When a child shows several signs of autism, but does not meet the criteria for positive autism pediatrician usually give a diagnosis of Pervasive Development Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). This would mean that it is milder than autism. Children having this condition have some developmental delay, although it may vary from one child to another.
Different symptoms may be manifested by each child having this condition. These symptoms may be manifested at very early ages. An infant, who should normally establish eye contact and cuddles when carried, may not show these social skills for their age. Children may even show abnormal Comfortability being isolated from others. A child may not even be bothered by their parents leaving or playing by themselves.
Children having a mild form of PDD-NOS Symptoms may be able to grow closer to the parents or others that are often around them, but are having troubles making new friends. They may find it hard to socialize with new people. They may have a difficult time getting to know another person and making friends with them.
Communications skills may be impaired and may become a problem of the child. Mostly, this manifestation of the condition is not observed until the child is older. An infant may not try to make sounds during infancy; parents may interpret this as positive. The parents may think this as a good thing, thinking their child must be behaved. They may be unable to recognize this as part of the symptoms of the condition.
Another problem in communication may be the difficulty to learn new words. Children may have a hard time learning new vocabulary. Facial expressions and voice intonation may not be well understood by children diagnosed with PDD-NOS symptoms. They may not be able to understand the difference in what is meant by words used with different voice intonations. There is also a dwelling on constant topic that they like, they will repeatedly talk about the things they like and may not give any attention to new things introduced to them.
Emotional expressions for children with this kind of diagnosis may be in the extremes. Anger may be expressed through outbursts and frequent temper tantrums. Also other emotions like fear, sadness and happiness are also extremely showed.
Different assessments may be done to the person diagnosed with this kind of condition. Medical assessment may be done to rule out any health deficit that may be the cause if the manifested symptoms. Other assessments may include the educational aspect, psychological aspect and communication aspect to name a few. After the assessments are done, then specific treatment for the patient may be developed to meet the needs.
Read more about PDD-NOS on healthforworld.com