PDD-NOS Signs & Symptoms Often children with PDD-NOS are thought to have a milder form of autism, though this may not be technically true. One symptom may be minor, while another may be debilitating. Social Signs & Symptoms Children with PDD-NOS usually have social symptoms as well. They may want friends, but dont know how to make them. If they have language delays this can also hinder their ability to socialize with others. Often children with PDD-NOS have difficulty understanding body language, facial expressions and tone of voice. Another common symptom of PDD-NOS is difficulty understanding emotions. The child may not be able to distinguish when someone is happy, sad or angry. Communication Signs & Symptoms Close Children with PDD-NOS usually have language and communication problems. As babies, a child with PDD-NOS may not babble or when they do learn words, they exhibit echolalia repeating words or phrases over and over again. Children with PDD-NOS often take language literally and dont understand when someone is joking or being sarcastic. If the child with PDD-NOS has some language it is easier to expand language in these children, than it is with a child who is completely nonverbal. Tips for Social Success for the Child with PDD-NOS Behavioral Signs & Symptoms Behavioral symptoms of PDD-NOS can include emotional outbursts and tantrums. These children may become very dependent on routines and have a need for things to be the same. They can misinterpret situations and become frustrated easily. It is important to remember when dealing with your child; often these tantrums are a result of fear, anxiety or misunderstanding a situation. A common symptom of PDD-NOS is perseveration or dwelling on a certain subject. They often have an overwhelming preoccupation with one subject preferring only to talk about or play with toys that are associated with the area they are interested in. Autism Repetitive Behaviors A key symptom of autism is unusual behaviors. Odd or unusual behaviors such as repetitive motions, toe walking or hand flapping often make social interactions difficult. Repetitive motions are actions repeated over and over again. Some examples include rocking, hand flapping moving an object in the same manner over and over again, repeatedly spinning a toy or flipping a light switch. This type of behavior is also often referred to as self-stimulation or “stimming.” People with autism often have an intense need for routine. Changes in their typical routine, like a substitute teacher or changes in a television schedule can be very upsetting and cause people with ASDs to tantrum. Also, some people with ASDs develop routines that to others might seem unusual or unnecessary. For example, they may need to count every window in a building, line up toys in a particular order or always watch unusual parts of a video only, repeating a certain scene over and over again or only watching the credits at the end. Changes or disruptions to these routines can cause frustration or tantrums. Examples of Specific ASD Repetitive Behaviors and Unusual Interests lines up toys plays with toys in same manner every time is very organized is rigid about routines or object placements upset by changes eat few foods or only certain textures eats inedible things (pica) smells food insensitive to pain unaware of danger (e.g., hot things) tantrums for no apparent reason has obsessive interests hand flapping/finger flicking/toe walking self-stimulation likes spinning objects likes to spin him/herself likes parts of objects (e.g., wheels) does not use toys appropriately (lines up cars by color rather that zooming them) special areas of talent or expertise perseveration walks over things (e.g., toys) unaware
Posted on: Sat, 22 Mar 2014 08:32:08 +0000
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