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The relationship between a grandfather and grandson strengthens greatly after they find out they share something so meaningful and unique. Gottlieb is a quadriplegic and when his daughter gave birth to her son, his grandson, he felt so connected to him. This book takes you through the journey and connection of a grandfather and a grandson who was diagnosed with a form of autism. Gottlieb wanted Sam to have everything at his fingertips of what life is like with a disability and how to navigate certain things with it. Gottlieb talks about family, body, mind and spirit, the future and tries to help Sam find a place in this world. Gottlieb curated chapter and chapters filled with letters to Sam to take him through this journey even after Gottlieb is no longer there to be by Sams side. The book is filled with love, gratitude, spiritual advice, pain, patience, faith and so much more.

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I don't have a spot on personal connection with this book, however, the entire time reading it I kept thinking and wishing I could talk to my grandparents again or even read some little letters like the ones in the book. It really made me think about how much wisdom, honest truths and advice I could have gotten from my grandparents if I was able to spend a little more time with them. This book made me super emotional and even though I don't identify with a disability, these letters touched a special place in my heart.

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Throughout this course we touched base on many different topics, themes, readings and content. This book almost encapsulates the course in a whole because it takes us through each stage of life that someone with a disability goes through. Specifically, we had discussions on how every day tasks that we go through each day are 10x harder for people who have disabilities and in this novel, we can put ourselves in Sam or Gottlieb's shoes and almost relive these experiences with them.

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Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Autism

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Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Autism

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Pervasive Development Disorder - What is it?

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Pervasive Development Disorder - What is it?

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What are the symptoms of pervasive developmental disorder?

The most common pervasive developmental disorder symptoms include difficulty with communication and social interactions. Children with PDD may also:

Engage in repetitive behaviors like rocking or hand flapping.

Have difficulty expressing their thoughts through language.

Have a hard time with routine changes.

Avoid eye contact.

Have trouble engaging in conversation.

Have difficulty controlling their emotions.

Speak with a flat or high-pitched voice.

No two people with pervasive developmental disorder are the same. Symptoms can range from mild to severe - and most people fall somewhere between the two ends of the spectrum.

What causes pervasive developmental disorder?

Researchers are still working to find a specific cause for pervasive development disorder. But it's likely there's a combination of genetic and environmental factors rather than a single cause. Possible factors include:

Genetics. Plenty of experts believe that genetics plays a major role in PDD. But they're still learning exactly how. Many people with pervasive developmental disorder have gene mutations (changes). In fact, scientists have found more than 100 genes on different chromosomes that contribute to autism spectrum disorder in some way. But it's complex. Not everyone with PDD has the same mutations in every gene. And some of these same mutations appear in people without PDD. Currently, most researchers agree that specific genetic mutations likely cause specific symptoms - or control how severe those symptoms become. At the very least, these genetic mutations can increase your risk for PDD.

Environment. If you're more prone to PDD because of a genetic mutation, then certain situations or environments can further increase your chances of developing it. For instance, if you have a specific genetic mutation, then getting an infection or coming into contact with a certain toxin can cause PDD.

Biology. Researchers continue to examine biological factors that may increase your risk of PDD. This includes conditions that affect your metabolism, immune system or certain areas of your brain.

Pervasive developmental disorder risk factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a certain condition. Experts have identified some risk factors for PDD, including:

Having a sibling with PDD or another type of ASD.

Some genetic conditions like fragile X syndrome or Down syndrome.

Having biological parents who were at least 35 when you were born (advanced maternal age).

Low birth weight.

What are the complications of pervasive developmental disorder?

While every person with PDD has their own challenges, the severity of symptoms can vary widely. Some children with PDD have typical language skills, while others may not speak at all. Your healthcare provider can help determine what types of resources your child might need. Early diagnosis and treatment can often reduce your child's symptoms.

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Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Now Called Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Pervasive developmental disorders - now known as autism spectrum disorder - are a group of developmental delays that affect social and communication skills.

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What is PDD-NOS?

