For those concerned they maybe suffering from Aspergers Syndrome, the Autism Spectrum Quotient AQ Test which can give help with self diagnosis. This test was developed by Simon Baron-Cohen from the Autism Research Centre. Please see the Aspergers Test explained for a more detailed explanation of the test format.
PDD Nos or Pervasive Development Disorder Not Otherwise Specified , is a type of diagnosis given to individuals on the autism spectrum. As a diagnosis It fits somewhere between Aspergers syndrome and classic autism.
Often it is used as a kind of catch all for those that dont fully fit into either category , it can be used as a diagnosis when there is little or no data to support a typical autosm diagnosis with regard to the early part of ones life. Usually classic autism features developmental issues and social retardation from an early age. With pdd nos this information is not always necessary for medical professionals to make an attempt at diagnosis.
The major symptoms used to diagnose are:
Social Impairments
Difficulties relating with other people, making friends and feeling accepted and part of a group. It is quite common for the person to avoid eye contact and have little or no interest in making friends choosing very often play alone.
Communication impairments
Problems managing self expression and the the understanding others through verbal or non verbal communication such as interpreting facial expressions, jokes or forms of emotional expression.
Repetitive behaviours
This can include odd behaviours such as lining up objects in a row or obsessively talking about the same subject repeatedly. Obsessions about eating certain foods , methods of playing or certain routines are also strong indicators of this condition.
While these are not the only symptoms, there are other behaviors associated with other conditions that are common with PDD, these include: Autistic Disorder, Aspergers Syndrome, Rett Syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder.
DSM commonly known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is widely recognized around the around the world by various psychiatric associations as a standard for clinical diagnosis.
The DSM IV definition of the category for Pervasive Development Disorders Not Otherwise Specified is:
“This category should be used when there is a severe and pervasive impairment in the development of reciprocal social interaction or verbal and nonverbal communication skills, or when stereotyped behavior, interests, and activities are present, but the criteria are not met for a specific pervasive developmental disorder, schizophrenia, schizotypal personality disorder, or avoidant personality disorder. For example, this category includes “atypical autism” –presentations that do not meet the criteria for autistic disorder because of late age of onset, atypical symptomatology, or subthreshold symptomatology, or all of these.”
The methodology behind PDD-Nos diagnosis is now becoming a very contentious issue. Many argue that that the definition is too weak and that even medical professionals disagree about the correct diagnosis. This could well be a classic example of being placed in a box.
Unlike with Aspergers, there unfortunately does not exist a wide range of testing materials for self diagnosis. The condition by its very nature is difficult to diagnose as it is in essence an umbrella for many conditions within the Austim Spectrum. If you are looking for clues as to the likelihood of having pervasive development disorder, we can recommend either using the generic autism quotient test or by using this experimental assessment on the childbrain website.
If you are concerned whether you may have the condition, we strongly recommend that you visit a medical professional to get more professional advice.
With advent of DSM V things gave become a lot less diverse in all areas of the autism spectrum. Classic autism, Aspergers and PDD Nos are being rolled into a single Autism Spectrum category.
This is a cause of controversy for many nembers of the autisitc community who feel that the change in diagnostic criteria is unwelcome. Generic diagnosis such as this never truly represent the true condition of the individual. Some boxes may be ticked but not others, but for the medical professional it does seem easier to give someone a more generic label than to take the time and really understand what is going on.
You can also find a list of recommended books and other resources on our website.
Photo courtesey of Lance
Here are a list of our favourite books on Aspergers Syndrome. The list consists of a wide range of both informational and funny books which bring a sense of lightness to the subject of Aspergers Syndrome. There are guides on relationships for Aspergers, information for parents as well as self help guides for adults with Aspergers.
We would also like to direct you to some of the books by Tony Attwood. Tony is a leading authority in the study of Aspergers and written several first class books on the subject. One of his best books is The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome which gives a wide coverage of the all of the issues relating to AS. It covers diagnosis, social interactions and some of the issues occurring around mental health. It has outstanding reviews both from health professionals and readers alike. If you would get one book to help you understand this subject in depth, it would be this one.
