Diagnosing PDD

I have a son that is 8 years old, an evaluation by the school in kindergarden indicated PDD-NOS. He has never been officially diagnosed. How do I go about getting a true reading (for lack of better words) on the difficulties my son has encountered? He requires an aid in school for some of the day and times at home are dabbled with tantrums and meltdowns. (they are becoming fewer) I am in need of deciplne techniques and guidance. Our marriage has suffered greatly due to lack of understanding on how to handle a child with a learning disability. What resources are available(besides this one I discovered!!!) I am willing to attend seminars and the like.
Help Please!

RADZAN

Hi RADZAN, and welcome to IAN.

One thing you might consider is getting an official diagnosis for your son. Schools "evaluate" children in order to "place" them in an appropriate educational program. They don't really want to be in the business of diagnosing, because it's not their role, but enter that arena sideways through evaluation of needs. A really thorough diagnosis can help define needs to guide treatments, interventions, and how you approach your child's challenges.

If you decided to seek a diagnosis from a professional or team of professionals, you might ask your pediatrician who the local experts in autism spectrum diagnosis in your area are. This may be a psychiatrist, a developmental pediatrician, or a team at a local university. The school is, of course, also in the know. Although they probably aren't allowed to refer you to specific physicians, you could always say, "So, what are some of the places families take their children for a diagnostic work-up?" and see if someone will share some information.

Another good source of referrals is other parents with children on the spectrum. Whether they are parents you meet because their children are in programs with your child, or whether through a support group, a local chapter of the Autism Society of America, or Autism Speaks...find parents who have some experience in this and ask what they know.

We have an excellent article on what to expect once you are going for a diagnostic evaluation here: http://www.iancommunity.org/cs/articles/frequently_asked_questions_about_autism_spectrum_diagnoses

You were also asking about possible classes or workshops. These can be found in a variety of places. Sometimes, school districts offer parenting classes for children of special needs, as do state disability organizations (such as the Regional Center system in California). Autism advocacy organizations also provide local and regional conferences offering a wide variety of workshops. Again, ask teachers, the special ed department of the school district, advocacy organizations, and your pediatrician if they know of any programs for parents that may be helpful.

Some additional resources:

Autism Speaks' Autism Response Team (members are specially trained to connect families with information, resources and opportunities): http://www.autismspeaks.org/community/outreach/autism_response_team.php

Autism Society of America local chapters: http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=community_chapters

I hope this information proves helpful for you!