my 3yo and PDD

Kristin - posted on 03/02/2009

my son was diagnosed with PDD when he was 2 and now is almost 7.  We never really saw too many doctors, just therapist to address his needs. He spent 2 years in special needs pre-school and it was all set up by my school system. That was better than all of the therapy i could give him. Fight hard to get in the school he needs to be in. At about 4 1/2 my son did a complete turn around. Don't get me wrong, he still has needs. He is now in kindergarten and mainstreamed in the classroom. He is so productive!! I believe all the therapy and the schools he has been in have changed him. Keep pushing!!! I call PDD the gray area disorder.  They aren't so obviously severe, but their needs are prominant and have to be addressed!  Your states school board should know how to handle this!!  Good Luck! 

Sara - posted on 03/02/2009

I went to our Dr. with a List and i do mean LIST of behavior problems. I had to do this like 3 to 4 times with her! And finally she told us she wanted us to go to Riley Autism Clinic and that's where we got the diagnosis of PDD! he is VERY VERY high functioning but is still on the spectrum. But he is so high the school refuses to see it! I am requesting another evaluation by the school... i got ahold of an Advocate program here in Indiana.. They told me the steps i needed to take and they have been helpful but still feeling with the lights half on!!

Carolyn - posted on 03/02/2009

Hi, I just read your message. How did your child's ped. diagnose that he has PDD? Was he evaluated by a Developmental Specialist, or a Neurologist? My son is 3 years old and he was diagnosed with PDD back in August 2007. His situation is not severe BUT he is on the Spectrum. His ped. noticed some developmental delays, such as his speech. He then recommended us to get my son evaluated by a Speech, OT & PT evaluator. After the was evaluated they diagnosed him with PDD. We sent our son to an Early Intervention Program, there he received Speech, OT & PT therapy. He also got these therapies at home as well. When the child is age 3 the EI services end. Then after he ages out of EI there is another program called CPSE, this program is for ages between 3-5. The CPSE program is the same as the EI services. They offer the same therapies and do the same thing. My son already aged out of EI and is now been in the CPSE program since Sept. 08. The schol he goes to now is much more of a pre-school setting, that specializes in what these children need. They receive all the therapy, and they are there all day like a regular pre-school. I know how you feel, and it is difficult. Til this day we are seeing Dr's. we have an appointment to see a neurologist in a few days. Its hard and I only have 1 child. I couldn't do this by myself, I'm am still very new to all this and it will conitnue to be that way, we learn as we go along. I knew my son needed help and I needed people to help me, help my son. If you need to talk more, please feel free to contact me at any time. Take care and take one day at a time.

Susanna - posted on 03/01/2009

I can't imagine having all that on my plate! I don't think multiple doctors are necessary, personally. Often the school system will make it difficult for you to get the services you are entitled to. I would start by demanding the school to develop an IEP for him. Good luck.

Tracie - posted on 03/01/2009

Hi, my 5year is high functioning Pdd, with ADHD. I had the doctors do a test called Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence- Third Edition (WPPSI-III). Once this test is done, you take it to the school and show them the results. The school should then do an early intervention program study. It is mandatory upon receiveing the test results, to help get the intervention needed. My little guy does, speech, occupational, physical therapies in addition to the schools program. I did this on my own with a referal from his dr. He is now on the same levels education wise as the others. And to answer your question about doctors, mine sees 6 in addition to his primary. Each one possess different qualifications and different ways to help the little one. Esp. as they get older and kids in school notice the difference and make fun causeing aggression. Hope this helped

Rebekah - posted on 02/26/2009

You need to reach out to your state's Early Intervention Program to get a case study written up to prove to the school he has a diagnosis and you will probably have to see a neurologist for a diagnosis too. As for being overwhelmed with the cost of doctors such as OTs Speech Therapists Behavioral Therapist etc... your state should have a Department Of Developmental Delays, with a diagnosis your son can enroll in the States program and you can receive cash stiffens (not sure of the spelling) for assistance in paying for doctors or other things your son may need. Start calling around now and remember the schools the state they will all try and elude you, you must be your child's advocate. Good luck and let me know how you fare. :)