Pervasive Developmental Disorders

difficulty relating to people, emotions, objects, and events

unusual play with toys and other objects

problems regulating sensory information such as sound and temperature

difficulty with changes in routine or familiar surroundings

repetitive body movements and behavior patterns

self-injurious behavior

 

Types of PDD:

Autistic Disorder:
Autism is a childhood disorder characterized by significant impairment in social interactions, gross and significant impairment in communication, and restricted patterns of behavior, interest, and activities.

Asperger's Disorder:
Asperger's is characterized by impairments in social relationships and restricted or unusual behaviors or activities, but it does not present the language delays observed in people with autism.

Rett's Disorder:
This disorder is almost exclusively observed in females, and is a progressive neurological disorder that is characterized by constant handwringing, mental retardation, and impaired motor skills.

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder:
CDD involves severe regression in language, adaptive behavior, and motor skills after a period of normal development for approximately 2-4 years.

Causes of PDD:

The exact cause of PDD is not known. Many believe a combination of biological conditions may contribute to the development of or cause these disorders, including brain trauma, viral infections, and genetics.

Treatment of PDD:

There is no known cure for PDD. Medications are sometimes used to help with specific behavioral problems. Therapy works well for some children with PDD and should be specialized according to each child's specific needs. Some children have shown improvement on various diets and nutritional programs, and speech and occupational therapy can help with communication, sensory and motor problems.

Many children with PDD will require special education and accommodations in the classroom. Setting up an IEP for your child will enable your child to get all the benefits of education possible.