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Pervasive Developmental Disorders Reviewed 07-01-2001 Get Web page suited for printing Email this to a friend or colleague Studies with patients Table of Contents (click to jump to sections) What is Pervasive Developmental Disorders?Is there any treatment? What is the prognosis? What research is being done? Organizations Related NINDS Publications and Information 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 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 as well. Unusual responses to sensory information - loud noises, lights - are also common. Is there any treatment? What is the prognosis? What research is being done? National Information Center for Children and
Youth with Disabilities
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
National Institute on Deafness and Other
Communication Disorders Information Clearinghouse
National Institute of Child Health and Human
Development Clearinghouse
MAAP Services
[For Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, and PDD]
Autism Network International (ANI)
New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community (COSAC)
Autism Research Institute (ARI)
Autism National Committee (AUTCOM)
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) Related NINDS Publications and Information
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history. All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated. Provided by: | |||