can anyone explan PDD to me? it's a form of Autism I think.?

Answer 1

Well, actually autism is one of several disabilities that fall under the classification of Pervasive Developmental Disabilities (PDD). Within that borad category there are several disabilities. I have listed a government articel which gives some good general infooration

Answer 2

PDD is a pervasive development disorder. This means it is a condition or syndrome that a child is born with and that they will have for the rest of their lives. It is these days used a lot to cover conditions that are on the autistic spectrum. Because autism is such a large spectrum and there are many varying degrees of it it is sometimes diagnosed as PDD. An experienced clinical psychologist would rarely use this term as it is not specific enough. Sometimes it is used as a diagnosis where other conditions are also present such as ADHD. Both parents and the child do deserve a more specific diagnosis than just PDD so they can access the proper support they need.

Answer 3

PDD is Pervasive Developmental Disorder. It is on the Autism spectrum. 40 years ago, there was only "Autism". Now after years of research, they have enlarged the definition to include the "spectrum". This means that behaviors that used to be clumped into "Autism" have been researched and more clearly defined into different "categories" on the Autism spectrum. PDD, Asperger's, and High-Functioning Autism are all similar but distinct disorders on the spectrum. Sometimes PDD is called PDD/NOS (for Not Otherwise Specified).

I have a daughter with High-Functioning Autism, and a son with PDD/ADHD. They have some similarities, but display their disabilities in different ways. My daughter is very shy and almost antisocial at times. My son is very vocal and extroverted. Both children have the characteristics of rocking behaviors and hand-flapping. My son is on Ritalin, my daughter never needed it. They both have autistic traits, but are very different personality-wise. Both are recognized almost immediately by teachers as having a disability of some sort; some even recognize it as autism.

I get the impression that PDD is more of a catch-all in the diagnosis. Asperger's, of which I know little, has some "tell-tale" markers. For example, from what I remember, Asperger's patients tend to have high IQs, good memories for details, tend NOT to have speech impediments, and obsess about a particular body of knowledge (dinosaurs, for example, or warplanes, or...) I'm not aware that PDD has anything specific to it (other than some of the general autism characteristics that apply to everyone).

Look for PDD and Autism web sites about support groups that are available. There is lots of clinical as well as practical help out there if you look. Support groups are always willing to help parents and teachers learn more about this disability.

Answer 4

According to the DSM (the diagnostic guidelines for psychiatry) PDD is actually the umbrella term for all types of autism. So technically autism is a form of PDD, also forms of PDD include aspergers, PDD-NOS (not otherwise specified), Rett syndrome, and childhood disintegrative disorder (or CDD).

PDD is defined as a category of neurological disorders that are characterized by pervasive (meaning ongoing) impairment in multiple areas of development.

Answer 5

The above answers are all good. Often when a child is very young they cant be tested easily so the diagnosis of PDD is given as a more precise one is impossible. Some doctors diagnose PDD instead of autism as insurance often won't cover needed services for a child with autism-the cheap bastards.
Parents and doctors lying just to get help for a sick baby.

Autism is treatable and preventable.
Here are some links, do your own research:
http://www.generationrescue.org/
Here are some links, do your own research:
http://www.newswithviews.com/Tenpenny/sh... Prominent doctors view-there are hundreds more trying to sound the alarms.
http://www.909shot.com/
http://www.thinktwice.com/
http://www.know-vaccines.org/faq.html-th... site will show you what is in them.
http://www.vaclib.org/index.htm