PDD-NOS

What Is PDD-NOS? Understanding a “Not Otherwise Specified” Diagnosis

Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) was once used as a diagnosis for children who showed some characteristics of autism, but didn’t meet the full criteria for a formal autism diagnosis.

Though this term is no longer used in the DSM-5 (replaced by the umbrella term Autism Spectrum Disorder), it remains important for understanding developmental history in children diagnosed prior to 2013.

🧠 What Does PDD-NOS Mean?

Children with PDD-NOS typically displayed:

• Delays in language and communication

• Difficulty with social interactions

• Unusual behaviors or interests

• Fewer or less severe symptoms than classic autism

  
  

In essence, PDD-NOS was a way for clinicians to recognize that a child needed support—even if they didn’t meet all the boxes for a single diagnosis.

📋 Diagnosis & Today’s Terms

Today, children previously diagnosed with PDD-NOS are typically identified as having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at various levels of support need.

If your child had a PDD-NOS diagnosis in the past, you may want to consult with your care team about updated language and services under ASD.

🛠️ Support & Interventions

Support for individuals with PDD-NOS (now ASD) includes:

• Speech therapy

• Social skills training

• Occupational therapy

• Behavioral interventions (like ABA, if appropriate)

• IEPs and academic support at school

  
  

Each plan should be tailored to the child’s unique strengths and challenges.

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