Pervasive Development Disorders (cont.)
How Common Are Pervasive Development Disorders?
It is estimated that PDDs occur in about 5 to 15 children per 10,000 births.
In general, PDDs are more common in boys than in girls, with the exception of
Rett's syndrome, which occurs almost always in girls.
How Are Pervasive Development Disorders Diagnosed?
If symptoms are present, the doctor will begin an evaluation by
performing a complete medical history and physical examination. Although there
are no laboratory tests to diagnose a PDD, the doctor may use various tests—such as
x-rays and blood tests—to determine if there is a physical disorder
causing the symptoms.
If no physical disorder is found, the child may be referred to
a specialist in childhood development disorders, such as a child and adolescent
psychiatrist or psychologist, pediatric neurologist, developmental
pediatrician, or other health professionals who are specially trained to
diagnose and treat PDDs. The doctor bases his or her diagnosis on the child's
level of development, and the doctor's observation of the child's speech and
behavior, including his or her play and ability to socialize with others. The
doctor often seeks input from the child's parents, teachers and other adults
who are familiar with the child's symptoms.
How Are Pervasive Development Disorders Treated?
Because children with PDDs have a range of symptoms and
abilities, a plan of therapy must be developed with the child's specific needs
in mind. The treatment plan—or more appropriately, a program of intervention—will address the child's needs at home and at school. For that reason,
intervention planning is a cooperative effort of the parents, healthcare
providers, teachers and others who may be needed to provide services, such as
counselors, social workers and occupational, physical or speech therapists. The
plan aims to promote better socializing and communication, and reduce behaviors
that can interfere with learning and functioning.
A plan of care for a child with a PDD may include:
- Special education: Education is structured to meet the child's unique educational needs.
- Behavior modification: This may include strategies for supporting positive behavior by the child.
- Speech, physical or occupational therapy: These therapies are designed to increase the child's functional abilities.
- Medication: There are no drugs to treat the PDDs themselves. Medications may be used, however,
treating specific symptoms such as anxiety (nervousness), hyperactivity and behavior may result in injury.
Next: What research is being done on pervasive development disorders? »
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