A Comparison of Diagnostic Criteria for
Autistic Disorder and PDD NOS and
Behavior Disorder Resources
Spring 1997.

A diagnosis of autism is appropriate when significant delay or abnormal development is found in at least one of the areas below. Onset occurs before the child is three years old.

Social interaction:

• Poor nonverbal communication skills.
• Inability to relate to peers.
• Inability to interact in a positive way with others.

Language used for communication:

• Absence or delay of spoken language, with no attempt to communicate in other ways.
• Inability, for children who can speak, to sustain a conversation with others.
• Stereotyped or repetitive use of language.

Symbolic or imaginative play.

• Absence of developmentally appropriate play, whether "make believe" or "imitative".

Rigidly repetitive or stereotyped behavior patterns:

• Abnormal preoccupation with restricted patterns of interest or behavior.
• Abnormal preoccupation with nonfunctional routines or rituals.
• Stereotyped, repetitive movements, such as hand-waving, body-rocking.
• Abnormal preoccupation with parts of objects.

PDD, NOS
Pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified.

The category of PDD, NOS includes "atypical autism," and is used in situations when late age of onset, unusual symptoms, or milder ("subthreshold") symptoms are present. This diagnosis is appropriate when there are impairments in the development of social or communication skills, or when rigid behaviors -- stereotypy, repetitive behavior -- are present.

Behavior Disorder Resources: On-line resources: PDD and Autism.

Autism Society of America
http://www.autism-society.org/.

Family Village (Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin)

IOWA COMPASS provides information about and referral to local, state, regional, and national services and supports for Iowans with disabilities, and for their families. If you need referral information about services for Iowans with behavior disorders, please call IOWA COMPASS at 1-800-779-2001.

The Disability Resource Library is a lending library with materials on a wide range of disability-related topics, including autism, PDD, and other behavior disorders. Individuals with disabilities and members of their families can borrow materials -- which include books and other publications, videotapes, training curricula, and other materials -- at no cost. Others may purchase a yearly subscription, or pay a per-use borrower's fee.

Two outpatient clinics at the University of Iowa provide functional analyses. The University Hospital School Biobehavioral Service works with clients up to 35 years of age who have both severe developmental and behavioral disorders. The Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic works with children, generally age eight and younger, who display tantrums or noncompliant behavior. Call 319-353-6456, or e-mail disABILITY-RESOURCES@uiowa.edu for more information.