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Child Behavior (Expert Forum)
Alternate diagnosis to PDD
Answered by
Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D. - Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
This forum is for questions and support regarding child behavior issues such: Child Discipline (behavior management), Normal Child Development, Parent-Child Communications, Social Development
Alternate diagnosis to PDD
by Abbie362, Oct 24, 2002 12:00AM
My 22 month old son was evaluated by a pediatric neurologist/devevelopmental pediatrician at 20 months. She said she doesn't think that he has PDD--but he has significant speech/language delays and some features on the autistic spectrum. He is getting play and speech therapy and will soon be getting occupational therapy for SI issues. If it is not PDD, than what could the possible alternate diagnosis be (I understand you cannot diagnose without knowing him). Or is it that she could be waiting to see how he does with services before diagnosing? At what age can they diagnose PDD? We will be returning to the neurologist within three months after all of the services begin. I am wondering if she is waiting to see how he does with the services before issuing a diagnosis. And am interested in your input.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D., Oct 24, 2002 12:00AM
, Oct 24, 2002 12:00AM
Except in instances of severe dysfunction, it can be difficult to diagnose PDD-spectrum conditions in a child as young as your son. And, some PDD-spectrum conditions cannot be diagnosed in a child 22 months of age. An alternative explanation can be developmental disorders of particular types - eg., motor, speech/language, etc. Maturation that comes with age can make a very significant difference, so it is best to be conservative about issuing a diagnosis of Pervasive Deveopmental Disorder.
