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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. Other types include Asperger syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and Rett syndrome. Symptoms of this disorder vary, but include problems relating to others and difficulty with changes in routine.
What Is Pervasive Developmental Disorder?
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 three 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:
- Asperger syndrome
- Childhood disintegrative disorder
- Rett syndrome
- Pervasive developmental disorder -- not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS, including atypical autism).
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.
- 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.
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What Is Pervasive Developmental Disorder?
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD