Not Otherwise Specificied

So I've done some more research on A.J.'s diagnosis, which we learned was PDD. Further studying showed me the more accurate and complete diagnosis is PDD-NOS meaning Pervasive Development Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified. Children are given this diagnosis when they show some signs of autism, but doctors aren't necessarily sure where on the spectrum they fit.

Not Otherwise Specified?!?! What does that mean?! As a parent, I am not comforted by this terminology. I mean, let's just break this down. Pervasive just sounds awful all by itself. Development Disorder, tells everyone he is not in order. Not Otherwise Specified sounds like, "We aren't necessarily sure what to do with you, but you're not right."

In my mind, I categorize things. I have a little file box which I neatly tuck all things away in their proper place. Where do I file PDD-NOS? If the doctors aren't even sure where to put this, how am I supposed to know? I just got used to saying, "My child has PDD." I found a box to put that in, but this NOS nonsense has messed with my head.

I have truly struggled with this. A.J. is not a statistic, or a case study. He is my youngest child, my son. He is a sweet and loving little boy who likes to play games like, "I'm gonna give you a kiss," and "Tickle, Tickle." He is a laid back child who can count to 100 and loves the book, "I love you Through and Through." He is a beautiful little boy with long curly hair, long eyelashes, and five dimples. He is my son whom God has promised that his voice will change the world. A.J. may not be specified in the medical world, but he is completely specified by God his creator.

God's name is higher than all names, says the Psalms. His name is higher than a diagnosis. And I know exactly where to file that information.