Oconomowoc Developmental Training Center


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PERVASIVE Developmental Disorders

Overview

The term Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) describes a class of developmental impairments and neurological disorders with a typical onset by the age of three, which are often associated with some degree of Mental Retardation. The disorders in this class show common characteristics, which are not normal for any stage of development, including:

impaired communication skills (both verbal and nonverbal)
poor social skills
impaired imaginative activity
a limited number of interests
repetitive movements and activities
difficulty playing with other children

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR), there are five disorders within the classification of Pervasive Developmental Disorders:

Autistic Disorder
Rett's Disorder
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Asperger's Disorder
Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDDNOS)

There is some confusion between the category (or class) of disorders known as PDD and the diagnosis of PDDNOS. The term PDD is often used as a shortened way of saying PDDNOS. In other cases, physicians do not want to "label" very young children by diagnosing a specific type of PDD and therefore use the more general term, PDD to describe the category of symptoms or characteristics.

The following information refers specifically to the characteristics and causes of PDDNOS.

Characteristics/Symptoms

Symptoms of PDDNOS range from mild to severe. Therefore, the characteristics of this disorder vary from child to child and may commonly include:

Impaired reciprocal social interaction - Social behavior may be affected, with children showing a lack of eye contact, no anxiety in approaching a stranger, little interest in playing with other children and a lack of response to the emotions or interests of others.
Ritualistic or compulsive behavior - Repetitive acts (such as hand flapping, finger movements or "pill rolling" and head banging) may be observed. Rigid routines may also be seen. A change in this routine may upset children with PDDNOS, resulting in tantrums. They also may insist that objects are placed in a particular order or location and may form strong attachments to the objects. Some individuals with PDDNOS become preoccupied with factual information and may spend their time memorizing facts such as specific dates.
Unusual response to sensory stimuli - Some children with PDDNOS may become preoccupied with the texture, feel, smell or taste of favorite objects. Others may seem to give little response to such stimuli.
Impaired verbal and nonverbal communication - Children with PDDNOS may simply pull adults by the hand toward an object they want rather than gesturing, motioning, nodding or vocalizing. They may not imitate the actions or activities of their parents, peers or others; nor do they use typical gestures or facial expressions.

Children may develop echolalia (repetition of words or phrases). They may not use voice inflection or expression while speaking, resulting in a robot-like speech pattern. Individuals with PDDNOS may also have a singsong type speech, may make up words or label objects by their use. Their conversation may not include abstract concepts or exchange of ideas but may instead focus on concrete information and repetitive language.

Individuals with PDDNOS may have difficulty understanding the speech of those around them. This problem ranges from being confused by a joke to not understanding information or following instructions.
Unusual movements Children with PDDNOS may engage in hand flapping, body rocking/swaying, head banging, head rolling, facial grimacing, toe walking, pacing or jumping. Some children may show these behaviors only occasionally while others consistently use such movements.
Impaired cognitive abilities - Individuals with PDDNOS tend to do well on tasks or tests requiring manipulation, visual skills and immediate memory. However, they typically have problems using abstract ideas and symbolism. In addition, they may have impaired abilities to learn (such as problems understanding speech, imitating others and applying information provided to them). On the other hand, a few have exceptional skill in specific areas such as mathematics or music.

Causes

Results of research indicate that PDDNOS is associated with a problem in the nervous system (some type of neurological abnormality). However, studies have found not one single nervous-system problem, but a variety of them. As yet researchers have not uncovered any problem common to all cases of PDDNOS and have not clarified the exact cause.

Treatment

Regardless of the child's diagnosis within the class of disorders known as PDD, the treatment is similar. Often times a combination of treatment methods is most successful. Special education (including structured educational methods), occupational therapy, speech therapy and/or physical therapy can be very beneficial for children with PDD. Treatment may also include behavior modification programs, counseling and/or medications.

At ODTC, we attempt to provide a highly stimulating, motivating and reinforcing environment for children who have Pervasive Developmental Disorders. Our treatment team identifies symptoms and behaviors in need of active treatment and considers the strengths and needs of each child in developing an individual treatment plan. The environment is highly structured. Consistent routines are established, which become familiar and soothing to the child, providing the safety and security needed to assist them in participating in and benefiting from treatment. Highly prescribed, specific, behavioral intervention systems are used not only to teach skills in all areas of functioning, but to facilitate progress in developing pro-social behaviors and reducing undesirable or dangerous behaviors. Sensory stimulation, sensory integration activities and a high staff ratio also contribute to providing the best treatment environment possible. Our education staff offer a curriculum and classroom support specific to the needs of the child with Pervasive Developmental Disorders. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is designed to enhance the child's strengths and utilizes teaching methods and modalities based on the child's best learning mode.

The staff at ODTC recognize that each child is unique with individual strengths and needs. Our priority is always the well being of each child. If we find that ODTC cannot offer the very best care and services for your child, we are happy to help facilitate placement in another facility.

Contact Information

Feel free to contact us if you have any specific questions or would simply like more information or resources.