PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS

LUKE Y. TSAI, M.D.

NICHY BRIEFING PAPER #FS20, JANUARY 1998

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FINDING A PARENT SUPPORT GROUP

Children with PDDNOS are not the only ones who need extra help and support. Parenting a child with special needs is a demanding task. Learning and accepting that a child has a disability is a very emotional process. Initially, parents may feel alone and not know where to begin their search for information, assistance, and support. Parent groups offer parents and families a place to share information, give and receive emotional and practical support, and work as a team to address common goals.

Autism parent support groups are located throughout the country. Families whose child has PDDNOS can benefit from joining these support groups. See "Organizations" at the end of this publication for details.

CONCLUSION

Children with PDDNOS happen to have a unique disorder that will make certain parts of life more challenging. Many articles, booklets, and books contain useful information; however, these resources will probably not be found at the local library or bookstore. To get these materials, contact the organizations and publishers listed at the end of this Briefing Paper. The Internet is also a valuable information-collecting tool. Check out the helpful Web sites listed on page 15.

Learning more about the special needs of children with PDDNOS can be of enormous emotional and practical help to those who are involved with, and who care about, these special children.

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