Understanding Autism & Pervasive Developmental Disorders PDDs

A Quick Guide

Are you confused between both the terms Autism and Pervasive developmental disorders? Let’s first understand autism. The DSM-4 previously classified autism into five distinct groups which were as follows:

• Asperger’s syndrome
• Autistic disorder
• Childhood disintegrative disorder
• Pervasive developmental disorders PDDs
• Rett syndrome

Someone who didn’t fully meet the necessary criteria for an Asperger’s diagnosis but had lesser support needs could be given a PDD diagnosis. Furthermore, this diagnosis may have been provided to people who didn’t fulfill all the necessary diagnostic criteria for Rett syndrome. But now, DSM-5 categorizes all of these conditions into one spectrum which is Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD and so Pervasive Development Disorder PDD is no longer a separate diagnosis. There are levels on the autism spectrum of how much a person can be autistic. This is basically the intensity of a person’s autistic traits and the level of support they may require. 

What were considered the characteristics of PDDs?

Some of the characteristics of PDDs include the following: 

• Atypical or improper social behavior
• Communication problems that are either verbal or nonverbal
• Having trouble transitioning
• Inadequate communication and language comprehension abilities
• More or lesser sensitivity to touch, taste, sight, sound, and/or smell
• Persistent (repeated or ritualistic) actions (i.e., opening and closing doors repeatedly or switching a light on and off )
• The uneven development of skills (academic, behavioral, cognitive, motor, organizational, sensory, social, visual-spatial)

Learn more about Effective Communication Strategies For People On The Autism Spectrum.

How a child may have been diagnosed with PDDs?

PDD and Asperger Syndrome were both covered by the term Autism Spectrum Disorder as of 2013. PDD was once known as “atypical autism” or was thought to be a milder variation of autism spectrum disorder by certain medical professionals before 2013. 

There was a great deal of confusion among parents over the diagnosis as a result of professional disagreement over how to categorize people who don’t fully fit the criteria for autism. 

If a child fits any of the following descriptions, they may have been given a PDD diagnosis:

• Although the child is high-functioning, a diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome would not be made because of the child’s moderate cognitive impairments and/or linguistic delay.
• The child has traits of an autistic individual, but their symptoms didn’t manifest until later in life.
• The child exhibits many autism symptoms but less perseverative behaviors than children who have received an autism diagnosis.

Learn more about the Types Of Behavioral Therapy For Autism Spectrum Disorders.

What are the causes of Autism or PDDs?

Because ASD is such a complicated disorder, not all of its causes are understood. It is generally acknowledged that the disorder is probably caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental factors.

Science is still unsure whether gene mutations are a contributing factor. Genetic heterogeneity is frequently used to describe ASD implying it may have multiple causes.

Additionally, conditions like fragile X syndrome and Rett syndrome may have a genetic component and be linked to ASD.

Researchers are still looking into other contributing factors for ASD, such as environmental variables, as well as probable genetic causes. The following are some examples of issues being explored:

• Environmental pollutants
• Pregnancy-related medications 
• Viral infections

We hope you found this article useful in learning more about Autism & Pervasive Developmental Disorders PDDs. Learn more about Common Comorbid Psychiatric Disorders In Autism.