HOME > CONDITIONS > PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDER (PDD)
What is Pervasive Developmental Disorder?
Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). The diagnosis of PDD-NOS used to be given to children that did not meet all the criteria for a true Autism or Asperger diagnosis but PDD is considered part of the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD’s) now. In other words, PDD now is labeled as an “Autism Spectrum Disorder” and with its loss of identity, the severity is based on social communication impairments and restricted repetitive patterns of behaviors. Although this is no longer a true diagnosis it is used among the community.
Subgroup 1
A high-functioning group (around 25%) whose symptoms largely overlap with that of Asperger syndrome, but who differ in terms of having a lag in language development and mild cognitive impairment. (Asperger syndrome does not generally involve speech delay or cognitive impairment).
Previous studies suggested that persons with PDD-NOS fell into one of three very different subgroups
Subgroup 2
A second group (around 25%) whose symptoms more closely resemble those of autistic disorder, but do not fully meet all its diagnostic signs and symptoms.
Subgroup 3
A third group (around 50%) who meet all the diagnostic criteria for autistic disorder, but whose stereotypical and repetitive behaviors are noticeably mild.
Symptoms
PDD-NOS is characterized the same way as Autism by delays in the development of socialization and communication skills. Parents may notice associated behaviors as early as infancy.
These may include delays in using and understanding language, difficulty relating to people, unusual play with toys and other objects, difficulty with changes in routine or surroundings and repetitive body movements or behavior patterns.
You can read more about Autism here.
You may want to consult with your primary care provider and discuss these factors
Caring for your child
The physical, biomechanical or medical issues children often manifest are rarely noted or discussed. Dr. Amber Brooks, DC, MSN, CACCP, BCIP, RN takes a thorough history and may order tests for typical physical manifestations including biomechanical causes, food allergies, eczema, general gastrointestinal distress, constipation and diarrhea, yeast overgrowth, immune system dysregulation, nervous system imbalance, and sleep disturbances to help looking at the whole child. An Integrative approach is based on the belief that the psychological symptoms are a product of the physical issues (internal or external) the child is experiencing and that addressing the physical issues will lead to an improvement in those psychological symptoms. Dr. Brooks, DC, MSN, CACCP, BCIP, RN works with the child’s primary care doctor for treatments in conjunction with natural care, nutrition, chiropractic, and supplementation.
If your child has PDD or these symptoms we may be able to help and/or make a proper referral.