What is Pervasive Developmental Disorders?
The diagnostic category pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) refers to a group of disorders characterized by delays in the development of multiple basic functions including socialization and communication. Parents may note symptoms as early as infancy and typically onset is prior to 3 years of age. Symptoms may include communication problems such as 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, and repetitive body movements or behavior patterns. Autism (a developmental brain disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication skills, and limited range of activities and interests) is the most characteristic and best studied PDD. Other types of PDD include Asperger’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, Rett’s syndrome, and PDD not otherwise specified. Children with PDD vary widely in abilities, intelligence, and beh
