these things. And there's a function to them which a lot of research seems to suggest is that it's all soothing and can even help them focus.

I know that this is a lot... and there's so much more. I'm not so sure that your son has a psychosis... he would need a Child Psychiatrist to evaluate him for that and to work hand in hand with a Child Neurologist as well. I know how difficult this is and can be... I have an ASD child too and while it looks bleak, remember that he's still the same little boy you've always had. NO ONE is saying that he's not smart or sweet or perfect. Okay? Autism doesn't take those things away from you.

What happens next is that you ask the school for a formal Triennial Evaluation so that your son can get Special Services from school. The evaluation will determine which target areas he needs help with and the school MUST perform this test on their own dime. It's a federal law. Your son is entitled to an appropriate education that fits him specifically, so he should have something called a PPT (Planning and Placement Team) with the school that you will be a part of to formulate an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) for your son.

You'll get through this, I promise you. Just remember that this is all connected. If you want to try to minimize some behaviors, you can try tweaking his diet a bit and reduce or eliminate high fructose corn syrup and artificial food dyes such as Red 40, blue, green and yellow. The worst culprit is Red 40 and HFCS. Children with ASD seem to be particularly sensitive to these chemicals and can make their symptoms worse.

EDITED TO ADD: What MelissaT is talking about is NOT AUTISM. She's talking about vitamin deficiencies and food sensitivities that present as and mimic Autism and other Neurological Disorders and Behavioral Disorders. If a child has a Gluten Intolerance or Dairy Intolerance, or is sensitive to HFCS, sugar, and other foods and they completely eliminate trigger foods from their diet and turn into completely typical children with zero symptoms of Autism or any other disorder, then it was never Autism to begin with. If the behaviors decrease but don't disappear even with the dietary accommodations, then keep up with the dietary accommodations but that would mean that the disorder isn't as severe as originally believed.

My son is a mild Autism diagnosis who experienced sensory overload on so many things that he had anger issues. 2.5 years ago we finally bit the bullet and took him to a doctor who specializes in the treatment of Autism on a more natural basis (someone else I believe mentioned the same advice below). I gotta tell ya, my child is a totally different kid, in a great way! I won't say all the treatments they have suggested have been easy, but I've pushed through because I knew my child was in there, we just had to pull him out. I don't regret anything we've tried that has failed, it just meant we had to find a new route to try. This is where we take our son http://www.kotsanisinstitute.com/index.php Good luck, I know it can be so frustrating, believe me, I get it!!

I love a book called: "Healing the New Childhood Epidemics - Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies: The Groundbreaking Program for the 4-A Disorders" by Kenneth Bock, MD and Cameron Stauth.

I always check the library first before I buy books.

Good luck.

That does seem like a lot of diagnosis for such a little guy. My son has SPD and will cover his ears sometimes and wrings his hands ALOT! My son can also zone out or get really crazy fidgety. Therapy has helped him alot, buy I wish you good luck, but definitely get more opinions!

First of all, let me assure you that you are not alone. Unfortunately, the Autism diagnosis is often difficult to make and even more difficult to accept. My son also has PDD/mild Autism, and it took me a while to see that it's true. I agree with you that the list you were given seems to hold too many disorders. All the symptoms you listed seem to fit into Autism without adding anything else. I would recommend getting a second opinion, and I would add that it should be someone who sees your son several times and in different situations. There are some groups out there with possible answers, most of them dealing with possible environmental causes for Autism and other disorders. Some to try:

http://www.feingold.org/
http://action.autismspeaks.org

Lastly, trust your gut. A mother sees and knows things regarding her child that no other person does. You are his champion, so fight for him. Wishing you the best,
R. McMahon

I believe you should check out "Little Giant Steps" - offices are in the Plano area, but they have a great website and lots of information...and you can call and talk to the staff. The founder, Jan Bedell is a sweet and knowledgeable lady. All of what you have described sounds to me like a neuro development issue which can be addressed with the planned "occupational therapy" approach they teach. Their method helps the brain and nervous system organize itself to more normal functioning and you can implement it in a fun way in your own home. Our daughter is dyslexic with some attention issues, but mostly has/had sensory integration issues. We merely ordered the kit, learned how to do the "occupational therapy" exercises, and we have seen great results. Here is the website...http://www.littlegiantsteps.com. Go and look around, read the testimonials, and do your son a favor by addressing the real issue and dropping all those dx's...did that sound harsh? - sorry : ) - it just pays to be as informed as you can as a parent because the mental health community doesn't always have the answers. If you want, you can email me at ____@____.com and we can set up a time to talk on the phone more, but I really believe Little Giant Steps is worth your time to check out! Also, they have contacts around the nation that offer the same approach so you might be able to find someone a little closer to you.

