What is the Difference Between PDD-NOS and Autism?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are both part of the autism spectrum, but they have distinct features and diagnostic criteria. The main differences between PDD-NOS and Autism are:
- Diagnostic Criteria: PDD-NOS is diagnosed in individuals who meet some but not all criteria for autism or have relatively mild symptoms. In contrast, ASD is a broader term that encompasses a range of disorders, including autism, Asperger's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and PDD-NOS.
- Symptoms: Both PDD-NOS and ASD involve significant challenges in social and language development. However, PDD-NOS typically does not meet "all" the criteria for classical autism or Asperger's syndrome.
- Severity: PDD-NOS is sometimes referred to as "subthreshold autism", indicating that it may involve milder symptoms compared to classical autism.
- Classification: With the update of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to the DSM-5, PDD-NOS, Asperger's syndrome, and autism disorder are now classified under the single diagnostic label of ASD. Despite this change, there are still distinct features that set PDD-NOS and ASD apart.
In summary, PDD-NOS and ASD are both part of the autism spectrum, but they differ in diagnostic criteria, symptoms, severity, and classification. While PDD-NOS is diagnosed in individuals who meet some but not all criteria for autism or have relatively mild symptoms, ASD is a broader term that encompasses a range of disorders, including PDD-NOS itself.
Comparative Table: PDD-NOS vs Autism
The main difference between PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified) and autism lies in the severity and combination of symptoms. Both disorders are part of the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and share similar features, but they differ in the specific characteristics and their severity.
Here is a table comparing PDD-NOS and autism:
| Feature | PDD-NOS | Autism |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Behavioral disorder characterized by developmental delay in skills such as communication and socialization. | Behavioral disorder characterized by poor social skills, language and communication problems, and repetitive behavior. |
| Diagnostic Criteria | Diagnosed when a child does not meet the criteria for classical autism or Asperger's syndrome but still has developmental delays. | Diagnosed based on a combination of symptoms, including social skills, language and communication, and repetitive behaviors. |
| Symptoms | Problems in using and understanding language, difficulty in relating to people, unusual ways of playing with toys. | Poor social skills, language and communication problems, repetitive behavior. |
It is essential to note that the exact diagnosis of these disorders can only be made by a professional after proper evaluation and assessment.
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