What are the most common reasons a child is diagnosed with PDD-NOS instead of autism?

PDD-NOS is Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (one of the Autism Spectrum Disorders but not enough criteria have been met according to the DSM for the diagnostic label of autism.) PDD-NOS is sometimes referred to as atypical autism. Someone could have mild autism or severe PDD-NOS. I know every child is different and have varying levels of symptoms. I'm mostly posing this question to parents of children with PDD-NOS and/or child psychology experts. Thank you.What are the most common reasons a child is diagnosed with PDD-NOS instead of autism?
Supposedly, you are to diagnose someone with PDD, NOS if they have some of the symptoms of autism, but not all of the required criteria. Unfortunately, professionals do differ on how they interpret the criteria, meaning one professional may diagnose a person with PDD, NOS, and another with autism. Another thing is that I noticed that some professionals feel uncomfortable diagnosing autism, but are comfortable diagnosing PDD, NOS. To diagnose PDD, NOS, there is not much criteria needed, so professionals aren't fearful of doing it incorrectly. With autism, professionals fear they may not be diagnosing based upon the perceived professional requirements, so unless they are specifically trained in autism, professionals will usually not use this term in diagnosing. When I say specifically trained, I mean a lot of training in this area, more so than what is typically taught in school.What are the most common reasons a child is diagnosed with PDD-NOS instead of autism?
Children with autism and PDD have many common symptoms. Many children diagnosed with PDD-NOS have autism go undiagnosed either due to the mildness of the autism or oblivious doctors.



http://www.autism-world.com/index.php/20鈥?/a>