My 32 Mo Old Son Just Got Diagnosed with Provisional Ppd Nos

One of my twin sons also has a speech delay and has had some "red flags" for PPD since about 18 months. He was in EI and I was continually reassured he was not on the spectrum by the developmental pediatrician and all of the therapists. He was very similar to your son at the same age. He is 38 months now, and starting developmental preschool in the fall. He now says lots, although can be hard to understand. His social and play skills are behind also. They actually think he has mild apraxia, a motor planning disorder.

Anyway, I think a lot depends on which doctor or clinic you go to. Some doctors are more conservative about diagnosing on the spectrum, other are more likely to in order for kids to get better services. If I had brought my son to another clinic he might have been diagnosed PDD-NOS. That may be what is going on with you, your doctor knows your son will get much more intensive services with that diagnosis. Honestly, I think if your kids has good eye contact and is reasonably social and affectionate, there is very good reason to believe he will catch up!

I agree with Barbara. Eye contact and social skills are awesome! EI can't diagnose spectrum disorders since they are not doctors. EI is great but are limited in what they are allowed to say. A developmental pediatrician or a neurologist can diagnose more. My best friend's son was diagnosed with PPD-NOS at about 2 1/2 and was far behind your son but one of the things that was recommended right away was diet. Gluten and casein free especially. Nothing processed, no chemicals or preservatives. And he had tons of therapy. Good luck and I pray that he loses his diagnosis.

I love this book: "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.

Your library may have it.

Good luck!

My heart goes out to you because nothing is harder, more frusterating, or misunderstood than the road you have already traveled. There are a lot of unknowns but you seem to have found yourself a compassionate doctor. Good for you!

My 7 year old son was a lot like your son at 2. He qualilfied for 2 hours of speech and 2 hours of OT. At around 3, I took him to an Autism Clinic and he was dianosed with PPd NOS. For years, I worked tirelessly finding him affordable but quality therapy in Speech and OT. I was constantly advocating for him so that the school district would at least miminally meet their obligations. I placed him in preschool so he would have lots of opportunites to socialize.

The results? He attends our local parochial school in 2nd grade and is above grade level in reading and math. He had to test in to get into this school which meant that they found him within a normal range of behaviors and skills.

Does he beat to his own drum? Sure, his speech is still at times hard to decipher but his vocabulary is advance so part of the problem now is that people don't expect him to use the vocablulary he has. His sensory issues are mostly taken care of. He is fussy with certain things like he doesn't like cups with words on them so child restaurant cups are a no go. He has a strong temper and know exactly how he wants things. So, he is not the most popular kid but he is definitely liked and plays with his peers. His gross motor skill are developmentally behind but progress every year.

The most important piece of advice I received was from a Speech Therapist. She said to dispose of all evidence that said he had this dianosis. Why? Once the appropriate therapy is in place, the dianosis can only hold him back. He probably would not be at this great school if I went around at 7 and said he had PDD NOS. Did it help my case when he was younger and I needed more therapy, yes. But do not share this info with everyone because he has the right to lose the label when it does not apply anymore.

And it won't apply at some time in his life. I know that my son will become a productive citizen of this country and will be able to live independently from me. He continues to grow and learn and achieve skills and knowledge I thought he would never acquire. (I honestly thought at some point he would not walk or talk early on.)

So... good luck, stay strong, believe in your child. You are his best advocate.