Pervasive Developmental Disorders

Finding a Diagnosis and Getting Help

By Mitzi Waltz

Pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) include autism and a range of other neurological disorders. While at least 250,000 have been diagnosed with PDD-NOS – one third of whom are children – twice as many may remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Parents of a young child with undiagnosed PDD may suspect any number of things, from autism to severe allergies.

This book is for parents (or newly diagnosed adults) who struggle with this neurological condition. Medications, therapies, and educational techniques can address symptoms and improve the lives of people with PDD. In some cases, the results can be spectacular.

Weaving in a range of stories from parents who are raising children with PDDs, author Mitzi Waltz covers topics such as:

• Getting a diagnosis, including preparing for a diagnostic interview in a medical, psychiatric, or school setting, with descriptions of all diagnostic tests and checklists/questions used by professionals
• Treatment options such as: medications/supplements, sensory integration, occupational, physical, and speech therapy, behavior modification; ‘Floor time’ play and talk therapy; and parenting techniques
• Coping with diagnosis and treatment, including emotions and support systems, insurance, and educational plans