The easiest way to receive disability benefits for PDD-NOS is to meet the criteria set forth in Social Security's impairment listing for autism spectrum disorder. PDD-NOS and Social Security's Blue Book Listings It is important to remember that every case of PDD-NOS is different, and symptoms that are prominent in one person may be entirely absent in another. In addition to social and communicative difficulties, a person diagnosed with PDD-NOS may have impaired motor skills, unusual or rigid routines, repetitive behaviors and movements, and mild intellectual deficits. The symptoms of PDD-NOS, particularly those involving social behavior, are frequently milder than those of autism, but not always. Sometimes referred to as "atypical autism," PDD-NOS is often diagnosed later in life than autism-sometimes in one's teen years and occasionally in adulthood. It is a sort of "residual" diagnosis used when a person's symptoms do not quite meet the diagnostic criteria for autism, Asperger's syndrome, or other developmental disorders. Pervasive development disorder is an autism spectrum disorder marked by severe deficits in social interaction and communication as well as limited or stereotyped behaviors and interests. Adults who do not meet the listing might instead receive a medical-vocational allowance if they can prove that their impairments prevent them from working.
Some individuals-adults or children-will meet the criteria for autism spectrum disorder found in Social Security's Listings of Impairments. This condition, which is characterized by difficulty communicating, problems interacting with others, and a highly limited group of interests and activities, may qualify a person for disability benefits in one of two ways. Individuals who are on the autism spectrum but don't have all the symptoms of autism or Asperger's syndrome may be diagnosed with PDD-NOS, or pervasive development disorder - not otherwise specified.