Pervasive developmental disorder is now known as autism spectrum disorder. It refers to a group of developmental delays that impact social and communication skills. Symptoms of PDD are usually seen by age 3; however, some parents notice symptoms even earlier.
Children or adults with pervasive developmental disorder may experience a range of impairments, including:
- Delays in language or communication
- Trouble adjusting to changes in their routines or surroundings
- Issues relating to others
- Problems self-soothing
It’s been called “sub-threshold autism,” a form of autism that doesn’t quite meet the criteria for full-blown “classic” autism. However, in 2013, this distinction changed when Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) and autism were combined under the single diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
If this sounds a bit confusing, you’re not alone; we get it. At Heartlinks, we’ve helped hundreds of families through obtaining an accurate autism diagnosis, addressing misdiagnoses, and finding the right treatments.
Whether your infant or toddler is exhibiting ‘mild’ autistic symptoms or you’re wondering if your teen might have ASD, we’re here to help. Heartlinks offers various ABA therapy services tailored to support children at every point on the spectrum.
So, regardless of where you might think your child falls on the spectrum, continue reading to learn more about pervasive developmental disorder and autism. At Heartlinks, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
What Is Pervasive Development Disorder?
Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder: The Connection
Historically, PDD was an umbrella term used to describe several related neurodevelopmental conditions. Autism was one of these subtypes, along with others, including Asperger’s and Rett Syndrome.
In 2013, the DSM-5 redefined these diagnoses by combining PDD and its subtypes into a single diagnosis: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This change was made to reflect these conditions’ spectrum-like nature and reduce confusion and the challenges previously categorized under PDD.
What Are The Five Pervasive Development Disorders?
Before the DSM-5 reclassification, PDD was divided into five subtypes:
Autistic Disorder
Otherwise known as “classic” autism, it is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by substantial impairments in communicating wants and needs, which can often lead to tantrums.
Individuals may struggle with social interactions, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. These repetitive behaviors, such as scratching, rocking, or spinning, are often ways to manage sensory processing challenges. For some, these actions help control sensory overstimulation, while others serve as sensory-seeking behaviors.
Rett Syndrome
A rare genetic neurological disorder primarily seen in women or girls; it is usually noticeable in early infancy or childhood. A loss of purposeful skills typically diagnoses the condition and repetitive hand movements such as flapping or wringing, which are stimming-self-stimulatory behaviors often used to cope with sensory or neurological challenges.
Asperger’s Syndrome
Difficulties with social skills, restrictive interests, including food aversions, repetitive patterns of behavior, and nonverbal communication define Asperger’s. It is similar to other autistic disorders in this list but usually has less severe symptoms and no significant delays in cognitive or language development.
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Otherwise known as Heller’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder occurs when a child loses many acquired skills in multiple areas of life, such as language, social skills, and even motor abilities. This usually happens after a period of normal childhood development. The regression can be so severe that it can lead to difficulties with communication and daily functioning.
PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified)
The fifth and most commonly diagnosed of the five subtypes, PDD-NOS applied to children and adults with clear developmental delays in social interaction and communication who didn’t fit neatly into the other four categories above. Because its criteria were the broadest, it also covered the widest range of symptoms and severity levels, which is part of why PDD-NOS vs. autism is still such a common question today. As mentioned earlier, PDD-NOS was formally folded into the autism spectrum disorder diagnosis in 2013.
How Can ABA Therapy Help?
Traditionally, healthcare providers use a variety of treatments to manage PDD, including supportive therapy. This is the primary tool for treating pervasive developmental disorders. Types of supportive treatments include:
ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis)
Otherwise known as ABA therapy, it is considered the gold standard for autism treatment. Its popularity stems from its personalized approach, tailored to each individual’s strengths and challenges.
ABA therapy techniques employ positive reinforcement and repetition, helping children and teens with PDD-NOS learn the skills and behaviors they need to live healthy, happy, and fulfilling lives. This approach is practical for addressing a wide range of symptoms, including emotional regulation, sleeping struggles, anxiety, and depression.
The range of ABA therapy approaches allows for one-on-one treatment and can also integrate family members, caregivers, and anyone with direct contact with the patient. So it’s not unusual to have parent ABA training, where they can learn at-home techniques to handle their child or teen effectively.
Some of the ABA therapies we employ at Heartlinks include:
- Modelling
- DTT (Discrete Trial Training)
- Prompt Hierarchy
- Shaping
- Error Correction
- Tacting
- Positive & Negative Punishment
- Discriminative Stimulus
- Token Economy
- Errorless Learning
- Social Stories
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PDD-NOS the same as autism?
Yes. Since 2013, PDD-NOS has been folded into the single autism spectrum disorder diagnosis under the DSM-5. A child or adult previously diagnosed with PDD-NOS would today be diagnosed with ASD.
Is PDD considered autism?
Yes. Pervasive developmental disorder is now understood as an earlier name for autism spectrum disorder. Every condition once grouped under PDD, including PDD-NOS, falls under the autism spectrum disorder diagnosis today.
Is PDD the same as Asperger’s syndrome?
Not exactly. Asperger’s syndrome was one of five specific conditions grouped under the broader PDD umbrella, alongside autistic disorder, PDD-NOS, Rett syndrome, and childhood disintegrative disorder. PDD is the umbrella category; Asperger’s was one subtype within it, generally associated with milder language delays.
Is PDD a learning disability?
No. PDD is a developmental disorder that affects social communication and behavior, not a learning disability in the educational sense. That said, children with PDD or autism spectrum disorder can also have co-occurring learning differences, which is why a full evaluation looks at the whole child rather than a single label.
Does pervasive developmental disorder go away?
PDD, now diagnosed as autism spectrum disorder, is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition rather than something a child outgrows. With early, consistent intervention like ABA therapy, many children make substantial progress and go on to build strong communication, social, and daily living skills.
Heartlinks: Your Partner for PDD Support
We recognize that understanding the complexities, similarities, and diagnostic changes surrounding autism and pervasive developmental disorder can be daunting.
With several locations, we offer therapy in the settings that suit your child best, including in-home. We work in partnership with families to provide the tools and support needed to empower your child and enhance their quality of life, so they flourish.
Take the first step today. Contact Heartlinks to schedule a consultation or learn more about our comprehensive services.