Need PDD info

[pie]

Well my boy (three and a half) is starting testing with our school district. We met yesterday with the speech pathologist and the psychologist and they were very anxious to start testing and observation.

The problem is, aside from me being very teary eyed and exhausted about it all, and trying to cope with this, is that I have no real idea what PDD is or where to learn about it. Is it in the same group as autism? I have heard PDD is not a diagnosis but an umbrella term. How can I explain it to relatives and friends? How can I explain it to my son? Should I? He might not understand but then he might.

Thanks in advance mamas.

[CerridwenLorelei]

yes PDDNOS is on the autism spectrum as is PDD

My son has PDD NOS
My big resource was my aunt who has taught special ed for 30 years


here are a few links

http://www.dentonautism.com/html/pddnos.html

http://members.cox.net/jaynamom/diag.html


www.cureautismnow.org

HTH

[joesmom]

hi! i wasn't aware your son was being tested. my best friend's daughter has pdd. how old is your son, close to joe's age i think... never mind, i see 3.5.

can i ask why he is being tested? to what degree does the pdd affect his life? does he speak at all?

i think you should explain it to your son if he seems like he wants to know what is going on. most parents prob. wouldn't even consider a 3 yo might have questions- good for you, i have always thought from your posts that you seem like a very good mama to your boy.

my friend's daughter has pdd pretty severe, she is nonverbal, but can follow instructions, she understands SO much. when she was born her parents were told to just leave her be, because she was a "vegatable" who would never think or feel. of course her parents have SHOWERED her w/love & she is now able to give & show affection.

so, my best advice is, don't listed to the drs. listen to your son & your gut. autism/pdd is so different from child to child that the drs. really don't know what to do in a lot of cases.

i forget where you live- nevada?! pm me if you want, if you have more questions. my friend would be glad to talk to you if you want to hear from a mom who has been there. her dd is almost six.

good luck to you, give your son a hug from me!

love, jenny

[bonbon mama]

PDD is broader than autism. Autism is a PDD. Its a more generic term that gets your child services, but its not very descriptive. You would be better to explain your child's situation with a list of strengths and weaknesses.

[lauren]

otbonmom is right, PDD is one of several "autism spectrum disorders". It is the least descriptive in that it is used when the child doesn't quite fit the others (autism, asperger's, rhett's).

[Lucky Charm]

Pie, I clicked on this thread because you started it. I have nothing to offer in terms of info or advice. I just wanted to wish you luck and support. I'm thinkin' of ya.

Lisa

[pie]

wow I had no idea anyone had replied to this thread. LOL I got no email notifications until this last one. Let me read the responses, I am really grateful to you! Well it looks like Asperger's to most who have seen him.

[Alexander]

Hey Pie!

Where's your PM?

a

[pie]

I had it off cause someone was pestering me. I think I can turn it back on. Try in a minute.