Pervasive Developmental Disorder facts for kids

Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) is a group of conditions that affect how a person develops. These conditions are part of the autism spectrum. The full name for one of these conditions is pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). It is also sometimes called atypical autism.

What are Pervasive Developmental Disorders?

Pervasive developmental disorders are a group of five conditions. They affect how a person's brain develops. This can impact how they communicate and interact with others. These conditions are usually noticed in early childhood.

Types of Pervasive Developmental Disorders

There are five main types of PDD:

• Autistic disorder (often called classic autism)
• Asperger syndrome
• Pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)
• Rett syndrome
• Childhood disintegrative disorder

Autistic Disorder

This is the most well-known type of autism. Children with autistic disorder often have challenges with social interaction. They might also have trouble communicating. They may show repetitive behaviors. For example, they might flap their hands or repeat certain words.

Asperger Syndrome

People with Asperger syndrome usually have good language skills. They might even have a very large vocabulary. However, they can still struggle with social interactions. They might find it hard to understand social cues. They often have intense interests in specific topics.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

PDD-NOS is a diagnosis given when a person has some signs of autism. But they do not fully meet the criteria for autistic disorder or Asperger syndrome. It means they have significant developmental delays. These delays affect social skills, communication, or behavior.

Rett Syndrome

Rett syndrome is a rare genetic disorder. It mostly affects girls. Development seems normal at first. Then, between 6 and 18 months, skills start to decline. Girls with Rett syndrome often lose purposeful hand use. They may develop repetitive hand movements.

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

This is a very rare condition. Children develop normally for at least two years. Then, they lose many skills they had learned. This can include language, social skills, and motor skills. This loss of skills happens quickly.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs of PDD can vary a lot from person to person. They usually appear before a child is three years old.

Social Interaction Challenges

Children with PDD might find it hard to connect with others. They may:

• Avoid eye contact
• Not respond to their name
• Prefer to play alone
• Have trouble understanding feelings
• Not share their interests with others

Communication Difficulties

Communication can be verbal or non-verbal. Challenges might include:

• Delayed speech development
• Repeating words or phrases (echolalia)
• Difficulty starting or continuing a conversation
• Not using gestures like pointing
• Trouble understanding jokes or sarcasm

Repetitive Behaviors and Interests

Many children with PDD show repetitive actions. They might also have very specific interests. Examples include:

• Repeating body movements (like rocking or hand flapping)
• Being very particular about routines
• Having intense focus on one topic or object
• Being sensitive to certain sounds, lights, or textures

Causes of Pervasive Developmental Disorders

Scientists are still learning about what causes PDD. It is believed to be a mix of different factors.

Genetic Factors

Genetics play a big role. PDD often runs in families. Researchers have found several genes linked to autism. These genes can affect brain development.

Environmental Factors

Some environmental factors might also be involved. These are things a person is exposed to. However, no single environmental cause has been found. Research continues in this area.

Diagnosis and Support

Getting a diagnosis early can help children get the support they need.

How PDD is Diagnosed

A diagnosis usually involves a team of specialists. This team might include doctors, psychologists, and speech therapists. They observe the child's behavior. They also talk to parents about the child's development. There is no medical test for PDD.

Support and Therapies

While there is no cure, many therapies can help. These therapies focus on improving skills.

• Behavioral therapy: Helps children learn new skills and reduce challenging behaviors.
• Speech therapy: Improves communication skills.
• Occupational therapy: Helps with daily activities and sensory challenges.
• Special education: Provides learning environments tailored to a child's needs.

With the right support, children and teens with PDD can learn and grow. They can develop important life skills.

See also

In Spanish: Trastorno generalizado del desarrollo para niños