Pervasive Developmental Disorder

Pervasive developmental disorder is an umbrella term for a group of disorders in which people have delays in the development of socialization and communication skills. Autism is perhaps the best known type of this disorder. Other types include Asperger syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and Rett syndrome. Symptoms of pervasive developmental disorder vary, but include problems relating to others and difficulty with changes in routine.

 

Pervasive Developmental Disorder: An Overview

Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) refers to a group of disorders characterized by delays in the development of socialization and communication skills. Parents may note symptoms as early as infancy, although the typical age of onset is before 3 years of age.
 

Types of Pervasive Developmental Disorder

Autism (a developmental brain disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication skills and by a limited range of activities and interests) is the most characteristic and best-studied pervasive developmental disorder.
 
Other types of pervasive developmental disorder include:
 
These conditions all have some of the same symptoms, but they differ in terms of when the symptoms start, how fast they appear, how severe they are, and their exact nature.
 

Symptoms of Pervasive Developmental Disorder

 
  • Problems with using and understanding language
  • Difficulty relating to people, objects, and events
  • Unusual play with toys and other objects
  • Difficulty with changes in routine or familiar surroundings
  • Repetitive body movements or behavior patterns.
     
Children with pervasive developmental disorder vary widely in abilities, intelligence, and behaviors. Some children do not speak at all, others speak in limited phrases or conversations, and some have relatively normal language development. Repetitive play skills and limited social skills are generally evident. Unusual responses to sensory information, such as loud noises and lights, are also common.
 

Treating Pervasive Developmental Disorder

There is no known cure for pervasive developmental disorder. Medications can be used to address specific behavioral problems; therapy for children with pervasive developmental disorder should be specialized according to need. Some children with pervasive developmental disorder benefit from specialized classrooms in which the class size is small and instruction is given on a one-to-one basis. Others function well in standard special education classes or regular classes with additional support.
 

Prognosis With Pervasive Developmental Disorder

Early intervention, including appropriate and specialized educational programs and support services, plays a critical role in improving the outcome of individuals with pervasive developmental disorder. The disorder is not fatal and does not affect normal life expectancy.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD