PDD- Persuasive Developmental Disorder

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What is pervasive developmental disorder?

Researchers have defined pervasive developmental disorder as:

"The term "pervasive developmental disorders," also called PDDs, refers to a group of conditions that involve delays in the development of many basic skills. Most notable among them are the ability to socialize with others, to communicate, and to use imagination. Children with these conditions often are confused in their thinking and generally have problems understanding the world around them."

They are referred to as "developmental" disorders because they usually occur when a child is around three years old.

There are five types of pervasive developmental disorders:

• Autism
• Asperger's syndrome
• Childhood disintegrative disorder - This disorder can occur with children in all areas, mentally and physically. Between the ages of 2 and 10 a child will lose many basic skills he or she has developed. Not only can a child with disorder lose social and language skills but can lose control of other function such as bowel and bladder control.
• Rett's syndrome - children with disease suffer with physical development greatly as well with other PDD symptoms. They suffer from the loss of many motor/movement skills. This can include walking and the use of their hands. Children with disorder develop poor coordination. Research states a defect on the X chromosome causes this disorder. Thus it almost always affects girls.
• Pervasive development disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) - This category is used to refer to children who have significant problems with communication and play, and some difficulty interacting with others, but are too social to be considered autistic.

Learn more about:

• Diagnosis: essential for determining where the breakdowns are occurring
• Interventions: learning disorders CAN be overcome!