What is PDD-NOS?

Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) is a condition in which some, but not all features of Autism are identified. There is impairment of social interaction, communication, and/or setreotyped behavior patterns but full features for Autism are not met. There are no specific guidelines for diagnosis provided with PDD-NOS. While deficits in peer relaions and unusual sensitivies are typically noted, social skills are less impaired than in Classic Autism. The lack of definition for this group of children presents problems for research on this condition. Children with PDD-NOS ae usually diagnosed later than children with Classic Autism and intellectual deficits are less common. Children may appear unemotional when interacting with others, have trouble holding eye contact or have trouble transitioning from one activity to the next. It is thought to be a "milder" form of Autism, though this may not be true. One symptom may be minor, while another may be worse. Because PDD-NOS is harder to define than Autism, therapy can be tricky. A "one-size-fits-all" approach usually doesn't work. Some treatments typical for a child with PDD-NOS include, but are not limited to : behavioral regimens, including play therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), sensory integration therapy, etc, medications, including anti-depressants and Social Skills training.

On a more personal note:
Ryan's "symptoms" (I HATE that word!!) are more subtle than many children with either PDD-NOS or Autism. He has little to no physical 'stims' (stimulations) unless he is angry, sad, upset or stressed out. The 'flapping' that is a classic trait of Autism only shows its self in Ryan during periods of stress. For example, a couple weeks ago we waited for TWO hours for Ryan to get his face painted (a full-face Spider-man) and during this time, he jumped, flapped his hands and asked for dee-pressure. Deep-pressure on his shoulders and head help 'ground' him, it can be a physical treatment for an emotional stess. This kind of behavior isn't typical of Ryan.
Ryan does have difficulty transitioning, but this is something he has worked on in Occupational Therapy (OT) for 3 years now. General tranisitions are much better now, with ones occuring at home almost seamless. However, changes in routines, or sudden transitions that aren't expected result in huge meltdowns or tears. One example of this would be that typically after school, Ryan comes home, comes in the door, gives me whatever he has in his backpack and then we may read his library books, play, watch a movie or he may play on his own, depending on what we have going on that day. If I need to go to the grocery store or if we have an appointment of some kind that requires us to get in the car after school instead of coming inside, Ryan will cry, display anger by yelling, screaming, throwing things or he will lean his head against the window and ignore everyone. This usually lasts about thirty minutes, sometimes less if he realizes the place we are going is a fun place. Transitions can be hard for Ryan with things as small as the order he puts his clothes on. It is always underwear, pants, shirt and socks. There can be not deviation without a struggle.
Many children with Autism have issues with peer interaction (interaction in general, actually!!) and socialization. Ryan has this to a much smaller degree. A couple years ago, he wouldn't play with another child AT ALL. He wouldn't even acknowledge that child was there. But with intensive therapy, he's really come a long way and now truly enjoys other children. He has a wonderful time at school and about three weeks ago he told me a story about Lauren. She had a loose tooth. I asked him if she was his friend. He looked at me and said, "Yes, my best friend". I hugged him to me and cried. It may seem silly, but Ryan had never talked about having a friend. It has been almost 7 years coming. Ryan is extremely loving and caring. He admits freely that he loves someone and enjoys hugging and kissing people...sometimes even strangers :)