PDD-NOS stands for Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified. PDD-NOS was one of several previously separate subtypes of autism that were folded into the single diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with the publication of the DSM-5 diagnostic manual in 2013.

In the past, psychologists and psychiatrists often used the term "pervasive developmental disorders" and "autism spectrum disorders" (ASD) interchangeably. As such, PDD-NOS became the diagnosis applied to children or adults who are on the autism spectrum but do not fully meet the criteria for another ASD such as autistic disorder (sometimes called "classic" autism) or Asperger syndrome.

Like all forms of autism, PDD-NOS can occur in conjunction with a wide spectrum of intellectual ability. Its defining features are significant challenges in social and language development.

Some developmental health professionals refer to PDD-NOS as "subthreshold autism." In other words, it's the diagnosis they use for someone who has some but not all characteristics of autism or who has relatively mild symptoms. For instance, a person may have significant autism symptoms in one core area such as social deficits, but mild or no symptoms in another core area such as restricted, repetitive behaviors.

As a diagnosis, PDD-NOS remains relatively new, dating back only 15 years or so. As a result, some physicians and educators may not be familiar with the term or may use it incorrectly.

The current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM-IV) spells out the criteria for a diagnosis of PDD-NOS. Unfortunately, this description consists of a single paragraph, which mainly asserts what it is not:

"This category should be used when there is severe and pervasive impairment in the development of reciprocal social interaction associated with impairment in either verbal or nonverbal communication skills or with the presence of stereotyped behavior, interests, and activities, but the criteria are not met for a specific Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, Schizotypal Personality Disorder, or Avoidant Personality Disorder. For example, this category includes "atypical autism" - presentations that do not meet the criteria for Autistic Disorder because of late age at onset, atypical symptomatology, or subthreshold symptomatology, or all of these."

More helpful, perhaps, are studies suggesting that persons with PDD-NOS can be placed in one of three very different subgroups:

A high-functioning group (around 25 percent) whose symptoms largely overlap with that of Asperger syndrome, but who differ in terms of having a lag in language development and mild cognitive impairment. (Asperger syndrome does not generally involve speech delay or cognitive impairment).

A second group (around 25 percent) whose symptoms more closely resemble those of autistic disorder, but do not fully meet all its diagnostic signs and symptoms.

A third group (around 50 percent) who meet all the diagnostic criteria for autistic disorder, but whose stereotypical and repetitive behaviors are noticeably mild.

As these findings suggest, individuals with PDD-NOS vary widely in their strengths and challenges.

How might a parent or an affected adult recognize PDD-NOS?

PDD-NOS is characterized by delays in the development of socialization and communication skills. Parents may notice associated behaviors as early as infancy. These may include delays in using and understanding language, difficulty relating to people, unusual play with toys and other objects, difficulty with changes in routine or surroundings and repetitive body movements or behavior patterns. (Please also see Learn the Signs.)

How should Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS) be treated?

As with all autism spectrum disorders, early diagnosis and intervention offer the best chance for optimizing outcomes - including success in mainstream classrooms and the achievement of independence and a high quality of life in adulthood. However, it is never too late to begin behavioral therapy.

As previously mentioned, no two individuals with PDD-NOS are alike. Indeed, they can have completely different strengths and challenges. As a result, treatments and interventions should be highly individualized based on a thorough assessment by a qualified developmental specialist. The evaluation should consider such factors as behavioral history, current symptoms, communication patterns, social competence and neuropsychological functioning.

Parents of children diagnosed with PDD-NOS should pursue an Early Intervention Program (EIP) for a young child and an Individual Education Program (IEP) for a school-age child. For more information, see the Autism Speaks 100 Day Kit and IEP Guide.

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Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) | Autism Speaks

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Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified , also known as PDD-NOS, was previously classified as a mild form of autism in the DSM-5 diagnostic manual.

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The letters presented in this novel have a surplus amount of themes and main ideas throughout. Some main ones that I find to be important include :

Self Acceptance

Purity

Love