Pervasive Developmental Disorders Finding a Diagnosis and Getting Help

By Mitzi Waltz
First Edition  July 1999 
Pages: 577
ISBN 10: 1-56592-530-0 | ISBN 13: 9781565925304
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Book description

This unique book encompasses both the practical aspects as well as the personal stories and emotional facets of living with PDD-NOS, the most common pervasive developmental disorder. Parents of an undiagnosed child may suspect many things, from autism to severe allergies. Pervasive Developmental Disorders is for parents (or newly diagnosed adults) who struggle with this neurological condition that profoundly impacts the life of child and family.
Full Description

Pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) include autism and a range of other neurological disorders. This book focuses on the most common, PDD-NOS (not otherwise specified). There are at least 250,000 Americans with this diagnosis, one-third of which are children. (According to researchers, there may be as many as twice that number who fit the criteria but who remain undiagnosed or have been misdiagnosed.) Parents of a young child with undiagnosed PDD may suspect any number of things, from autism to severe allergies. Pervasive Development Disorders: Finding a Diagnosis and Getting Help is the guide for parents (or newly diagnosed adults) who struggle with this neurological condition that profoundly impacts the life of the child and family. There are medications, therapies, and educational techniques that can address symptoms and improve the lives of people with PDD. In some cases, the results can be spectacular. Topics include:
  • Getting a diagnosis, including preparing for a diagnostic interview in a medical, psychiatric, or school setting; the book includes descriptions of all diagnostic tests and checklists/questions used by professionals
  • Treatment options, including: pharmaceutical medications, vitamins and supplements, sensory integration, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, behavior modification, "floor time" play therapy, talk therapy, and parenting techniques
  • Coping with diagnosis and treatment, including emotions and support systems, insurance system, and educational plans
  • Stories from a range of parents helping their children

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Cover | Table of Contents | Index | Sample Chapter


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Pervasive Developmental Disorders Review,  November 22 1998
Submitted by Nancy Miller, OTR   [Respond | View]



Mitzi Waltz's book, Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Finding Diagnosis and Getting Help is excellent. I feel it is comprehensive, yet brief, giving the reader an opportunity to learn about all aspects of the disorder.

As an occupational therapist working in a public school setting, there is one clarification I would like to make. In these trying times of litigation, I think it is extremely important that accurate information be available for parents and professionals in the field.

In the section on sensory integration, there is a misrepresentation of what it means to be certified in sensory integration. An occupational therapist can become certified to give the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT) by taking several sequential courses offered through Sensory Integration International (SII)and recently some coursework is being offered at USC in conjunction with Western Psychological Services (publishers of the test).

An OT does not have to be certified to utilize sensory integration treatment strategies in therapy sessions with children. I would agree that continuing education in the area of sensory processing and sensory integration is important, but one can observe,assess and interpret behaviors using a sensory integration framework without administering the standardized SIPT.

This issue is important and the distinction clarifying what SI Certification means is important. Parents are requesting more sensory integration therapy for their children, by requesting someone who is certified can confuse the issue.

This issue of certification seems to have become quite the topic among OTs, especially since there now appear to be two camps, SII and USC/WPS.

In our school district, there are 6 OTRs on staff, all who have continuing education in sensory integration. One therapist is certified to administer the SIPT. If the team feels the SIPT will give the best information, he administers the test. In most cases however, the therapist on the team uses other tools such as the Sensory Profile, Sensorimotor Performance Assessment, Sensory Integration Inventory, and observations to assess sensory issues. In making decisions about the need for OT services, we may include sensory integration in our interventions, but it is not the sole frame of reference from which we base our decisions.

Although the book cannot be changed now, I would encourage the author to revisit this section for future editions.

I would appreciate these comments being shared with the author rather than as a review.

Thank you.
Nancy Miller, OTR

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Media reviews "Highly recommended. ...Her intention in this book is to bring together the basic information needed by parents of a child with these disorders." --Alan Rees, Alan Rees on Consumer Health, A Majors Report

"Mitzi Waltz's book provides clear, informative, and comprehensive information on every relevant aspect of PDD. Her in-depth discussion will help parents and professionals develop a clear understanding of the issues; and consequently, they will be able to make informed decisions about various interventions. A job well done!" --Dr. Stephen M. Edelson, Director of the Center for the Study of Autism in Salem, OR

"I find Mitzi Waltz' book a 'must have' for parents, educators, and health professionals. She clearly defines the difficulties and options associated with pervasive development disorders...an excellent piece of work." --Dr. Michael Goldberg, Director Neuroimmune Dysfunction Syndrome Medical Board and Research Institute

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