That sounds like autism not any of those other diagnoses. Maybe it is high-functioning like aspergers. As well as sensory processing disorder which is common with kids anywhere on the spectrum.

Junanita,
This sounds like some of Grandson's behaviors and he has an OCD diagnosis. He is really being helped with therapy and not medication. He just turned 7. If there is a good childrens hospital with good therapist available I would try that. He is young he can be helped.

Hello! My son has a chromosomal abnormality and was not progressing. We just recently received a diagnosis of sensory integration disorder (aka sensory processing disorder). A lot of what your son has sounds like what my son had. Kids with sensory disorder are sensitive to sounds, lights, some with water (it hurts)plus a milleu of other things and act out in response to these sensitivities. I know of a child that was dianosed with autism and the mom went to an OT to have him analyzed for sensory issues, which he had severly. Turned out he did not have autism after all. So my son and her son are receiving OT and I can see a huge difference. My son quit pulling hair, mouthing things, tantrums decreased and finally approached me for a hug (he is 9 yrs old). So, do not panic just yet. I think it is worth getting an OT evaluation just to be sure. An excellent book to read is The Out-of Sync Child by Carol Kranowitz. I remember reading that book and thinking oh my, this book describes my son to a "T". I hope that helps.

-H. B.

My son was much, much younger when we finally got dx after months and months of disasters and testing. It sounds like maybe some SID too. I don't have much advice but six may not be too young if you have gone through all that testing etc already? Feel free to pm me if you like.
On the homework is it possible he is bored and knows the work already?

Honestly,
I would find a doctor like Dr. Cavazos (although I know he is not near your home) but maybe if you see his site you will be able to find one near you. My pedi uses him and his results are amazing and a lot of labels are dropped off once therapy has been started.....just makes the brain get balanced and is amazing how effective it is.

http://brainworxcenters.com/ld.htm

HI,

please google "aspergers syndrome" and/or highly functioning autism - your son has even more classic signs than my son does. Please keep this option open, My son is 15 and it has taken this long for the doctors and so-called experts to listen to me and he has had an absolutely horrible school life because of it. Let me know what happens, my best,
J.

If you're open to considering an alternative approach, you might consider a Naturopathic Doctor or someone specializing in some form of Natural and/or holistic medicine. I personally know local professionals of this sort who have great success treating these sorts of conditions naturally. Here's one in Plano, Texas-Danette Goodyear:
http://www.northtexasdynamichealth.com/aboutus.html

Doctors currently use the DSMVI (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) to diagnose PDD-NOS and Autism. It is currently being revised PDD-NOS will be streamlined under Autism Spectrum Disorders. You can find information about it here. http://www.dsm5.org/Pages/Default.aspx.
I do agree that at 6 years old he is young to have so many diagnoses thrown at him, when 1or 2 might suffice it seems that you are dealing with people who are unsure what is wrong or what to call it. I agree with that he holds it together for school, you would be amazed at how much a kid can cope. Home is his safe place, where people won't judge him or be mean. I agree with the comment about SPD also, although my daughter who is not on the spectrum at all has it (She has Cerebral Palsy). We started Occupational Therapy with her 18 months ago and I can not express the difference that it has made. When we started out journey CP was no where in the picture and as there is Autism in our family I thought that would be the diagnosis. When we started OT we were going for "sensory problems". Our daughter too would cover her ears, and didn't like being wet, she was picky about food and clothing textures she couldn't function in a group, I am sure if we compared notes you would be amazed. There are things that I know she will always have to deal with but giving her the tools to cope with it have made her a different kid.
We go to Pediatric Therapy and Activity Center. You can find more info here: http://www.mypediatrictherapy.com . We love it here. My son is also part of a social skills group there. Really and good OT may be able to dwindle down your diagnoses, because they see this stuff ALL the time and point you in the right direction as to who to see to get a correct diagnosis.
The road we are on can be a bumpy one so if you ever need anyone to talk to just send me a message. :)

I have a son with autism and although my son is more severe than yours I'd agree based on your description that PDD is probably an accurate diagnosis.

