PDD is not fatal and does not affect normal life expectancy. Girls with PDD tend to have slightly lower IQs, demonstrate less proficiency in verbal and visual-spatial skills, and have a higher rate of abnormal EEGs and. What Is The Prognosis?Įarly intervention including appropriate and specialized educational programs and support services plays a critical role in improving the outcome of individuals with pervasive developmental disorders. Learn more about the Sensory Challenges of PDD-NOS. Others function well in standard special education classes or regular classes with additional support. The DSM 5 (2013) eliminated PDD in favor of Autism Spectrum Disorders, with specifiers for mild, moderate, and severe autism. 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. Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) was a DSM umbrella term for autism, Asperger’s, and PDD-not otherwise specified (NOS) for those who met only some of the PDD criteria. Medications are used to address specific behavioral problems therapy for children with PDD should be specialized according to need. There is no known cure for pervasive developmental disorders. Unusual responses to sensory information, such as loud noises and lights, are also common. Repetitive play skills and limited social skills are generally evident. Some children do not speak at all, others speak in limited phrases or conversations, and some have relatively normal language development. Other types of PDD include Asperger’s Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Rett Syndrome.Ĭhildren with Pervasive Developmental Disorders vary widely in abilities, intelligence, and behaviors. The actual term itself does not refer to one specific disorder but is the general name given to an entire category of disorders. Repetitive body movements or behavior patterns.Īutism (a developmental brain disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication skills, and a limited range of activities and interests) is the most characteristic and best studied pervasive developmental disorders. Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) is a type of disorder that affects an individuals ability to develop normal communication and socialization skills.Difficulty with changes in routine or familiar surroundings.Unusual play with toys and other objects The term pervasive developmental disorders, also called PDDs, refers to a group of conditions that involve delays in the development of many basic skills.Difficulty relating to people, objects, and events.Problems with using and understanding language.