I had an appointment with the psychologist for my 11 & 4 yrold DDs to get a new perscriptions for the meds they are on. (1 for anxiety issues and the other for sleep). At the end of the appointment I asked about my oldest being tested for PDD. I told him we have an appointment in two weeks for a med check anyway and would it be better to discuss it then. The Dr said that that was never anything that had crossed his mind with her and no he wouldn't test her because she was a girl. Besides he wouldn't suggest that we do anything different with her then what we are already doing now. (She's on lamictal for moods, wellbutrin for ADHD, OT twice a week once for sensory and once for psych-social, 2x a week with speech therapy for ADHD.)

I understand that most cases of PDD is in males but there are cases of females being diagnosed with it. Maybe we wouldn't do anything different with her but at least I would know that I didn't screw up somewhere. There would be an explanation for some of the questions that I have been asking for the last 16 years. It took me months to even let myself consider this and to be shot down at the drop of hat just makes me even more fustrated. Don't get me wrong it's not that I want her to have a diagnosis of something I'm just tired of everyone asking and questioning my parenting skills.

Does anyone know besides a psychiatrist who can do these tests. She is 16, am I to late in asking this particular question? I don't know of a developmental pediatrician but she also sees a psychologist could she do the tests? Any help or suggestions of where to turn would be great.

That's ridiculous. Just like ADD is more prevalent in boys, so they wouldn't test girls in previous years! Get rid of that ignorant old fogey!

Yes, go for a developmental pediatrician. Your normal ped can recommend one, and you can go through your insurance company. I also asked the school - the principal and resource teachers. A psychotherapist can also make diagnoses.

Sorry, but that ignorance just makes me go grrrrrrr. Wouldn't it be better to rule things out? I can see saying no based on symptoms, but not gender.

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I am right there with you. I hate Dr's who have god complex! This guy has helped your family and I am sure you have stayed with him for a reason but perhaps it is time to look for someone who is more up to date with the current AMA issues. PDD is for both gender and if you want a test he should just do it because you asked.

Do try to find another Psychologist or specialist in SN disorders and get what you want, not what they will give you.

Good luck, April

Have you asked the DR about Rett's? It is predominant in girls. What about something else on the Autism spectrum. I feel like the Dr should be looking for something other than "ADHD" from what you described as far as medication. Keep trying! Don't give up!

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I agree with the others who said to seek out a developmental pediatrician or someone who wouldn't make such huge assumptions that PDD only affects males. Here is an awesome website Childbrain.com - PDD/ Autism
There is a PDD assessment/questionairre that you might find helpful.

I have a stupid question, but it's real to me. What is the difference between PDD and Non-PDD? My son was diagnosed w/non-pdd, but they didn't explain it to me, and we had so many other things to discuss w/his Aspergers, OCD and Sensory issues.

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I'm not sure the answer (and it's not a stupid question btw ). I have not heard of non-pdd but I have heard of pdd-nos (pervasive developmental disorder---not otherwise specified). I know that typical autism, Aspergers, Rett's syndrome, some believe ADHD & PDD-NOS all fall under the PDD umbrella. If you mean PDD-NOS (and not non-PDD) then your ds would not have PDD-NOS because he already has a PDD dx of Aspergers. Hope that makes sense.

Here is more info
Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified

You're right - it is PDD-NOS. At first, just to get him on the books for help at the school, they had him in as ADHD, which he is not, officially - the owner of the medical center did that because the diagnosing ped. was on vacation and couldn't complete the paperwork in time. However, it's still on his records. I'm more confused........

And what is Rett's syndrome?

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OMG, Goodnight moon, thank you for that link! I'm still confused, but it was informative - I am bookmarking it. The example they used? That IS my son!!!!!

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!

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I should have been more specific, I would like my DD tested for PDD-NOS. I know she doesn't have Asperger's or Autism but I still know something just isn't right.

PDD-NOS is usually milder than autism, with some symptoms present and others not. The focus is more on social interaction.

Desertmom here's a link to an abreviated description of Rett's syndrome Rett syndrome - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia