Autism/PPD NOS

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Expert: - 11/8/2009


Question
My 15 year old son just got the diagnosis of PPD NOS.  I want to know if I should get him further tested for an more accurate description of his autistic characteristics on the ASD?

Answer
Hi Joan,

Getting a diagnosis is sometimes a huge relief and sometimes it's simply hard to bear.  Please keep in mind that the diagnosis is not important.  It's simply a means to get your son any services he might require.  I wouldn't be concerned with getting another evaluation, but rather with if he's receiving the support and services he needs at school.

Does he have an IEP (individualized education plan) in place?  If not, this is the time to get your son support and help for every struggle he has.  Everyone with pdd nos presents differently, and so they will provide support for all his challenges.  The diagnosis of pdd gives you added leverage.  You're not in a situation where they can say "Well that has nothing to do with pdd nos and therefore we can't assist."  So it's a great opportunity to get help.  

I'm sure that extra services and support will be a huge relief to your son.  He must be quite a kid!  He's come a long way with little help in the school setting.  You must be very proud of him.

I wish you great success and I hope this has been of some help.

Jene Aviram
http://www.nlconcepts.com

Autism

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Jene Aviram

Expertise

How do you know if your child has autism? If you're concerned about your child's behavior and would like to know if they're symptoms of autism, I can help you. If you need behavior and parenting strategies, I have many suggestions and ideas to help you. I can also help you with questions on ABA therapy. I cannot answer biomedical questions.

Experience

I am one of the co-founders of Natural Learning Concepts, a manufacturing company for autism and special education materials. I am an author and writer and my work on the autism spectrum is frequently published by many organizations and renowned magazines. My son has Aspergers and my nephew has autism.

Publications
Autism/Aspergers Digest Autism Society of America Autism Today Issue Spirit Magazine The Autism Perspective Magazine Yahoo News Parenting Magazine

Education/Credentials
My original background and education is computer network engineering. A turn of events led me to switch careers in early 2000 when my passion and driving force became helping people on the autism spectrum. I then co-founded a successful company that helps people on the autism spectrum every day.

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