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12.04.12 By Sammie DeLeon

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Characteristics & Prevalence
Learn more about what characterizes PervasiveDevelopmental Disorder (PDD-NOS) and its prevalence.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS)

Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS) categorizes developmental delays, prominently with socialization, language and communication. PDD-NOS stands for Pervasive Development Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. Though PDD-NOS falls under the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), it does not fully classify under Autism. PDD-NOS is considered a diagnosis that is a subthreshold of Autism.

PDD-NOS Resources
5 credible sources to gain awareness and knowledge on Pervasive Developmental 2-3 Disorder (PDD-NOS)

Professional & Teacher Organizations

Find organizations that help with funding, support and awareness of PDD-NOS.

Implications
Implications for teaching and intervention.

PDDNOS
Characteristics, Prevalence and Resources
Characteristics of PDD-NOS:
Pervasive Developmental Delay (PDDNOS) can be characterized by atypical play with objects (such as toys), tough time adjusting to new schedules or environments, repetition behaviors or movements, difficulty with socialization, and delays in language development and comprehension. People diagnosed with PDD-NOS are typically more social that others that are diagnosed with Autism. girls. The exact prevalence is not clear, due to the fact that the definition of PDDNOS is ambiguous and varies. Though the prevalence of PDD-NOS is not exact, the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is 1 in 88; PDD-NOS falls under this spectrum. PDD-NOS comprises a large amount of the ASD diagnoses.

5 PDD-NOS Resources:
1. Autism Program at Yale The website provides general information regarding Pervasive Developmental Delay (PDD-NOS) such as characteristics. Also presented on the website is a case study that illustrates a young girl who has been diagnosed with PDD-NOS. http://childstudycenter.yale.edu/autism/inf ormation/pddnos.aspx

Prevalence of PDD-NOS:
The prevalence of Pervasive Developmental Delays (PDD-NOS) is higher among boys than girls. PDD-NOS affects boys four times more than it affects 2

Subgroups of PDD-NOS
(Taken From Autism Speaks)

5 PDD-NOS Resources
(Continued)
2. Autism Spectrum Disorders Fact Sheet The websites provides information regarding the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders, in which PDD-NOS falls under. In addition to showing the prevalence of PDD-NOS, there are several links that you can follow from the page. For example, you can click onto a PDD-NOS Fact Sheet that includes terminology, diagnoses and a case illustration. http://www.autism-help.org/autism-incidence-increase.htm 3.Comparing Autism, PDD-NOS, and Other Developmental Disabilities on Parent-Reported Behavior Problems The journal compares and makes distinctions between Autism Disorder (AD) and Pervasive Development Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. The journal shows a study that was done that compares AD and PDD-NOS in context of the psychiatric and behavior problems. The website helps to further distinguish PDD-NOS from AD. Snow, Anne V., and Luc Lecavalier. (2011) Comparing Autism, PDD-NOS, and other developmental disabilities on parent-reported behavior problems: little evidence for ASD subtype validity. Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders 41, 302-10 4. Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs) The website provides a general overview of PDDs, some general symptoms, prevalence, diagnoses, treatment and the 5 types of Pervasive Developmental Disorders. The site helps to inform people about Autism Spectrum Disorders. http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/development-disorder 5. PDD-NOS This page comes from the Autism Speaks website. There is information regarding the definitions and characteristics of PDD-NOS. The page also includes how to recognize PDDNOS. http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/pdd-nos 3

A high-functioning group (around 25 percent) in which many symptoms overlap with that of Asperger syndrome, but who differ in terms of having a language development delay and mild cognitive impairment. A 2nd group (around 25 percent) whose symptoms are closely related to those of autistic disorder, but do not fully meet all its diagnostic signs and symptoms. A 3rd group (around 50 percent) whose diagnostic criteria matches that of autistic disorder, but whose stereotypical and repetitive behaviors are noticeably mild in comparison to those with autistic disorder.

5 PDD-NOS Organizations
Autism Speaks A family support organization for PDD-NOS is Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks aim to raise awareness for autism spectrum disorders, advocate for individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorders, and they fund for the research for causes, treatments, prevention and cures for autism spectrum disorder. Website: http://www.autismspeaks.org/

Implications For Teaching

Place an emphasis on developing social skills. o Students with PDD-NOS may not interact as well as other children. Provide students with ample opportunities to build relationships and interact with peers. Try to ease transitions from each activity. o One way to better prepare and ease transitions it to use priming. Priming previews materials before it is presented in class. Use picture schedules o Using pictures and a consistent schedule can show students, with PDD-NOS what to expect and help them transition.

National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) NASET provides resources and memberships for special education teachers. The site includes links such as PDD-NOS overviews and finding resources such as local support groups. Teachers can benefit from reading about classroom management, assistive technology and assessments provided on the website. Website: http://www.naset.org/autism2.0.html#c8881