Pervasive Developmental Disorder, or PDD, is the umbrella term used to cover the whole family of autistic spectrum disorders - including autism and Asperger Syndrome. Within this group there is a subgroup called NOS - not otherwise specified - which covers the conditions which do not quite meet the diagnostic criteria for autism or Asperger Syndrome. Because PDD covers such a wide spectrum, it presents very differently from child to child. Written principally for parents, this is a book which explains what it means for your child to be diagnosed with PDD, NOS, autism or Asperger Syndrome, and where you go from there. The authors describe the symptoms of PDD, what a diagnosis means, how a child fits into the diagnostic terminology and the diagnostic procedures involved. They also review associated disorders such as OCD, and discuss the different treatments and therapies available. The book includes frequently-asked questions, as well as the experiences of other parents. It is accessible, informative and supportive, a practical introduction to PDD.

Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, is the umbrella term used to describe a whole family of related conditions. Within this group, there is a subgroup of conditions known as PDD (NOS) - Pervasive Developmental Disorder (not otherwise specified) - which do not quite meet the diagnostic criteria of Autism or Asperger Syndrome. Written specifically for parents, this fully-updated second edition sets out what it means for a child to be diagnosed with ASD, PDD (NOS), autism or Asperger Syndrome, and explains where parents should go from there. The authors describe the signs and symptoms of each condition, what a diagnosis means, how a child fits into the diagnostic terminology, and what the diagnostic procedures involve. Associated disorders such as Rett Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and OCD are reviewed, and the authors describe the various treatments, therapies, and educational approaches available. The book also includes new information on medication and on the evolving concept of diagnosis, as well as a list of frequently asked questions and new interviews with parents of children on the autism spectrum. Accessible, informative, and supportive, this book is an essential guide for parents of children with an autism spectrum disorder.