What are Pervasive Developmental Disorders?
The diagnostic category of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) refers to a group of disorders characterized by delays
in the development of socialization and communication skills. Parents may note symptoms as early as infancy, although the
typical age of onset is before 3 years of age. Symptoms may include problems with using and understanding language; difficulty
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. Autism (a developmental brain disorder characterized by
impaired social interaction and communication skills, and a limited range of activities and interests) is the most characteristic
and best studied PDD. Other types of PDD include Asperger's Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Rett's Syndrome.
Children with PDD vary widely in abilities, intelligence, and behaviors. Some children do not speak at all, others speak in
limited phrases or conversations, and some have relatively normal language development. Repetitive play skills and limited
social skills are generally evident. Unusual responses to sensory information, such as loud noises and lights, are also common.
Is there any treatment?
There is no known cure for PDD. Medications are used to address specific behavioral problems; therapy for children with PDD
should be specialized according to need. Some children with PDD benefit from specialized classrooms in which the class size
is small and instruction is given on a one-to-one basis. Others function well in standard special education classes or regular
classes with additional support.
What is the prognosis?
Early intervention including appropriate and specialized educational programs and support services plays a critical role in
improving the outcome of individuals with PDD. PDD is not fatal and does not affect normal life expectancy.
What research is being done?
The NINDS conducts and supports research on developmental disabilities, including PDD. Much of this research focuses on understanding
the neurological basis of PDD and on developing techniques to diagnose, treat, prevent, and ultimately cure this and similar
disorders.
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National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities U.S. Dept. of Education, Office of Special Education Programs 1825 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 700 Washington,
DC
20009 nichcy@aed.org http://www.nichcy.org
Tel: 800-695-0285
202-884-8200
Fax: 202-884-8441
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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) National Institutes of Health, DHHS 6001 Executive Blvd. Rm. 8184, MSC 9663 Bethesda,
MD
20892-9663 nimhinfo@nih.gov http://www.nimh.nih.gov
Tel: 301-443-4513/866-415-8051
301-443-8431 (TTY)
Fax: 301-443-4279
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National Institute on Deafness and Other
Communication Disorders Information Clearinghouse 1 Communication Avenue Bethesda,
MD
20892-3456 nidcdinfo@nidcd.nih.gov http://www.nidcd.nih.gov
Tel: 800-241-1044
800-241-1055 (TTD/TTY)
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National Institute of Child Health and Human
Information Resource Center P.O. Box 3006 Rockville,
MD
20847 NICHDInformationResourceCenter@mail.nih.gov http://www.nichd.nih.gov
Tel: 800-370-2943
888-320-6942 (TTY)
Fax: 301-984-1473
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MAAP Services for Autism, Asperger Syndrome, and PDD P.O. Box 524 Crown Point,
IN
46308 info@aspergersyndrome.org http://www.aspergersyndrome.org/
Tel: 219-662-1311
Fax: 219-662-1315
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Autism Network International (ANI) P.O. Box 35448 Syracuse,
NY
13235-5448 jisincla@syr.edu http://www.ani.ac
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Autism Research Institute (ARI) 4182 Adams Avenue San Diego,
CA
92116 director@autism.com http://www.autismresearchinstitute.com
Tel: 866-366-3361
Fax: 619-563-6840
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Autism National Committee (AUTCOM) P.O. Box 429 Forest Knolls,
CA
94933 http://www.autcom.org
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National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) 55 Kenosia Avenue Danbury,
CT
06810 orphan@rarediseases.org http://www.rarediseases.org
Tel: 203-744-0100
Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-798-2291
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American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
(ASHA) 2200 Research Boulevard Rockville,
MD
20850 actioncenter@asha.org http://www.asha.org
Tel: 800-638-8255
Fax: 301-571-0457
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NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by
or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice
on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined
that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.