PDD-NOS Checklist

PDD-NOS Checklist
Below is a checklist of symptoms a child with PDD-NOS might display. Keep in mind a person is diagnosed with PDD-NOS if they have some behaviors seen in autism but don't meet the full criteria for having an Autistic Disorder.

Checklist for Repetitive Behaviors and Unusual Interests

  • lines up toys
  • plays with toys in same manner every time
  • is very organized
  • is rigid about routines or object placements
  • upset by changes
  • eat few foods or only certain textures
  • eats inedible things (pica)
  • smells food
  • insensitive to pain

Helpful Toys & Games for PDD-NOS
Social Skills
Calming Products for Autism & PDD-NOS
Helpful Classroom Tools

  • unaware of danger (e.g., hot things)
  • tantrums for no apparent reason
  • has obsessive interests
  • hand flapping/finger flicking/toe walking
  • self-stimulation
  • likes spinning objects
  • likes to spin him/herself
  • likes parts of objects (e.g., wheels)
  • does not use toys appropriately (lines up cars by color rather that zooming them)
  • special areas of talent or expertise
  • perseveration
  • walks over things (e.g., toys) unaware

Social Signs & Symptoms Checklist for Communication & Language Symptoms

  • repeats words/phrases of others (Echolalia)
  • uses own language (jargoning)
  • reverses pronouns I/me/my and you/your
  • refers to self by name
  • does not respond to conversational initiation
  • gives unrelated answers to questions
  • makes comments unrelated to conversation topic
  • does not point
  • does not respond to pointing
  • uses few or no gestures
  • talks in monotone or robot-like
  • does not respond to own name
  • no pretend play; doesn’t understand pretend play
  • does not understand jokes, sarcasm, idioms, teasing, or similes

Checklist for Social Symptoms

  • avoiding eye-contact (actively or passively)
  • looking away
  • turning away
  • not interested in having friends
  • not interested in the activities of others
  • not sharing/showing objects or interests with parents
  • prefers to play alone
  • lives in a world of their own
  • does not imitate actions or language
  • doesn'’t smile (or only at familiar people)
  • seems unaware of others
  • uses people as a tool (e.g., puts mother’s hand on jar rather than asking or looking at person for request)
  • only interacts to achieve a desired goal
  • flat or inappropriate affect or facial expressions
  • odd posture (e.g., looks sideways at person)
  • does not understand personal space boundaries
  • avoids or resists physical contact
  • not comforted by others during distress