In this Article

• Introduction to pervasive developmental disorders
• 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?
• Can pervasive developmental disorders be prevented?
• Find a local Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician in your town
• Pervasive Development Disorders Index

Because children with pervasive development disorders 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, health care 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.

Most of the research being done on pervasive development disorders 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.

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