How Does PDD-NOS Differ From Autistic Disorder And Asperger Syndrome?

Dr. McGee answers the question: 'PDD-NOS vs. Autism, Asperger Syndrome?'

By
Gail McGee, Ph.D., Director, Emory Autism Center, Emory University School of Medicine
October 8, 2008, 11:30 AM ET
1 min read

Oct. 23, 2008 -- Question: How does PDD-NOS differ from autistic disorder and Asperger syndrome?

Answer: PDD-NOS stands for Pervasive Developmental Disorder -- Not Otherwise Specified. Like autistic disorder and Asperger disorder, PDD-NOS is one of the five subtypes of the autism spectrum disorders, also knows as the pervasive developmental disorders. For a child diagnosed with PDD-NOS, they will have fewer social impairments than a child with autistic disorder or a child diagnosed with Asperger disorder.