What is the difference between autism and PDD-NOS? Is one less severe then the other, or do they present their own set of "symptoms". I know apserger's and autism are different because language can't be significantly delayed in Asperger's as with autism. But what about Autism and PDD-NOS? Is there a line that can be drawn between the two? (this would be a 'grey' ranged line of course)...

Asperger's and autism are both PDD's (pervasive developmental disorders).

Persons diagnosed with PDD are in the autism spectrum.

PDD NOS is sometimes called atypical autism and it is given as a diagnosis when the criteria for other PDD's (AS or autism) are not fully met.

It's probably convenient to think of PDD NOS as a milder autism than aspergers syndrome, but it is not really that simple.

Unfortunately the diagnosis PDD NOS is seen as a sort of catch-all diagnosis that doctors push people into when they are not sure.

As such , all that PDD NOS really means is that the person is in the autsim spectrum.

Me :D

Thank you Speedo. That helps. I ask out of curiosity.