What does PDD mean in PEDIATRIC

Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) is a term used to describe a group of five neurodevelopmental disorders that are characterized by delays in the development of social and communication skills. These include Autistic Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder - not otherwise specified.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 54 children in the United States have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Some common signs of PDD include difficulty communicating verbally or non-verbally, difficulty making eye contact, poor social interactions, difficulty understanding others’ emotions or intentions, and repetitive behaviors.

If you suspect your child may have PDD, it is important to seek an evaluation from a professional with experience diagnosing and treating these disorders. A developmental pediatrician or pediatric neurologist can assess your child’s development and help make an appropriate diagnosis.

At this time there is no known “cure” for any form of Autism Spectrum Disorder, including PDD. However, research has shown that early intervention can greatly improve outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorders. Early identification followed by treatment can lead to improved communication skills and behavior management strategies which can lead to a better quality of life.

Treatment plans will vary depending on the individual needs of each person diagnosed with PDD as well as their families’ goals for success. Common treatments include behavioral therapies such as applied behavior analysis (ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy, sensory integration therapy, medications such as SSRIs or other psychotropic drugs which may be prescribed to address anxiety or depression associated with ASD symptoms, social skills groups/therapy and more.

Many organizations such as Autism Speaks offer support programs both online and in person specifically designed to help those affected by autism spectrum disorder meet their goals. It is also beneficial to connect with other families affected by ASD in order to share resources and provide emotional support during the challenging times associated with raising a child with ASD.

When communicating with individuals who have been diagnosed with a form of Autism Spectrum Disorder it is important to be aware that they may process information differently due to their neurological differences. It helps if you choose language carefully when speaking so that they understand what you are saying without feeling overwhelmed or confused. Additionally, providing concrete examples rather than abstract concepts can also be helpful when trying to explain something complicated.

Research has found that diet plays an important role in managing symptoms associated with ASD such as anxiety, aggression and hyperactivity. Adopting anti-inflammatory diets like the ketogenic diet or gluten-free diets could potentially reduce symptoms related to ASD.