Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)

Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) was once an umbrella term in the DSM-IV to describe a group of conditions involving delays in socialization and communication. This category included Autistic Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Rett Syndrome, and PDD Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).

Key Points:

• DSM-5 Changes: Now subsumed under Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), except Rett Syndrome, which is recognized as a separate genetic disorder.
• Symptoms: Vary widely but may include impaired social interaction, repetitive behaviors, communication challenges, and restricted interests.
• Age of Onset: Symptoms often appear in early childhood (before age three).
• Treatment & Support: Behavioral therapies (e.g., Applied Behavior Analysis), speech and occupational therapy, educational interventions, and family support.