Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) is a group of developmental disorders characterized by delays in the development of socialization and communication skills. PDD is now known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The onset of PDD occurs during infancy, but the condition is usually not identified until the child is around three years old. Parents may begin to question the health of their child when developmental milestones are not met, including age-appropriate motor movement and speech production. Symptoms of PDD may include:
- Problems with using and understanding language
- Difficulty relating to people, objects, and events
- Different modes of playing with toys and other objects
- Difficulty with changes in routine or surroundings
- Repetitive body movements or behavior patterns
Children with PDD vary widely. Some children do not speak at all, while others speak in limited phrases or conversations, and some have relatively average language development. Repetitive play skills and limited social skills are generally evident. Extreme responses to sensory information, such as loud noises and lights, are also common. PDD includes several subtypes, such as autistic disorder, Aspergers syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). The DSM-5 replaced the DSM-4 in 2013 and altered the diagnostic definition of autism. The DSM-4 listed five pervasive developmental disorders. There are medications to help children with symptoms, but medication works best when paired with therapy that develops socialization and other life skills.
