Dx and school recommendations

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DX from neuropsych: PDD-NOS with Anxiety. We just got that dx today.
DX from Clinical Psych during the summer: PDD-NOS with anxiety.
DX from developmental pediatrician when he was 2 1/2 years old: Autism Spectrum Disorder.

At least they are all consistent.

The neuropsych said that Nate is difficult to figure out because he is extremely high functioning in a lot of ways but said that his dx at age 2 1/2 is probably the most accurate. He obviously has language issues which also interfere with his communication such as frequent stammering. He has a lot of the autistic traits but not enough for that label at least yet. HIs profile is the opposite of most, not all, individuals with AS (verbal - 85, nonverbal 131, processing speed 80). His visual motor tests also show that he is in the very superior range. I have read, however, you can't just go on the cognitive profile. Nate was language delayed and now stutters. he needs language therapy. With those services, with the right person, perhaps that score will rise?

The neuropsych also strongly encouraged to keep Nate at his current school due to the possible stress level for Nate at a public school. That is the biggest concern for Nate - anxiety. Nate is already showing signs of depression as well:( We will just have to work on the afterschool care. That causes the greatest anxiety for him.

the only thing I can think is that the specific diagnosis might matter to qualify him for special services within the school system. I know every school system is a little different. Find out if this specific dx matters for services and required retesting. We were told in our school system developmental delays require retesting every few years, except Asperger's/Autism which doesn't.

Don't know if that helps.

I get the impression that professionals are hesitant to use Aspergers unless every little thing matches up, so they use PDD-NOS instead. But, honestly, PDD-NOS kids come accross pretty much like AS kids, and I can pick many of them out from a crowd as being spectrum kids just as I can kids who have Aspergers or HFA. Unless it affects the services available, I'm not sure it matters. Just make sure it doesn't affect the services.

Your son's profile sounds a lot like mine, particularly with the low processing score. I think that is exactly the score my son had. Some other components were as high as 149 - I don't really remember all the details anymore, however. Personally, I think it's those huge swings that are a hallmark of AS more than which one is high and which low. What all the spectrum kids have in common is the extremity among components.

Interesting to hear that both professionals really like the school you have your son at. I know you've had some issues but, honestly, I have to tell you, you are going to have some issues anywhere. There is no smooth ride for AS kids and schooling, just venues that allow the child to thrive and be happy so that the bumps don't become insurmountable.

That's so true, javabuz.

I think Nate will do better as long as we keep him in the private school setting. I do know that he will continue to struggle in some ways. As already mentioned, he has elevated anxiety and depression. His anxiety is probably less at the private school than it would be for most (not all) public schools. I believe it all depends on the school and teacher.

DW -Are you dx with AS? What was your son's dx?

One thing is for certain, I give up trying to explain PDD-NOS to lay people. I tried tonight with a group of people and I lost them, truly. I will need to find a way to explain it in a way people understand - mild on the autism spectrum?