Differentiating pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified from autism and language disorders.
An 80-item chart checklist spots PDD-NOS from language delay better than from autism, but later tools like ADI-R plus ADOS-G do the job even better.
01Research in Context
What this study did
The team pulled 80 items from old charts. They wanted to see which items best split PDD-NOS from pure language delay and from classic autism.
Charts came from the kids already given one of the three labels. No new testing—just mining what was already written.
What they found
A short checklist made from those 80 items cleanly separated PDD-NOS from language disorder. It was weaker at splitting PDD-NOS from classic autism.
In plain numbers, the hit rate was high against language problems, so-so against autism.
How this fits with other research
Noterdaeme et al. (2002) later showed the ADI-R parent interview plus ADOS-G observation beats any single tool. Their combo caught most autism cases and only mis-labeled one language case—an upgrade on the 1993 chart list.
Narzisi et al. (2013) moved the job downward to toddlers. They found the CBCL 1½-5 Withdrawn and PDD subscales screen later ASD with over a large share accuracy. Same goal, younger kids, newer tool.
Gabriels et al. (2001) introduced the M-CHAT for 18-24-month screens. Like the 1993 list, it’s brief, but it targets red-flag behaviors parents notice, not clinician notes.
Why it matters
If you still use chart reviews for intake, pull the 80-item set when you need to rule out pure language delay. For firmer calls, add ADI-R and ADOS-G. And toss an M-CHAT or CBCL on top for toddlers. Layering brief screens builds the clearest picture before you write the report.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Features useful in distinguishing children with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) from those with autism or language disorder were developed from a retrospective chart review using groups of children with PDD-NOS and MA- and sex-matched autistic and language-disordered groups. Charts were reviewed using a list of 80 items compiled from various sources. Items that had adequate interrater reliability and significantly discriminated the PDD-NOS cases from the language-disordered or autistic cases were then evaluated using a second set of cases and signal detection methods. Fewer items significantly discriminated cases with autism from those with PDD-NOS as compared to cases with language disorder. Clinical implications are discussed.
Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 1993 · doi:10.1007/BF01066420