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Autism Spectrum Disorders
and
Pervasive Developmental Disorders

Pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), such as autism are becoming a growing concern in today’s society. There are five categories for PDD, including(1):

1. PDD, not otherwise specified (NOS)
2. Autism
3. Asperger's Syndrome
4. Rett Syndrome
5. Childhood disintegrative disorder
They are all neurological disorders typically evident by age three and have the following characteristics in common: Impairments in imaginative play, verbal and nonverbal communication abilities, and social skills(1). They also typically have a limited number of interests and engage in repetitive behavior(1). Symptoms of mild autism may be very similar to the symptoms of asperger's syndrome.

More specific PDD symptoms include(2):

• Problems with verbal communication, including delays in expressive and receptive language.
• Problems with nonverbal communication, including facial expressions and gestures.
• Difficulty developing conversation skills or learning proper social etiquette (eg. Please, Thank you and I’m sorry).
• Self-stimulatory or repetitive behaviors, such as hand flapping, toe walking, and repetitive sounds.
• Limited eye contact.
• Self-injurious behavior, Aggression, and/or Temper Tantrums past the typical terrible-two stage.
• Sleep disturbance, anxiety, and fearfulness.
Skills, intelligence and abilities differ greatly between individuals diagnosed with PDD. Depending on the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria, specific symptoms for each child are classified into one of the five categories for PDD.

The category for Pervasive Developmental disorders, not otherwise specified (PDDNOS) generally refers to the children that may have considerable delays in communication and play, but are too social to be diagnosed with Autism(2).

Treatment

Treatment options for autism and pervasive developmental disorders typically involve behavioral interventions including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) -currently the most effective scientifically evidence-based approach(3). Behavioral interventions can also be used for the treatment of other disorders, such as Down syndrome and Fragile X Syndrome. Other treatment options may include a special autism diet, such as a gluten free diet, speech therapy, and/or occupational therapy.

You may also click on the following link to check out some tips to help your child adjust to a healthier diet and aid them in a reduction of undesirable behaviors that are often associated with autism when trying to change diets.

Schools will usually place a child in a classroom with other children having similar diagnoses. Sometimes they may place a child in a regular classroom, if the child is better able to succeed. A site dedicated to understanding special education provides parents with a guide to understanding the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process, special education law, and tips for improving school success.


Developmental Disorders
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Using social stories
Autism Treatments
Asperger’s Syndrome
Rett’s Disorder
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Fragile X Syndrome
ADHD and Coexisting Behavior Disorders
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD Checklist
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Conduct Disorder
Sensory Processing Disorders

Tactile Defensiveness
Proprioceptive Dysfunction
Auditory Processing Disorder
Oral Input Dysfunction
Sensory Processing Disorder Treatment
School Behavior
Listening Skills
Study and Homework tips
Homework charts
Tips for Improving Attention and Memory
Applied Behavior Analysis
Discrete Trial Training
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
Printable Behavior Charts
More free behavior charts
Chore Charts
Homework Charts
Behavior Help
Using social stories
Free Child Behavior Help Book
Dealing with Temper Tantrums or Meltdowns
Preventing Attention Seeking Behavior
Self Injury
Ways to Deal with Defiant Children
Tips for helping your child easily change activities
Dealing with picky eaters
Sleep problems
Skin Picking
Aggressive Behavior
Work at home jobs
Virtual call center Jobs
Revealing work at home scams

Have some news or news commentary related to Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) or Autism you can share?

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What Other Visitors Have Said

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Ohio bill requires insurance companies to pay for ABA therapy  Not rated yet
Ohio is in the process of passing a bill requiring insurance companies to cover Autism as they would other chronic Diseases. There are controversial arguments ...

FDA drug approved for treating irritability in autism  Not rated yet
Well the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have officially approved the medication Abilify for children with autism displaying irritability. I’m not sure ...







References


1.Tsai, Luke Y. (Updated 2003). Disability Info: Pervasive Developmental Disorders. National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY).

2. Pervasive Developmental Disorders. (2009). WebMD. www.webmd.com. 11-21-09

3. Simpson, R.L. 1999. "Early Intervention with Children with Autism: The Search for Best Practices." Journal of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps 24(3):218-221.


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