Autism - Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD)
Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder are developmental disabilities that share many of the same characteristics. Usually evident by age three, autism and PDD are neurological disorders that affect a child’s ability to communicate, understand language, play and relate to others.
A diagnosis of autistic disorder is made when an individual displays 6 or more of 12 symptoms listed across three major areas: social interaction, communication and behavior. When children display similar behaviors but do not meet the criteria for autistic disorder, they may receive a diagnosis of Pervasive Developmental Disorder.
Other characteristics often associated with autism are engagement in repetitive activities and stereotyped movements, resistance to environmental change or change in daily routines and unusual responses to sensory experiences.
Autism and PDD occur in approximately 5 to 15 per 10,000 births. These disorders are four times more common in boys than girls.
Some or all of the following characteristics may be observed in mild to severe forms:
- Communication problems (e.g., using and understanding language);
- Difficulty in relating to people, objects, and events;
- Unusual play with toys and other objects;
- Difficulty with changes in routine or familiar surroundings; and
- Repetitive body movements or behavior patterns.
Children with autism or PDD vary widely in abilities, intelligence and behaviors. Some children do not speak; others have limited language that often includes repeated phrases or conversations. People with more advanced language skills tend to use a small range of topics and have difficulty with abstract concepts. Repetitive play skills, a limited range of interests and impaired social skills are generally evident as well. Unusual responses to sensory information are also common.
Examples, Subsets and Synonyms for Autism/Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) (autistic spectrum disorders)
- Autism
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder
- Asperger Syndrome
- Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
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Related Marcus Autism Center Clinical Programs
Behavior Treatment Clinics
Pediatric Feeding Disorders
Program
Early Intervention Program
Pediatric Neurodevelopmental
Center
Related Marcus Autism Center Educational Programs
Additional Resources:
TEACCH, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
(www.teacch.com
Autism Society of America
(www.autism-society.org)
Indiana Institute on Disability and Community
(www.iidc.indiana.edu)
Interactive Autism Network
(www.IANproject.org)