Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) — now known as autism spectrum disorder — are a group of developmental delays that affect social and communication skills. The typical onset of PDD occurs around age 3, but some parents notice symptoms during infancy. Treatment typically involves therapy and medications
What is pervasive developmental disorder (PDD)?
Pervasive developmental disorder was once a term used to describe a group of developmental delays that affect social and communication skills. But now healthcare providers call it autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This name change occurred in 2013, when the American Psychiatric Association reclassified the four following conditions into one umbrella diagnosis in the DSM-5:
1 Autistic disorder.
2.Asperger’s syndrome.
3.Childhood disintegrative disorder.
4.Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).
Note: “Autism spectrum disorder” is the correct, updated term for “pervasive developmental disorder.” But for this article, we’ll use both terms. People with pervasive developmental disorder may experience a range of challenges, including: Delays in language or communication. Trouble adjusting to changes in their routines or surroundings. Pervasive developmental disorder is the most common subtype of autism spectrum disorder, making up about 47% of all ASD diagnoses.
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Symptoms And Causes:
What are the symptoms of pervasive developmental disorder?
The most common pervasive developmental disorder symptoms include difficulty with communication and social interactions. Children with PDD may also:
1.Engage in repetitive behaviors like rocking or hand flapping.
2.Have difficulty expressing their thoughts through language.
3.Have a hard time with routine changes.
4.Avoid eye contact.
5.Have trouble engaging in conversation.
6.Have difficulty controlling their emotions.
7.Speak with a flat or high-pitched voice.
No two people with pervasive developmental disorder are the same. Symptoms can range from mild to severe — and most people fall somewhere between the two ends of the spectrum.
What causes pervasive developmental disorder?
Researchers are still working to find a specific cause for pervasive development disorder. But it’s likely there’s a combination of genetic and environmental factors rather than a single cause. Possible factors include:
Genetics. Plenty of experts believe that genetics plays a major role in PDD. But they’re still learning exactly how. Many people with pervasive developmental disorder have gene mutations (changes). In fact, scientists have found more than 100 genes on different chromosomes that contribute to autism spectrum disorder in some way. But it’s complex. Not everyone with PDD has the same mutations in every gene. And some of these same mutations appear in people without PDD. Currently, most researchers agree that specific genetic mutations likely cause specific symptoms — or control how severe those symptoms become. At the very least, these genetic mutations can increase your risk for PDD.
Environment. If you’re more prone to PDD because of a genetic mutation, then certain situations or environments can further increase your chances of developing it. For instance, if you have a specific genetic mutation, then getting an infection or coming into contact with a certain toxin can cause PDD.
Biology. Researchers continue to examine biological factors that may increase your risk of PDD. This includes conditions that affect your metabolism, immune system or certain areas of your brain. Pervasive developmental disorder risk factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a certain condition. Experts have identified some risk factors for PDD, including:
1.Having a sibling with PDD or another type of ASD.
2.Some genetic conditions like fragile X syndrome or Down syndrome.
3.Having biological parents who were at least 35 when you were born (advanced maternal age).
4.Low birth weight.
What are the complications of pervasive developmental disorder?
While every person with PDD has their own challenges, the severity of symptoms can vary widely. Some children with PDD have typical language skills, while others may not speak at all. Your healthcare provider can help determine what types of resources your child might need. Early diagnosis and treatment can often reduce your child’s symptoms.
Diagnosis And Tests
How do healthcare providers diagnose pervasive developmental disorder?
There’s no lab test or medical exam that can diagnose pervasive developmental disorder. Instead, healthcare providers observe a person’s behavior and look at their developmental history.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children have screenings for autism spectrum disorder when they’re 18 to 24 months of age. Most healthcare providers screen children during routine developmental and wellness checkups. During these checkups, your provider will talk and interact with your child. They’ll also ask you questions about how your child moves, behaves and communicates at home.
While most diagnoses occur in early childhood, providers can also diagnose PDD and other types of ASD in older children, teens and adults. If you think you or your child could have pervasive developmental disorder or a related condition, talk to your healthcare provider. They can do an evaluation or refer you to someone who specializes in ASD.
Management And Treatment
How do healthcare providers treat pervasive developmental disorder?
Healthcare providers use a variety of treatments to manage PDD, including:
1.Supportive therapies.
2.Medications.
3.Complementary medicine.
No two people are the same. What works for one may not work for another because each person has specific and unique needs. Your healthcare provider will design a personalized approach to give help and support where it’s needed most.
Supportive therapies
Supportive therapy is the mainstay treatment for pervasive developmental disorder. This can include things like:
Speech therapy to help build communication and comprehension skills.
