I have a lot of knowledge and understanding about Asperger's Syndrome but I do not know a lot about Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). I only have brief knowledge about PDD-NOS in that one who is diagnosed will display autistic traits but will not fit in with diagnostics of the autistic spectrum.
What I am asking specifically is for a more in-depth explanation of PDD-NOS and, when compared to Asperger's Syndrome, what are the main differences?What are the differences between Asperger's Syndrome and PDD-NOS?
Asperger's Syndrome is the highest functioning form of autism you can have which has all 3 criteria (social delays, communication issues, and behavioural issues). These people are usually very verbal and intelligent. Their main issues are with socialization. The way they fit into the communication issue part is usually with lacking eye contact, being literal thinkers and not understanding non-verbal cues (although that can also be considered social). Behaviorally, they usually like structure and order, may have specific topics of great interests and enjoy repetition.
People in PDD-NOS are missing one of the criteria, but the other parts of the criteria can be severe. You could have a child who cannot speak at all, and likes run back and forth in a room, flapping his hands and shrieking. But if he has great eye contact, enjoys playing with other children and does it appropriately, it's unlikely he will be diagnosed as autistic because he's missing the social problems. But it's still a severe problem.
Asperger's Syndrome cannot be a severe problem. If it is, then it's classic autism, not Asperger's. Whereas PDD-NOS can range in severity, but missing one specific element of autism.What are the differences between Asperger's Syndrome and PDD-NOS?
Here is my observations about the differences.
Asperger's, academically strong, have a few friends, do great w/ like minded people, and as a child adults find them fascinating. Their affect (facial expressions) is generally very blunted at best (don't show emotions much). Get picked on frequently, are awkward w/ peers. Are flooded in fields like engineering, mathmaticians, computer technology, scientists
PDD.NOS-tend to have global developmental delays and struggle with school. Affect is much much bigger, they stand out less w/ peers and aren't as likely to be a target to be picked on. They are more likely to be getting related services way past early elementary school. My 10 yr old PDD.NOS son gets speech therapy and occupational therapy still. He goes to summer school every year. He reads 1.5 yrs below grade level. He is immature and silly.
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