• Autistic Disorder/Autism Spectrum Disorder/Autism
• Rhett's Disorder/Syndrome
• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
• Asperger Syndrome
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder/Not Otherwise Specified (PDD/NOS)

Many professionals use the term PDD as a short way of saying PDDNOS. Some doctors are hesitant to diagnose very young children with a specific type of PDD, such as Autistic Disorder, and therefore only use the general category label of
PDD.  This approach contributes to the confusion about the term.

If you or someone else thinks your child may be delayed, it is important to seek an assessment at as young an age as possible.  Children with PDD disorders and other developmental delays may benefit from early intervention services, therapies, educational interventions and other support services that may require a diagnosis in order to be eligible for those services.

Causes

All types of PDD are neurological disorders, with causes still largely unknown.  

Characteristics

Children with PDD, like typically developing children, will vary widely in abilities, intelligence, and behaviors.  However, all of the disorders that fall under the category of PDD share to some extent, similar characteristics. 

In general, children with PDD diagnoses have difficulty in talking, playing with other children, and relating to others, including
their family.  In addition, children with PDD diagnoses may have some or all of the following characteristics, in mild to
severe forms:

• Communication problems (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.

Treatment

Many children with  any form of PDD will benefit from physical, speech, occupational therapies and special education.  What treatments, therapies or approaches the child will most benefit from will depend on a variety of factors, including their specific PDD diagnosis, degree of disability, and other factors.

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