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Mental Health Problems/Diagnoses > Children and Adolescents

Pervasive Developmental Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorders

What are Pervasive Developmental Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorders?

The term Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) refers to a group of five childhood disorders that are similar to each other, but differ with regard to the severity of the problems the child experiences.

Autism Disorder
Aspergers Syndrome
Rett Syndrome
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified

The latter three, Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified, Rett syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder are not described on this page. You can learn more about them by exploring the resources listed below.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is the term currently used to describe Autistic Disorder and Asperger Syndrome. These childhood disorders are characterized by a range of impairments in communication and social interactions as well as stereotyped patterns of behavior.

The following information focuses on the Autism Spectrum Disorders of Autistic Disorder and Asperger Syndrome.

The Autism Spectrum Disorders are characterized by problems with communication skills, social interactions and repetitive and/or stereotyped behaviors. Signs that something is wrong are apparent by age three but may be noticed as early as 18 months of age. About 1 in 166 children have ASD. Four times as many boys as girls have these disorders.

Most children with ASD have problems with social skills, communication skills, and with repetitive behaviors. While each child’s specific pattern of behavior is different, behaviors often demonstrated by these children include:

Problems with social interactions

Difficulty making eye contact or using facial expressions to interact with others
Failure to develop peer relationships which are age-appropriate
Not seeking to share interests or enjoyments with others

Problems with communication

Delay or complete lack of spoken language
Difficulty initiating or sustaining conversation (those who have spoken language)
Use of language repetitively or in a stereotyped pattern
Lack of make-believe play

Abnormal behavior patterns:

Preoccupation with one interest that is abnormal in intensity or focus
Strict adherence to certain routines or rituals
Repetitive motor movements (e.g. hand or finger flapping)

Children who have Asperger Disorder also have difficulty with social interactions and communication skills and may have abnormal behavior patterns. These children do not experience the significant language delays associated with Autism.

While each child’s specific pattern of behavior is different, behaviors often demonstrated by these children include:

Problems with social interaction

Difficulty making eye contact or interpreting facial expressions to interact with others
Failure to develop peer relationships which are age-appropriate
Not seeking to share interests or enjoyments with others

Abnormal behavior patterns:

Preoccupation with one interest that is abnormal in intensity or focus
Strict adherence to certain routines or rituals
Repetitive motor movements (e.g. hand or finger flapping)

What causes Autism Spectrum Disorders?

Currently, there is no single known cause of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Yet, many research studies have found that there is a link between Autism and certain genes. Studies have shown that approximately 5% of children who have a sibling with ASD will also develop the Disorder and this is 50% greater than the rate in the normal population.

The question of whether environmental factors play a role in the development of ASD has been highlighted in the media and has also been researched. Recently, there has been significant media focus on whether exposure to thimerosal, the mercury based preservative used in the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, increases the likelihood of developing ASD. While the discussion is ongoing, so far, research has not shown a causal relationship between thimerosal and ASD.

Other research has looked at how children with ASD process information. Studies show that there are differences in brain functioning and in the ways that children with ASD process information, compared to children who do not have ASD. The significance of these differences is still being researched.

How can Autism Spectrum Disorders be Treated?

There is currently no cure for Autism or Asperger Disorder. Yet, many treatments are available and can be beneficial. The best treatments for a specific child are determined by the treating professionals and family working together.

The most commonly used treatment is behavior therapy. This type of therapy seeks to help children with ASD adapt and interact with their environment (such assisting them in everyday tasks and functions, e.g. sitting quietly at the table and asking for a glass of juice).

Another approach is through managing a child’s diet. This may include restrictive diets such as Gluten-free or casein-free diets, or vitamin supplements. Research has not supported the effectiveness of this approach.

Currently, there are no medications for the treatment of ASD. However, medications may be used to alleviate symptoms and improve a child’s functioning by helping a child focus and to relieve anxiety.

Additional Information about Autism Spectrum Disorders

Cure Autism Now (CAN)
http://www.cureautismnow.org
Cure Autism Now (CAN) is a foundation committed to raising money for biomedical research on Autism. It was founded in 1995 and has become the largest support provider for Autism research. The site has a complete information section on Autism, which is easy to read. There are also descriptions of the research programs supported by the foundation. This is a great way to learn about the different research initiatives being made.

Families for Early Autism Treatment (FEAT)
http://www.feat.org
Families for Early Autism Treatment (FEAT) is a non-profit organization designed to support families with children diagnosed with ASD. It provides a network for families and resources include a newsletter, lending library and parent resource meetings. There is no New York State division, but there is one in Connecticut (http://www.ctfeat.org).

National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR)
http://www.naar.org/
The National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR) was the first U.S organization dedicated to promoting biomedical research on ASD. There is a helpful section on “Governmental Affairs” which provides information about Autism-related action in the government.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/autism.cfm
This section of the NIMH website gives a detailed description of ASD, including specifics concerning symptoms and other medical problems associated with the Disorders. There is also a helpful section on treatment options and questions parents should ask clinicians and teachers.

Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Support (Oasis)
http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/
Onine Asperger Syndrome Information and Support (Oasis) offers an extensive variety of information, support and education specifically about Asperger Disorder. Some of the highlights of the website include a message board for both parents and children, a list of camps and schools and educational computer programs for children diagnosed with the Disorder.

Books About Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism: Explaining the Enigma by Uta Frith
This book does an excellent job of explaining the different symptoms of autism, theories of causes and also current research. The book is an easy read and entertaining.

Everybody Is Different: A Book for Young People Who Have Brothers or Sisters with Autism by Fiona Bleach
This book is designed to help explain Autism Spectrum Disorder to the brothers and sisters of children with the condition. The target reading level is 9-12.

Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Complete Guide to Understanding Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, and Others ASDs by Chantal Sicile-Kira, Temple Grandin
This book was highly rated by doctors, researchers and parents as a “Must Have.” It offers advice, support and information. It includes addresses and websites of further resources.

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