Pervasive Developmental Disorders

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), there are five primary Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs). They are: Autism, Rett's Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). Each of these disorders shares some common characteristics. Among these are poor social skills, communication deficiencies, stereotyped behaviors, and an early onset of the specific disorder. While it may not be difficult to diagnose PDD in general, the specific diagnosis of which sub-category best describes a child's condition may not be so easy. Yet the differential diagnosis is crucial in order to insure that these children receive the most appropriate focused intervention possible at the earliest time.

This module examines the characteristics of each of the five sub-categories of PDD, to include intervention and possible treatment. It must be remembered that quite often the characteristics of these sub-categories may overlap with each other, or with other disabilities. This lack of clear delineation in diagnosis makes it imperative that parents, educators, and medical personnel maintain open lines of communication, and that observation and evaluation be an ongoing process throughout the child's education.

This module is intended only as a brief summation of information, and is by no means intended as the definitive word on these disorders. There are numerous resources, both on the World Wide Web and in print, that are available to those who wish to further their knowledge.

Autism

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

Rett's Syndrome

Asperger's Syndrome

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This page was last updated on: August 11, 2004