In this Article

• What conditions are considered pervasive development disorders (PDDs)?
• What are the symptoms of pervasive development disorders?
• What causes pervasive development disorders?
• How common are pervasive development disorders?
• How are pervasive development disorders diagnosed?
• How are pervasive development disorders treated?
• What research is being done on pervasive development disorders?
• What is the outlook for people with pervasive development disorders?
• Pervasive Development Disorders Glossary
• Pervasive Development Disorders Index

What Research Is Being Done on Pervasive Development Disorders?

Most of the research being done on PDDs focuses on learning more about the causes of these disorders, specifically what is going on in the brain. The goal is to use this knowledge to develop better techniques for diagnosing and treating these disorders, ultimately leading to prevention and cure.

What Is the Outlook for People with Pervasive Development Disorders?

The outlook varies depending on the type and severity of the condition, the age at which treatment is started, and the availability of supportive resources for the child. Most children with PDDs will continue to have some problems with communication and socialization, but many can experience a significant increase in function.

Can Pervasive Development Disorders Be Prevented?

Until more is known about the causes of PDDs, it is not possible to prevent them. However, the sooner a child with symptoms begins treatment, the better he or she will do in the long run.

Reviewed by the doctors at the Cleveland Clinic Department of Psychiatry and Psychology.

Edited by Cynthia Dennison Haines, MD, on July 1, 2005.

Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2005

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