IEP classification

PDD is not a specific diagnosis it is the umbrella term for the autism spectrum disorders. These disorders include autism, aspergers, retts, childhood disintegrative disorder, and PDD-NOS. I would do a search of Autism on the net to get info on the PDD’s. A good book is Children with Autism-Diagnosis and Intervention to meet their needs by Colywyn Trevarthen ISBN number is
1-85303-314-0. Another good book is The World of the Austic Child by Briana Sigal (not sure of spelling)-have this book lent out so dont have ISBN number for you. If you want you can he mail me privately and I will share my experiences with you. My son will be 10 in April and was diagnosed at age 4.

Forgot to add, which school category would depend on if the state recognizes the PDD-NOS label or not. Where I am at my son is served under the other health impaired category. He is in a self contained LD class and gets both speech therapy and social skills training. Some states serve all children who fall under the PDD umbrella term under the federal category for Autism.

I’m not so sure that I would be concerned about which category he is listed under. What is important is that his needs are addressed within the IEP and that the services provided provide him FAPE.

We are in Ohio,I dont knowif they recogize PDD or not.Do you know or anyone on here knows.His teacher had said when I was telling her about different things his doc has said that if he does get a different dx than he already had that we might have to change his classification for his IEP.He already had dx.ADHD,ODD,OCD,Tourettes,LD,anxiety disorder-nos.She dropped the ADHD,anxiety,ocd because she said those go along the same lines as PDD.She never said PDD-NOS all she said was it is like autisum but he is much higher functioning,but he isnt Aspergers because of his speech was sort of delayed due to articulation problems and he still has that but it is much better.his was the first time she ever mentioned Autium she said PDD and Aspergers before several times over the past 6 months.I really didnt know PDD was a form of Autsium till his teacher last week said he would be changed to the Autisum category if the Aspergers goes through.Since it isnt that but PDD would it still be Autisum in Ohio?

I know the category does not matter as long as the correct services are provided, I have no complaint. I was trying to explain to bj that it would depend on her state how the child got classified since she asked the question. I agree with you whole heartdley that the most important thing is the child get the proper services. I feel sometimes too much emphasis is put on a label and this can actually be a disservice to a child since a label is generally a general thing and what needs to be known is the childs strengths and weaknesses.

I am not sure about Ohio’s rules bj. If you check the states board of education web-site they might define each of the categories for you. Generally a child like you are describing is classified as PDD-NOS. This category is reserved for individuals who have some symptoms of autism but not enough for diagnosis, individuals who have enough sx’s but are not severe enough, or individuals who do not meet the age of onset criteria. If you do a search of the DSM-IV you can get a list of the criteria. Even professionals have a hard time classifying a “high functioning” individual with autism often times they wind up with other diagnosis such as your sons. Unfortunately sometimes they are even considered retarded because they are difficult to test. The most important thing though is not the label but that the teachers and schools are given a report good enough that outlines your sons individual strenghths and weaknesses. Hope this helps.

Yes this makes sense the only reason I was asking about classification is because his teacher said something about it and it might make a difference down the road.Right now he has services but once they get to middle school they dont offer some of these and most students like mine are in all reg classses with out support.My son did okay but as things are getting more complicated in school and often the work has to be done all on his own and all the reading he has visual percveption problems as well an dsince there is less picture he is falling in his grades and becoming more fustrated.

PDD is considered to be on the autism spectrum, high end. I have had PDD under language impaired because there typically is a significant language delay, among other things.

I am sorry that I am not the bearer of the information that you so desparately require, but I just wanted you to know that my prayers for your little boy are with you, and I can understand, from a new experience developing in my family, your frustration, anger and the possible feeling of being “on your own” seems to take over everything in an effort to help your loved one.

I know you don’t know me, but I am a genuine mature mother of 42 and being of a sensitive and thoughtful nature, I wanted you to know that total strangers do care.

Should you need to “let off steam” to someone who is not emotionally involved with your situation, e-mail me anytime, I’m a good listener with a wicked sense of humour! (my saviour, apart from our Lord that is!)

Hope all goes well, take care and bye for now.

Maggie.