What Is a Pervasive Developmental Disorder

Definition: According to the National Institutes of Health, "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." In fact, that group of disorders is identical with with the disorders otherwise known as autism spectrum disorders. They include:

• Asperger Syndrome
• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
• Rett Syndrome

Interestingly, while there are other disorders that pervasive and developmental (such as Down syndrome), these are NOT considered to be PDD's.

_Resources:

Pervasive Developmental Disorders Information Sheet
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892

Also Known As: PDD