Pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) refers to a group of disorders characterized by delays in the development of socialization and communication skills. Parents can spot symptoms of the disorder as early as infancy, although the typical age of onset is before 3 years of age.
The symptoms of pervasive developmental disorders are language learning difficulty, unusual play with toys and other objects, repetitive body movements or behavior patterns. The most studied Pervasive developmental disorders include Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Rett's Syndrome.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Early intervention including appropriate and specialized educational programs and support services can improve the outcome in the affected by significant levels. There is no known treatment for PDD, but medications address specific behavioral problems; therapy for children with PDD should be specialized according to need.
Some children may benefit from specialized classrooms in which the class size is small and instruction is given on a one-to-one basis. While other do well in standard special education classes or regular classes with additional support.
Therapies play a critical role in improving the lives of affected and better their quality of life. The disorders are not fatal and do not affect normal life expectancy.
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