The key difference between PDD-NOS and autism is that PDD-NOS is a behavioural disorder characterized by a developmental delay of skills such as communication and socialization, while autism is a behavioural disorder characterized by poor social skills, language and communication problems, and repetitive behaviour.
PDD-NOS and autism are two behavioural disorders categorized under autism spectrum disorders. Both PDD-NOS and autism can make a child socially awkward.
What is PDD-NOS?
Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) is a behavioural disorder that is characterized by autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It manifests from early childhood and is specifically designated for individuals lacking diagnoses such as distinct pervasive developmental disorder, schizophrenia, schizotypal personality disorder, and avoidant personality disorder.
Moreover, the traits of PDD-NOS may include problems in using and understanding language, difficulty in relating to people, unusual ways of playing with toys, problems when changing the routine, and repetitive movements or behavior. PDD-NOS is caused by gene mutations such as MEPC2 that result in abnormalities in certain structures and in neuronal signaling pathways in the brain and environmental factors such as viral infections, medications taken during pregnancy and environmental pollutants.
PDD-NOS can be diagnosed through regular developmental screenings and psychological and neurological examinations. Furthermore, treatment options for PDD-NOS may include applied behavioural analysis (ABA), speech or language therapy, occupational or physical therapy, medications (anxiety and depression), cognitive behavioural therapy, dietary changes, and alternative or complementary therapies such as music therapy, massage therapy, and herbal medicine.
What is Autism?
Autism is a behavioral disorder defined by distinct signs and symptoms, including behaviors like avoiding eye contact, not reciprocating smiles, displaying strong distress towards specific sensory experiences like taste, smell, or sound, engaging in repetitive movements such as hand flapping, finger flicking, or body rocking, demonstrating limited interest in social interactions, reduced engagement in pretend play, and frequently repeating the same phrases. Autism is caused by mutations in genes related to brain metabolism such as AVPR1a, DISC1, DYX1C1, ITGB3, SLC6A4, RELN, RPL10 and SHANK3, viral infections, medications or complications during pregnancy, or air pollutants.
Figure 1: Signs of Autism
Autism can be diagnosed through family history, physical evaluation of symptoms (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association), and psychological and neurological examination. Furthermore, autism can be treated through behavioural management therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, early intervention, educational therapy, joint attention therapy, medications (antipsychotic drugs), nutritional therapy, occupational therapy, parent-mediated therapy, physical therapy, training of social skills, and speech-language therapy.
What are the Similarities Between PDD-NOS and Autism?
What is the Difference Between PDD-NOS and Autism?
PDD-NOS is a behavioural disorder mainly characterized by a developmental delay of skills such as communication and socialization, while autism is a behavioural disorder mainly characterized by poor social skills, language and communication problems, and repetitive behaviour. Thus, this is the key difference between PDD-NOS and autism. Furthermore, PDD-NOS is caused by gene mutations such as MECP2 that result in abnormalities in certain structures and in neuronal signaling pathways in the brain and environmental factors such as viral infections, medications taken during pregnancy, and environmental pollutants. On the other hand, autism is caused by mutations in genes related to brain metabolism, such as AVPR1a, DISC1, DYX1C1, ITGB3, SLC6A4, RELN, RPL10 and SHANK3, viral infections, medications or complications during pregnancy, or air pollutants.
The infographic below presents the differences between PDD-NOS and autism in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – PDD-NOS vs. Autism
Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability present since childhood. It happens due to differences in the brain. It has subsets of disorders such as autistic disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). PDD-NOS and autism are two behavioural disorders categorized under autism spectrum disorders. PDD-NOS is mainly characterized by atypical or inappropriate social behaviour and communication problems, while autism is mainly characterized by problems with social communication, interaction, and language and restricted or repetitive behaviours or interests. So, this summarizes the difference between PDD-NOS and autism.
Reference:
1. “Pervasive Developmental Disorders.” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
2. “What Is Autism?” Autism Speaks.
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