What are Pervasive Developmental Disorders? Describe autism symptoms, aspergers syndrome
Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) refers to a group of disorders beginning in early childhood that cause severe impairment in social interaction and development of children. They are characterized by:
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Impairment of social interaction
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Deficits of nonverbal and verbal communication (skills)
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imaginative activity (lost in "dream worlds")
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repetetive behaviours
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limited number of activities or interests
We are aware of 5 disorders that are summarized in this class of disorders:
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Asperger's Disorder
Severe and sustained impairment in soical interaction.
Development of restricted, repetitive paterns of behavior, interest and activities.
No clincially significant delays of language development
More.
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Autistic Disorder
Markedly abnormal or impaired development in social interaction
Restricted repertoire in activity and interests
Usually noted within the first year of life
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Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Marked regression / decrease of skills in multple areas of functioning after a period of at least two years of apparently normal development
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Rett's Disorder
Only affecting girls ! Specific and highly distinctive pattern of developmental regression after a period of normal functioning.
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Pervasive Developmental Disorder not otherwise specified
Severe and pervasive impairment in the development of social interaction of different orign.