Autism Spectrum Disorders and Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Guide to learning about pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), such as characteristics for autism and asperger syndrome behavior. Developmental disorders are becoming a growing concern in today’s society. Statistics are now showing that Autistic Disorder is now occuring in one out of 110 children.
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).
Individuals with these disorders 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.
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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