Pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect an individual’s ability to communicate, socialize, and engage in repetitive behaviors. These disorders are typically diagnosed in childhood and can have a significant impact on an individual’s social, academic, and occupational functioning. In this article, we will explore what pervasive developmental disorder is and the different types of PDD.
Definition of Pervasive Developmental Disorder
Pervasive developmental disorder is a term used to describe a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect an individual’s ability to communicate, socialize, and engage in repetitive behaviors. These disorders are typically diagnosed in childhood and can have a significant impact on an individual’s social, academic, and occupational functioning. PDD is also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a term that encompasses several different types of PDD.
5 Types Of Pervasive Developmental Disorder & Symptoms
There are several different types of PDD, each with its own set of symptoms and diagnostic criteria. The most common types of PDD include:
1.Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in communication and social interaction, as well as repetitive behaviors and restricted interests. Symptoms of ASD can range from mild to severe, and can have a significant impact on an individual’s social, academic, and occupational functioning.
Symptoms of ASD may include
- Difficulty with social interaction and communication, including difficulty with nonverbal communication and maintaining eye contact
- Delayed language development or difficulty with language use
- Repetitive behaviors and routines, such as rocking back and forth or lining up objects
- Restricted interests, such as an intense interest in a specific topic or object
- Sensory sensitivities, such as being overly sensitive to certain sounds or textures
2.Asperger’s Syndrome
Asperger’s syndrome is a type of PDD characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication, as well as restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Individuals with Asperger’s syndrome typically have average or above-average intelligence, and may have difficulty with nonverbal communication and social cues.
Symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome may include
- Difficulty with social interaction and communication, including difficulty with nonverbal communication and maintaining eye contact
- Delayed language development or difficulty with language use
- Repetitive behaviors and routines, such as rocking back and forth or lining up objects
- Restricted interests, such as an intense interest in a specific topic or object
- Difficulty with changes in routine or unexpected changes
3.Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Childhood disintegrative disorder is a rare type of PDD characterized by a significant loss of previously acquired skills in communication, social interaction, and play. This loss typically occurs between the ages of 2 and 4, and can have a significant impact on an individual’s social, academic, and occupational functioning.
Symptoms of childhood disintegrative disorder may include
- Loss of previously acquired skills in communication, social interaction, and play
- Difficulty with social interaction and communication, including difficulty with nonverbal communication and maintaining eye contact
- Repetitive behaviors and routines, such as rocking back and forth or lining up objects
- Restricted interests, such as an intense interest in a specific topic or object
- Difficulty with changes in routine or unexpected changes
4.Rett Syndrome
Rett syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that primarily affects females. Symptoms of Rett syndrome typically appear between 6 and 18 months of age, and can include a loss of previously acquired skills, difficulties with communication and social interaction, and repetitive hand movements.
Symptoms of Rett syndrome may include
- Loss of previously acquired skills in communication, social interaction, and play
- Difficulty with social interaction and communication, including difficulty with nonverbal communication and maintaining eye contact
- Repetitive hand movements, such as wringing or clapping
- Breathing difficulties, including hyperventilation and breath-holding spells
- Seizures
5.Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
PDD-NOS is a type of PDD that does not meet the diagnostic criteria for autism, Asperger’s syndrome, or other specific PDDs. Individuals with PDD-NOS may have some symptoms of PDD, but not enough to meet the diagnostic criteria for a specific disorder.
Symptoms of PDD-NOS may include
- Difficulty with social interaction and communication, including difficulty with nonverbal communication and maintaining eye contact
- Delayed language development or difficulty with language use
- Repetitive behaviors and routines, such as rocking back and forth or lining up objects
- Restricted interests, such as an intense interest in a specific topic or object
- Sensory sensitivities, such as being overly sensitive to certain sounds or textures
Conclusion
Pervasive developmental disorder is a term used to describe a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect an individual’s ability to communicate, socialize, and engage in repetitive behaviors. Autism spectrum disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, Rett syndrome, and PDD-NOS are all types of PDD.
These disorders are typically diagnosed in childhood and can have a significant impact on an individual’s social, academic, and occupational functioning. If you or someone you know may have a PDD, it is important to seek the advice of a licensed mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
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