What Is Pervasive Developmental Disorder -- Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)?

Dr. Michael Alessandri answers the question: 'What is PDD-NOS?'

By
Michael Alessandri, Ph.D., Exec. Director, University of Miami Center for Autism & Related Disabilities
October 15, 2008, 10:23 AM ET
1 min read

Oct. 23, 2008 -- Question: What is pervasive developmental disorder -- not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)?

Answer: Pervasive developmental disorder -- not otherwise specified, or PDD-NOS, is one of the five autism spectrum or pervasive developmental disorders as listed in the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. This particular autism spectrum disorder is considered to be among the least severe of the autism spectrum disorders.