He is young but also at an age that these behaviors will start becoming part of who he is if they aren't addressed. I would start with his diet - a lot of kids have food allergies and intolerance to certain foods. More fresh veggies, fruits & lean protein. Limit wheat, starches & sugars. Try to avoid processed foods. A very organized routine. Keep a schedule and try to follow the same routine as much as possible. Keep a chart that he can see that shows his progress for improvement and good behavior. Consistency is very important with all children but especially those with anxiety and trouble controlling their feelings. Clean out his room and keep everything simple. Limit his toys in his room to 3 or 4 after a few weeks you can rotate them with other toys that you keep stored out of sight. His room should be a calm and uncluttered space so his mind can rest and he can feel at peace. It will take time but you will see progress. Check with your insurance and see if they cover play therapy and start there with a doctor that can help him focus and re-direct his play to be more social and to learn to engage. Have clear rewards and consequences for his behavior and stick with it. You will be amazed at the changes that can happen if you work with him and start showing him how to stick with a routine. Good luck. Hang in there - you are his biggest support and you can help him with these issues!

My son was diagnosed with PDD-NOS and also ODD at age 2. He is nearing 4 and I would say they are spot on...I am not saying they do not over diagnose children, I am also not saying they are necessarily correct on all counts about your son. But instead of focusing on the label start focusing on what can be done to help your son. I was in denial a long time...denial does not get things done. My son is also as gentle as a lamb and totally compliant in a school setting as well...that does not mean I am "doing it wrong"
You can get a second, third even fourth opinion...heck the world these days can just about shop a doctor until they find one who will tell them anything they want to hear, but that won't help your son. My son has had to have hours upon hours of therapy...ABA, sensory integration, speech therapy. Talk to your doctor and find out what kind of therapy he/she recommends...find out what your insurance will cover, find out what the school district offers. Get an IEP for your son for school. IEP stands for Individualized Education Plan...you are your sons best advocate, you will have to do some digging and researching and reading books too. Trust me I never wanted to know as much about Autism Spectrum disorders...but I had to learn.

Who is it that has made all these diagnoses? One doc or several? Ped, family doc, or child psychiatrist?
I do know that a lot of what you describe can fit several different issues. Might I suggest starting fresh with a new child psychiatrist? Tell him that you've heard all sorts of diagnoses, you're confused, and you want to start out new with just looking at the symptoms.

I do not know what pdd-nos is.
ODD is oppositional and defiant. If he does what he is told he is not ODD.
I have an ODD/CD, he argued over everything. Seriously, brushing his teeth became a battle. Getting dressed, homework, chores, using corret grammar, eating, not eating
Does he have a counselor?
Have you eliminated foods that are known to cause some of these symptoms? Like dyes, artificial preservatives, caffeine, nitrites/nitrates?
Is it maybe Aspergers?

You described my son - to a T. The way he USED to be and same diagnosis too. He is now a patient of the Neurosensory Centers of America http://www.neurosensorycenters.com/patient/sensory_integr... and they found the real issues. He has a B vitamin processing disorder (as do nearly all autistic spectrum disorder children) and sensory integration/perception disorder (which is really a result of the b vitamin processing disorder). Listen to the Dr who is pioneering this amazing work on his podcasts http://drkendalstewart.podbean.com/ Our treatment has been using two antivirals (these kids can't fight disease, toxins etc like they should) a methylated b vitamin lotion, and probitoics along with a gluten free diet. After 6 months he is a normal boy. Here is a great video too http://www.viddler.com/explore/neurosensory/videos/8/ from another parent at the center. They have a 98% success rate I believe ;) People travel here from all over the world for treatment. Insurance generally covers it too. If you can do nothing else, get this lotion http://www.neurobiologix.com/Neuro_Immune_Stabilizer_B12_... and use it one pump in the morning and one pump in the afternoon. Without the rest of the protocol recovery will be slower, but it will help. Feel free to email me ____@____.com I know what you are going through!

I would get a second professional opinion if possible. He may have some sensory processing issues (SPD). Here's a link for a symptom checklist.
http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/sensory-proces...
Trust your instincts. You are your child's best advocate.