Here are other books that we can recommend on the subject.
There is tragically a high percentage of unemployment surrounding those with high functioning autism. Stigma and a lack of understanding have a lot to do with this fact. However, its not all bad, the brainy and intuitive traits of those with high functioning autism is now leading some employers to seek them out as software testers.
This article in the San Francisco gate describes how Specialisterne a Danish company founded by a man with an autistic son, is actively recruiting. Much of the work involves testing mobile applications and the company is also developing a training program designed at teaching people with Aspergers and high functioning Autism how to test.
If you have been diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome, it will often help to bring meaning to the way your life has unfolded until now. Often just the process of understanding the condition we have can help to improve the quality of life. While a label is not a cure, it is something we can explain to friends and family in a way that they can understand.
There are several good blog posts on this site describing what is Aspergers Syndrome. However if you are looking for a greater understanding of the condition, there are a number of good books and resources we recommend.
This is an absolute must for any adult AS sufferer trying to understand their condition. An encylopedia of all things Aspergers’s combining a wide range of facts, research papers and Tonys own clinical experience. Tony’s 30 years experience of working with people shine through in the publishing of this book.
An easy to read book, It captures the main issues of an adult living with Aspergers Syndrome. Giving words of encouragement and real life examples, it goes into great details about how to understand and deal with many of the challenges in life such as dealing with relationships.
Asperger Syndrome and Anxiety: A Guide to Successful Stress Management
It is very common for people with AS to suffer from Anxiety in a way that is unmanageable, this book gives helpful tips and solutions on how to deal with this level of anxiety. He brings in modern research on stress management techniques for individuals with Aspergers.
This is more a book for the partners of Aspies but a very good one at that. Using her own experience of having a partner with Aspergers, Ashley provides answers to many of the issues of relationships that come with AS.
If you are looking for free aspergers syndrome resources, then we recommend the following websites
http://www.aspergerfoundation.org.uk/ - Aspergers Foundation – Information and research on Aspergers
http://www.aspiesforfreedom.com/ - Forum for Aspergers Syndrome
http://www.wrongplanet.net/ – An online community and forum for Autism and Aspergers
We recently discovered this Aspergers Checklist which gives a good level of detail into diagnosis of Aspergers. One of the interesting things it mentions is that Aspergers Syndrome is particularly difficult to diagnose in younger children and toddlers.
It includes a number of factors which would not normally be used in the diagnosis of adults but can be used in children due to the lack of visibility of other symptoms ( behavioral and personality symptoms)
These include:
As well as the above physical tests there are also the traditional behavioral checklist which can refer to such as looking for these characteristics:
Inflexibility
Attachment to routines, often cause disturbances if changed. Someone with Aspergers is generally not very adaptable to change.
Lack of social skills
Difficulties in developing close friendships, having meaningful or deep conversations as well as tendency to isolate.
Limited emotional intelligence and irrational emotions
It is common for people with AS to have a very low sensitivity to the emotions of others. They have difficulty understanding both their own emotions as well as the emotions of others. That being said, it can also be common for extreme emotions to be expressed with very minor triggers.
Difficulty engaging in conversation
Talking about a subject obsessively as well as well as lack of eye contact during the conversation are big tell tale signs of AS.
Repetitive rituals and behaviors
This can be observed in the engagement of repetitive rituals such as body movements, habits and behaviors. Examples of this include hand flapping, twirling or obscure methods of play.
Impaired Motor skills
There is a delay or impairment of motor skills such as playing catch, riding a bike, tying shoelaces. Although not exclusive to AS this can often be an effect of the disorder. Often clumsiness or the inability to realize the boundaries of ones bodies.
Although this is not an in depth Aspergers checklist it does give a few major points to look for. If you are looking for a more rigid tool for diagnosis you might want to check out the Asperger Test developed by Simon Baron-Cohen.
