Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) is a diagnosis given to a child who has some signs of autism, but not all. PDD-NOS is usually diagnosed in toddlers, but can be seen earlier. Children with developmental delays will be checked out to see if they have autism, but can be diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, which is milder than autism.

Children with PDD-NOS will show different symptoms. All children grow at a different rate so the symptoms vary with every child. Children with PDD-NOS could have problems with social interaction and issues communicating with parents and peers. These are two of the problems children with PDD-NOS can show.

When a child has delays in social skills, they can show it at a very early age. Babies won’t make eye contact or cuddle. This is hard for parent's to deal with so you should talk to your child's doctor if you notice any of these problems. As the children get older they might enjoy playing by themselves and have no problems not interacting with children their own age. They will have no problem separating from their parents and no problem talking to strangers.

Children with a milder form of PDD-NOS can have different forms of social problems. Some children want friends, but don't know how to make them because of their social problems. As the children get older, they usually become closer to their parents and others that are around often, but don't know how to make new friends and interact with new people.

Speaking and communicating is a problem with some children with Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. Unfortunately, this isn't something that is noticed until the child starts getting older. As babies, they may not babble and parents might find this a blessing not dealing with a noisy baby. However, as they get older they won't speak. On occasion a baby will pick up one word and just repeat it. This will be the only word they say and won't learn anything new.

There are more problems than just learning how to speak. Children with PDD-NOS can have a tough time learning new words, but they will also have a difficult time picking up facial expressions and tone of voice. They won't understand when someone is joking or being sarcastic. They take words literally. Children with PDD-NOS have to learn the distinction between these issues.

Another problem in people with PDD-NOS is dwelling on a certain subject. They will keep talking about the thing they are into and not talk about anything else.

Emotions may be difficult for children with PDD-NOS to show. They tend to be indifferent, but when they do show emotions it's usually to the extreme. These children have outbursts and throw temper tantrums. However, this is also pronounced with sadness, happiness and fear. Any emotion will be pronounced.

These are two of the main symptoms children will show if they have Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. Talk to a doctor if you notice any these conditions to get further tests.