Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified, or PDD-NOS
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Pervasive Developmental Disorder not otherwise specified or PDD-NOS is used to refer to children who have significant problems with communication and play, and some difficulty interacting with others, but are too social to be considered autistic.Those with PDD-NOS) have many symptoms associated with classic autism but not all of the symptoms. Symptoms generally associated with Pervasive Developmental Disorder(PDD-NOS) are 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 quickly from one activity to the next. Often times their symptoms appear later and accorrding to the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities, they are often diagnosed between the ages of 3 and 4 years old.) Consequently, those with Pervasive development disorder not otherwise specified (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.
Treatment Strategies For Pervasive Development Disorder
According to the Yale Developmental Disabilities Clinic, treating children with pervasive development disorder(PDD-NOS) could prove tricky.Sometimes, they may not get the help they need as quickly as those whose behavioral patterns are more clearly definable as autistic. Healthcare providers may not provide a diagnosis of Pervasive Developmental Disorder (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. This may delay in receiving intervention and use up the time in that golden window of opportunity from birth to 5 years. As with other conditions, it takes a specialized team of doctors, psychologists, teachers, therapists, and family members to arrive at an action plan that would work best for someone with pervasive development disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). There is no set protocol for treatment and A "one-size-fits-all" approach usually doesn't work: A multi-pronged regimen may be the most advisable. These treatments could include: * Various behavioral regimens, including play therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), sensory integration therapy, * Medications, including anti-depressants * 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 has kids learning 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. (It supposedly is helpful to some children with PDD-NOS, says the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities.)
Coping With Raising a Child With Pervasive Development Disorder
Like other parents with children on the autism spectrum, you will 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. 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 a pervasive development disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) child. If you're the primary caretaker (meaning you spend the most hours with your child), you'll need to make time for yourself, too. Caring for others can be draining, and you won't be able to give much if you don't replenish your own stores of energy and look after your physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Ask your child's healthcare providers for referrals to support groups so you can meet parents of other children on the spectrum; or go online — many parenting Web sites have bulletin boards for children with special needs, and Autism Speaks has online forums as well. There are also programs that allow some families a certain number of hours a week of respit care. Look into these opportunities they can be life savers.
How is PDD-NOS Similar to Autism
General symptoms that may be present to some degree in a child with a pervasive development disorder not otherwise specified or PDD-NOS include: * Difficulty with verbal communication, including problems using and understanding language * Difficulty with non-verbal communication, such as gestures and facial expressions * Difficulty with social interaction, including relating to people and to his or her surroundings * Unusual ways of playing with toys and other objects * Difficulty adjusting to changes in routine or familiar surroundings * Repetitive body movements or patterns of behavior, such as hand flapping, spinning and head banging * Changing response to sound (The child may be very sensitive to some noises and seem to not hear others.) * Temper tantrums * Difficulty sleeping * Aggressive behavior * Fearfulness or anxiety (nervousness)
What are the Causes of Pervasive Developmental Disorder
The cause of these illnesses is not known, but researchers are looking for answers. Some studies suggest that Pervasive Developmental Disorder is caused by a problem with the nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Studies currently in progress are examining the structure and function of the brain in people with autism for clues that may help us better understand these conditions, as well as how to treat and/or prevent them.If symptoms are present, the doctor will begin an evaluation by performing a complete medical history and physical examination. Although there are no laboratory tests to diagnose a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, the doctor may use various tests—such as x-rays and blood tests—to determine if there is a physical disorder causing the symptoms. If no physical disorder is found, the child may be referred to a specialist in childhood development disorders, such as a child and adolescent psychiatrist or psychologist, pediatric neurologist, developmental pediatrician, or other health professionals who are specially trained to diagnose and treat Pervasive Developmental Disorder. The doctor bases his or her diagnosis on the child's level of development, and the doctor's observation of the child's speech and behavior, including his or her play and ability to socialize with others. The doctor often seeks input from the child's parents, teachers and other adults who are familiar with the child's symptoms.
The Long Term Outlook For People With Pervasive Developmental Disorder
It's difficult to predict how easy — or hard — life will be in the long run for a person with pervasive development disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), as much depends on the severity of his or her symptoms and how he or she reacts to therapies. But if, like many others, the condition is on the "milder" side of the spectrum, your child will likely be able to care for himself or herself while growing older. Marriage and parenting may prove overwhelming for some, though not necessarily for all of those with Pervasive Developmental Disorder(PDD-NOS). The good news: It's possible to enjoy a full, if complicated, life.
What About Sensory Integration Disorder?
Pervasive development disorder not otherwise specified can sometimes misdiagnosed. Sensory Integration Disorder is an unknown and often misunderstood disorder of the nervous system and can cause a child to mimic behaviors and symptoms of autism spectrum disorders such as Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS). Alan Greenspan a respected doctor in the field of autism research and treatment stated that all people with autism have sensory integration disorders but not all people with sensory integration disorders have autism. The trick is to figure out which is which. A word of caution though, don't assume your child has sensory integration disorder and not an autism spectrum disorder. Misdiagnosis of sensory processing disorder instead of autism spectrum disorder can limit the kinds and amounts of treatments available to your child. Have you child diagnosed by seasoned qualified specialists.
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