Brain Balance

Where every child learns what it feels like to succeed

PDD-NOS

The Confusion of Diagnostic Labels

 

There continues to be some disagreement among professionals concerning the PDD-NOS label. Some professionals consider the term ‘Autistic Disorder’ appropriate only for those who show extreme symptoms in every one of the various developmental areas related to autism. However, many professionals (as well as the most recent research) consider the term ‘Autistic Spectrum Disorder’ appropriate for all those who exhibit symptoms in many if not all of the developmental areas related to autism. Other professionals are more comfortable with the term PDD-NOS and use it to cover a broad range of sub-threshold symptoms connected with language and social dysfunction. Therefore, an individual may be diagnosed by one practitioner as having Autistic Disorder, another as having Autistic Spectrum Disorder and yet by another practitioner as having PDD-NOS (or PDD, if the practitioner is abbreviating for PDD-NOS).

Historically a child diagnosed with PDD-NOS exhibits some of the behaviors that are seen in autism but does not meet the full DSM-IV criteria for having Autistic Disorder. Despite the DSM-IV concept of Autistic Disorder and PDD-NOS being two distinct types of PDD, there is clinical evidence suggesting that Autistic Disorder and PDD-NOS are on a continuum or spectrum (i.e., an individual with Autistic Disorder can improve and be re-diagnosed as having PDD-NOS, or a young child can begin with PDD-NOS, develop more autistic features, and be re-diagnosed as having Autistic Disorder).

Characteristics

 

No two individuals diagnosed with any neurobehavioral disorder are exactly alike. However,  individuals with PDD-NOS may exhibit some or all of the characteristics of the neurobehavioral disorder continuum (ADD/ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome, Tourrette’s Syndrome, PDD, Autism, Processing Disorders, and Learning Disabilities). These characteristic include but are not limited to:

 

· atypical or inappropriate social behavior

· uneven skill development (motor, sensory, visual-spatial organizational, cognitive, social, academic, behavioral)

· Poorly developed speech and language comprehension skills

· Difficulty with transitions

· Deficits in nonverbal and/or verbal communication

· increased or decreased sensitivities to taste, sight, sound, smell and/or touch

· perseverative (repetitive or ritualistic) behaviors (i.e., opening and closing doors repeatedly or switching a light on and off )

 

What is PDD-NOS?

 

PDD-NOS is in fact a dysfunction within several areas of the brain and body. Dysfunction however doesn’t mean damage or disease just that some areas and systems may not be functioning as they should be.

 

Behavioral and/or academic problems may be the result of the underlying  dysfunction not a cause of it.

 

Our program addresses your child’s underlying brain dysfunction  through our unique protocols which target sensory/motor deficits,    neuro cognitive/academic concerns, and bio-nutritional needs.   Your child’s individualized program will address the cause of his disorder rather than focusing on it’s symptoms, only one component of the disorder, or it’s resultant behaviors.

 

Brain Balance Centers hold periodic parent lectures where parents and professionals alike can gain a unique window into a child’s brain function. Our lectures offer insight into how the brain normally develops and what may interfere with  the stages of typical development. Most importantly we will show you how with proper intervention your child’s problems may be corrected. Contact a local center for specific  information regarding upcoming lectures.

 

 

Brain Balance Centers hold periodic parent lectures where parents and professionals alike can gain a unique window into a child’s brain function. Our lectures offer insight into how the brain normal develops and what may interfere with  the stages of typical development. Most importantly we will show you how with proper intervention your child’s problems may be corrected. Contact a local center for specific  information regarding upcoming lectures.