As babies, a child with PDD-NOS may not babble or when they do learn words, they exhibit “echolalia” repeating words or phrases over and over again.Limited or no speech and/or lack typical communicative gestures.Difficulty in developing and understanding other forms of communication, such as gestural systems or picture-based systems.Difficulty understanding or using appropriate forms of communication including verbal language, body language, facial expression, tone of voice and gestures.Is limited in their play skills and may become fixated on only playing with specific toys in a particular way.Treats people as tools or equipment – something to use to open a door, get food, get carried by or lean on.May be unintentionally aggressive in an attempt to be social.Difficulty differentiating between familiar and unfamiliar people.Difficulty in taking turns and/or sharing with peers.Difficulty understanding that other people have their own beliefs, desires and intentions, which guide their behaviour.Lacks an understanding of issues from another person’s point of view – social empathy.May want to make friends, but doesn’t know how.Appears to lack desire to share activities with others.Experience difficulties interacting meaningfully.Children with PDD-NOS may exhibit some of the following features: There is no set pattern of symptoms or signs in children with PDD-NOS. What are the common features of Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)?Ĭhildren are generally 3 to 4 years old before they exhibit enough symptoms for a diagnosis. Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) refers to a group of disorders characterised by impairment in the development of social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, imaginative activity and a limited number of interests and activities that tend to be repetitive.Ī PDD-NOS diagnosis is given when a child does not fully meet the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Asperger’s Syndrome, Rett Syndrome or Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, but has several of the characteristics. The information below will now be covered by the Autism Spectrum Disorder label only). The label of PDD-NOS is now no longer a diagnostic label. Autism Spectrum Disorder now is a single category that encompasses, Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder and PDD-NOS). (*Please note that the criteria according to the DSM-V changed in May, 2013. What is Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)?