Learn About ASD

     This is my definition of PDD-NOS as I understand it:

There's PDD, Pervasive Developmental Disorders. Under that umbrella are Classic Autism, Asperger's Syndrome and Not Otherwise Specified. Or as I like to refer to it as "Column A," "Column B" and "Everyone Else." NOS is sometimes referred to Atypical Autism because they give this diagnosis to people who are either very young, have some but not all characteristics of Column A or B, or they are not able to communicate well enough to get a good idea of their areas of delay. Xander has recently been switched from NOS to Classic Autism (Column A)with ADD traits.

(Please note that I'm nothing more than a parent in this systems and this is just my understanding of the why things are worked out. I do not claim this is 100% correct, but its the best of my understanding after much research.)

     To find out more about Autism, PDD-NOS and other spectrum disorders, check out the links below:

Autism Society (US)

Autism Support Network

Navigating Autism

Temple Grandin's webpage

     For those of you who have no idea why this woman is important, She's has her PhD in animal science, a professor at Colorado State U. and has autism. She couldn't talk until she was 4 and with the help of family and specialists she's overcome many of her challenges and learned to use her autism to her advantage. She now tours and lectures on the subject and has written many very good books about the disorder firsthand.

Video of Temple Grandin explaining what its like to live with Autism from her point of view

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      You are more than welcome to post any questions you have in the comments below and if I don't have an answer for you, I will hunt down a source or point you in the right directions to find the information you need. 

     If you suspect that your child may be autistic, contact your primary care doctor and have a honest discussion about your reasons for your suspensions  I have heard may accounts from therapist of parents fears or stigmas standing in the way of their child's progress. Remember to never fear a label, its just an opportunity to prove others wrong and change their views on something!