How to Recognize the 5 Pervasive Developmental Disorders

Pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) are relatively new. Two pervasive developmental disorders, autism and Asperger's syndrome were recorded in the early 1940's. PDD was introduced to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) in the 1980's.

There is some confusion about pervasive developmental disorders because they are also referred to as autism spectrum disorders. However, a person can have PDD and not have autism in particular.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Access to information about autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

1. Discover pervasive developmental disorders. Individuals who fall within a diagnosis of any of the 5 pervasive developmental disorders share some common symptoms. There are typically deficits in language, social interaction and behavior. Many individuals engage in repetitive movements commonly associated with autism.

2. Distinguish Asperger's from other PDD conditions. Individuals who have Asperger's syndrome are typically high functioning. They do not have as many communication deficits aside from difficulty understanding figurative language. Deficits are commonly in the realm of social interaction and behavior.

3. Learn about Rett's disorder. This rare condition is thought to be exclusive to girls because it is a fatal condition in male babies. This disorder is especially disturbing because it is regressive in nature. Children appear to have normal development until between 5 and 24 months. They lose previously mastered skills and regress from there.

4. Learn about childhood disintegrative disorder. This very rare and tragic condition can appear as early as 2 years to as late as 10 years in age. Children with this diagnosis seem to develop normally then abruptly lose motor skills, social awareness and communication. The onset is sudden and without warning.

5. Discover autism. This is the most well-known PDD but perhaps the most misunderstood. The condition ranges from very severe to mild. Individuals who have autism have deficits in social awareness, language acquisition, communication and behavior.

6. Distinguish autistic savants from other autistics. Those who are considered autistic savants (like Kim Peek, the inspiration for "Rainman") have severe social, communication and behavioral deficits. However, they have extraordinary splinter skills that leave neurotypical people speechless.

7. Understand splinter skills. While some autistic children excel in 1 or 2 certain areas, autistic savants have overwhelming talents. For example, Kim Peek can read 2 pages of a book simultaneously. One of his eyes absorbs information from one page while the other absorbs information from the other.

8. Get to know PDD-NOS. This diagnosis is considered a catchall by some. Individuals who have PDD-NOS exhibit some of the traits of autistic disorder. However, they do not meet all of the requirements to fall into 1 of the other 4 pervasive developmental disorders. PDD-NOS can be very mild or extremely severe.

Tips & Warnings

• Autistic savant is not a separate diagnosis and they represent only 10% of the autistic population.

Resources

• Find out more about Pervasive Developmental Disorders at NICHCY.
• Read more on PDD at the National Institute for Mental Health.

[Blackbear]

on 12/22/2007 Very sad but interesting. I had no idea.