All About PDD-NOS
PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified), known also as atypical autism, is a developmental disorder that involves delayed development in core competencies in children. Here is my article all about PDD-NOS, including all you need to know. I hope to discuss holistic treatments in the future.
The most common skills you would expect a child to develop normally include the ability to socialize, communicate and develop an imaginative mind. Such kids usually look confused and have difficulty relating to the environment around them.
What are the symptoms of PDD-NOS in children?
You may be asking yourself if your child has PDD-NOS. This condition has various symptoms, with varying degrees depending on its severity. The symptoms include:
• The child does not respond when called by name at the age of one year.
• The child does not figure out an object by pointing or showing interest at the age of 18 months.
• The child shows the lack of interest in playing around alone or with others.
• A child with PDD-NOS has trouble reading other peoples emotions and feelings.
• The child would tend to avoid direct eye contact and prefers to be alone most of the time.
•The child develops echolalia, a condition of repeating same phrases or words over and over again.
• Such kids have obsessive interests and habits.
• A child develops an unusual sense of smell, taste, sound, look or feel.
• When asked a question, the child gives unexpected answers that unrelated to the question.
• The child would behave in unusual ways like spinning in circles, rocking the body or flapping the hands.
What conditions qualify as Pervasive Developmental Disorders?
There are four subsets that fall under PDD including:
• Aspergers syndrome: Children with this conditions struggle with integrating into the social setup and communication. They are less interested in the world around them. However, they have an average brain function and grow up to develop normal language and cognition. Children with Aspergers syndrome have poor coordination, sense and lack concentration. This condition emerges later when children have developed communication skills.
• Autism: this condition affects children and causes them to have problems interacting socially, communication and play. They have a short range of activities and are less interested in everyday activities for kids. Three out of four children with this condition are in some degree intellectually challenged. Anxiety and an inability to adapt to change also challenge children with this condition.
• Childhood disintegrative disorder: In this case, children usually develop normally in all area including physical and mental but at some point during growth, they begin to lose the earlier developed skills. The skills include social and language skills, correct bowel and bladder control.
• Rett syndrome: Is a rare condition and children with it usually suffer from poor physical development including motor, and body movement including walking and correct use of hands. Research determines that this syndrome is linked to the X-chromosome hence it mostly affects girls.
What causes Pervasive Development Disorders in children?
The cause for PDD is unknown but there are concerted efforts by researching bodies to unearth the real cause. Biochemical and metabolic reactions, genetics, and other nervous system cases are just but a few speculations of the causes of PDD. Scientists have undertaken in-depth brain research in people with autism to find possible clues of the condition as well as find counter mechanisms, prevention, and treatment.
How is PDD diagnosed?
When there is sufficient evidence of Pervasive Developmental Disorders presence in a child, doctors conduct a full evaluation of medical history and physical examination. There can also be a questionnaire for developmental screening and blood tests to ascertain the cause of PDD symptoms. The absence of any physical disorders may arise prompting the physicians to refer the case to other childhood development specialists such as child psychiatrist or pediatrician.
The child’s speech, social ability, and behavior are factors on which the doctors can use to base their diagnosis.
Most doctors would seek to consult people who are close to the child such as parents and teachers to ask questions about the child’s development and growing environments to dissect the symptoms and administer correct diagnosis.
How is PDD treated?
Children with Pervasive Development Disorders have different symptoms hence a therapy program focusing on the particular needs of a child is important. This program touches on all aspects of a child’s life both at home and at school. Therapy programs incorporate people surrounding the child including teachers, parents, and other guardians. There are special educational programs structured to meet the affected child’s social and educational needs. Other features of the program include:
• Speech, occupational, or physical therapy to increase the kids functional ability.
• Behavioral modification and enhancement to encourage positive behavior.
• Medications to treat specific PDD symptoms.