pervasive developmental disorder

pervasive developmental disorder Abreviated PDD, one of a group of disorders characterized by delays in the development of multiple basic functions including socialization and communication. Parents may note symptoms as early as infancy and typically onset is prior to 3 years of age. Symptoms may include communication problems such as using and understanding language; difficulty relating to people, objects, and events; unusual play with toys and other objects; difficulty with changes in routine or familiar surroundings, and repetitive body movements or behavior patterns. Examples of PDD include autism, Asperger’s syndrome, Rett’s syndrome, and childhood disintegrative disorder. Children with PDD vary widely in abilities, intelligence, and behaviors. See also autism; Asperger’s syndrome; Rett’s syndrome; childhood disintegrative disorder.