It doesn't make sense medically to have both diagnoses.

PDD-NOS is generally used when the child doesn't quite fit the criteria for one of the other 4 Pervasive Development Disorders (Autism, Rhett's, CDD, AS). It acknowledges that he is "on the spectrum" but *where* can't be specified. If he has been given a diagnosis of Asperger's, then it *has been specified* and you should use that diagnosis.

In any case, the treatments will be based on what HIS difficulties are (such as speech, anxiety, aggressiveness, etc) rather than on what diagnosis he has. So for our son, speech is not an issue but anxiety and aggressive behaviour is so we'll be working on those.

I agree though that the whole NOS part is confusing and not usually respected much by outsiders because it sounds like a cop-out diagnosis. The proposal for the DSM V is that PDD-NOS, Asperger's and Autism will be grouped together as "Autism Spectrum Disorder" and only differentiated by levels of severity. I think this is a good move and will make understanding Autism much easier for parents, doctors and the general public.

Mine was Dx in the beginning with ASD-PDDNOS. So yes, they can have 2 or more. PDDNOS is kind of an umbrella, could be lots of specific things that they heap together. Therapies and trx will go hand in hand. Just make sure in your heart and gut you are finding the right people and things to try. This is really a game of trial and error for all of us. Think about where the most help/support is needed and start there, then the other less obvious things can be included too. Make sure you are able to have a little fun with your child too. This is a very demanding life to lead and sometimes you just need to give yourselves a time off.

Oh I wish it would just be called Aspergers because the whole 'not otherwise specified' causes MANY problems and so many people 'downplay' it and say it's not a 'real' diagnosis and etc. (grandparents, teachers, friends, etc)

was told by our doctor that very soon PDD-NOS and Aspergers will be grouped together....and the difference between the 2 is language , Aspies have less of a communication problem when it comes to talking.

My son was DX @ 3 as PDD-NOS, then many psychs later, at 13 as Asperger's. The first psych was not even worthy of being called a Dr. she kicked us out after only having us in with her for 5 minutes. She doesn't do those kind. Our last psych was great, but then he moved out of state. But he spent time and answered questions and explained why he gave the DX. Sometimes it takes 3 or 4 or more pyschs before you find the one that cares enough to see you child as an individual and not a time slot. Good luck. =)