Occupational therapy to strengthen coordination and help you learn routine tasks like bathing, getting dressed and brushing your teeth.
Physical therapy to develop motor skills and learn ways to exercise and increase stamina.
Applied behavioral analysis (ABA), a type of behavior therapy that aims to increase positive behaviors and decrease negative ones.
Medications
There are no medications that treat PDD directly. But many people with pervasive developmental disorder have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression or other similar conditions. In these cases, medications can help improve your overall quality of life.
Complementary medicine
Complementary medicine involves combining nontraditional approaches with traditional treatments. This can include a wide range of things like:
Art therapy.
Music therapy.
Massage.
Acupuncture.
Yoga.
Meditation.
Your provider can help you find complementary therapies to enhance your overall health and wellness.
Prevention
Can I prevent pervasive developmental disorder? No, there’s nothing you can do to prevent PDD or other types of ASD. If you or your child has this condition, it doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong. There are many reasons why people develop PDD, and none of them are under your control. There’s also no scientific evidence suggesting that childhood vaccinations cause PDD or ASD.
Early diagnosis and intervention are the best ways to manage pervasive developmental disorder. But it’s never too late to begin treatment, as it’s beneficial at any age.
Living With
When should I see my healthcare provider?
If you think your child might have PDD or a similar condition, talk to your healthcare provider about developmental screenings. They can tell you if your child’s screenings are up to date and whether they should see a specialist for further testing.
If you’re an adult who thinks you might have PDD or another type of ASD, ask your primary care physician for support. Due to the growing awareness around autism spectrum disorder, there are plenty of resources available today that weren’t available several years ago. It’s never too late to seek the support you deserve.
Pervasive Developmental Disorder
The diagnostic category pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), as opposed to specific developmental disorders (SDD), refers to a group of five disorders characterized by delays in the development of multiple basic functions including socialization and communication. The pervasive developmental disorders are:[1]
• Autism, the most commonly known,
• Rett syndrome,
• Childhood disintegrative disorder,
• Asperger syndrome, and
• Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), which includes atypical autism.
Parents may note symptoms of PDD as early as infancy and typically onset is prior to three years of age. PDD itself generally does not affect life expectancy.
There is a division among doctors on the use of the term PDD.[1] Many use the term PDD as a short way of saying PDD-NOS.[1] Others use the general category label of PDD because they are hesitant to diagnose very young children with a specific type of PDD, such as autism.[1] Both approaches contribute to confusion about the term, because the term PDD actually refers to a category of disorders and is not a diagnostic label.
PDD-NOS and terminology
PDD-NOS is often incorrectly referred to as simply “PDD.” The term PDD refers to the class of conditions to which Autism belongs. PDD is not itself a diagnosis, while PDD-NOS is a diagnosis. To further complicate the issue, PDD-NOS can also be referred to as “atypical personality development,” “atypical PDD,” or “atypical Autism”.
Because of the "NOS", which means "not otherwise specified", it is hard to describe what PDD-NOS is, other than it being an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Some people diagnosed with PDD-NOS are close to having Asperger syndrome, but do not quite fit. Others have near full fledged autism, but without some of its symptoms. The psychology field is considering creating several subclasses within PDD-NOS.
Symptoms
Symptoms of PDD may include communication problems such as:
• Difficulty 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
• Repetitive body movements or behavior patterns
Types and degrees
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 syndrome, and PDD not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).
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.
Diagnosis
In early childhood
Some clinicians use PDD-NOS as a "temporary" diagnosis for children under the age of 5, when for whatever reason there is a reluctance to diagnose autism. There are several justifications for this: very young children have limited social interaction and communication skills to begin with, therefore it can be tricky to diagnose milder cases of autism in toddlerhood. The unspoken assumption is that by the age of 5, unusual behaviors will either resolve or develop into diagnosable autism. However, some parents view the PDD label as no more than a euphemism for autism spectrum disorders, problematic because this label makes it more difficult to receive aid for Early Childhood Intervention.
Cure and care
There is no known cure for PDD. Medications are used to address certain behavioral problems; therapy for children with PDD should be specialized according to the child's specific needs.
Some children with PDD benefit from specialized classrooms in which the class size is small and instruction is given on a one-to-one basis. Others function well in standard special education classes or regular classes with support. Early intervention, including appropriate and specialized educational programs and support services play a critical role in improving the outcome of individuals with PDD. PDD is very commonly found in individuals and especially in children with the range of 2 to 5 years of age. These signs can be easily detected within the classroom settings, home, etc.