NOTE: The DSM V made significant changes in the available diagnoses for those conditions considered to be 'on the spectrum'. Gone is the official diagnosis for PDD-NOS and Aspergers for example. Now it is all part of a spectrum. Here is a breakdown on what those changes are:

http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/diagnosis/dsm-5-diagnostic-criteria

It should be noted that no one is saying that all of these symptoms that have, in the  past, led to these diagnoses have mysteriously and miraculously gone away. Instead, it has been determined that these discrete categories are not going to be recognized. Instead, all of these symptoms will lead to a general Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis.

                                            Here is  brief video clip from Temple Grandin as she

                                              traces the historical path of the autism diagnosis: 

[I have included articles on PDD-NOS for historical reasons and because while the names and diagnoses have changed, the underlying symptoms have not.Accordingly, I believe that these sources continue to be of value]

What is PDD-NOS anyway?"
Consider this - your child is at an 'ASD buffet' and takes a little of this and a little of that. There is a smorgasbord of symptoms. Confusing? Frustrating? Yes - here are some sites. This is good for a general understanding - from Autism Speaks - http://www.autismspeaks.org/navigating/pdd_nos.php

Here is a fairly thorough review
                                                                                                                                                                                                            *
http://www.iancommunity.org/cs/about_asds/pddnos

Or - there is this quick video
http://www.5min.com/Video/The-Difference-Between-Autism-And-PDDNOS-155792331 *


(*These use the DSM IV -- but still useful to understand the condition)



WHAT ABOUT ASPERGERS?

Here is a very informative blog -- I would highly recommend subscribing to it

http://www.myaspergerschild.com/2013/09/all-about-autism-questions-answers-with.html

Significant information and support can be found at the Online Asperger Syndrome

Information and Support (OASIS) center website

(in conjunction with MAAP services - working with Asperger's, Autism and

Pervasive Developmental Disorders)

http://www.aspergersyndrome.org/


The 'National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke' (NINDS)

has an Asperger Syndrome Information Page that can be found at:                                            The Positive Aspects of Being an 'Aspie

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/asperger.htm

more autism

APECSCt