Pervasive development disorder, often called a developmental disorder or PDD, is another term for autism spectrum disorders. PDD includes autism, Asperger's disorder, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and PDD-NOS, or pervasive development disorder (not otherwise specified). Children with PDD often have difficulty with certain developmental processes, such as socialization, language, communication, and motor behavior. Parenting behaviors do not cause pervasive development disorders, and the exact cause of PDD is not known. Much recent research has pointed at genetic and environmental factors as a cause. These developmental disorders are believed to be made up of a series of related disorders with multiple causes, which makes one specific cause difficult to pin down. PDD is more likely to happen in boys than in girls, with the exception of Rett syndrome, which occurs almost exclusively in girls. Symptoms of pervasive development disorders include: poor socialization and eye contact — these children often show a lack of interest in physical contact, avoid making eye contact with others, and have a hard time making friends and establishing relationships poor communication — children with PDD sometimes do not develop language skills (they are non-verbal), or they have a tendency to repeat words and phrases (called echolalia) and have difficulty communicating with words and language repetitive behaviors — children with PDD often engage in repetitive and self-stimulating behaviors such as rocking or flapping their fingers Some children with pervasive development...

Pervasive development disorder (PDD) is an umbrella term for autism spectrum disorders, affecting socialization and communication.

What is Pervasive Development Disorder?

 Pervasive development disorder, often called a developmental disorder or PDD, is another term for autism spectrum disorders. PDD includes autism, Asperger's disorder, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and PDD-NOS, or pervasive development disorder (not otherwise specified). Children with PDD often have difficulty with certain developmental processes, such as socialization, language, communication, and motor behavior.   Parenting behaviors do not cause pervasive development disorders, and the exact cause of PDD is not known. Much recent research has pointed at genetic and environmental factors as a cause. These developmental disorders are believed to be made up of a series of related disorders with multiple causes, which makes one specific cause difficult to pin down. PDD is more likely to happen in boys than in girls, with the exception of Rett syndrome, which occurs almost exclusively in girls.    Symptoms of pervasive development disorders include:    poor socialization and eye contact — these children often show a lack of interest in physical contact, avoid making eye contact with others, and have a hard time making friends and establishing relationships   poor communication — children with PDD sometimes do not develop language skills (they are non-verbal), or they have a tendency to repeat words and phrases (called echolalia) and have difficulty communicating with words and language   repetitive behaviors — children with PDD often engage in repetitive and self-stimulating behaviors such as rocking or flapping their fingers     Some children with pervasive development...

Many parents are given discouraging news about their children with disabilities — this prognosis gives little hope to parents of these children, which is an unfair and negative situation. There are therapies many parents have never heard of, including equine therapy. While every child will respond differently to various therapies, equine therapy has demonstrated success in helping children with Rett Syndrome learn how to sit up on their own or encouraging children with cerebral palsy to walk. In equine therapy, children learn how to ride horses. This activity helps develop muscle tone, balance, motor skills, focus, and coordination. It is similar to physical therapy in its goals and the skills it helps create or develop, but it provides the child with a therapy in a comforting and even enjoyable atmosphere — and that's why it works. In addition to learning to ride horses, children are given instruction on grooming, which promotes caring for other living things with problem-solving activities. Equine therapy also promotes personal growth and stress reduction. The self-confidence gained from equine therapy is something that translates to other areas of the child's life. Equine therapy has proven success with children and adult with emotional or developmental disorders. The use of horses for therapy likely started as early as the times of the Ancient Greeks, as horses were not merely used for riding, but they also served as a means for physical and mental well-being. In 1952, Liz Hartel won...

Equine therapy helps children with disabilities gain muscle tone, balance, and self-confidence through horse riding and care.

What is Equine Therapy?

 Many parents are given discouraging news about their children with disabilities — this prognosis gives little hope to parents of these children, which is an unfair and negative situation. There are therapies many parents have never heard of, including equine therapy.   While every child will respond differently to various therapies, equine therapy has demonstrated success in helping children with Rett Syndrome learn how to sit up on their own or encouraging children with cerebral palsy to walk.   In equine therapy, children learn how to ride horses. This activity helps develop muscle tone, balance, motor skills, focus, and coordination. It is similar to physical therapy in its goals and the skills it helps create or develop, but it provides the child with a therapy in a comforting and even enjoyable atmosphere — and that's why it works.   In addition to learning to ride horses, children are given instruction on grooming, which promotes caring for other living things with problem-solving activities. Equine therapy also promotes personal growth and stress reduction. The self-confidence gained from equine therapy is something that translates to other areas of the child's life.   Equine therapy has proven success with children and adult with emotional or developmental disorders. The use of horses for therapy likely started as early as the times of the Ancient Greeks, as horses were not merely used for riding, but they also served as a means for physical and mental well-being. In 1952, Liz Hartel won...

For a parent of a child with autism, it can be a confusing time when it comes to getting the proper diagnosis. However, as many parents that have children with autism will tell you, learning about their child's diagnosis did not rob them from the joy of parenting. In fact, many parents are relieved when they discover their children has autism because it answers a lot of questions and concerns they had since the child was an infant. Millions of children are diagnosed with autism, or autism-related disorders, such as Rett Syndrome or Asperger's Syndrome. While autism is a commonly known word, few people know what is autism and what isn't. Autism affects the brain development and can be characterized in many different ways. Common characteristics of this disorder include challenges with your child socializing with others, as well as how they communicate verbally and non-verbally. Children with autism may also have challenges with motor skills and attention skills, as well as difficulties with their emotions. Autism has varying degrees, so many children can be diagnosed with severe autism or on the other side of the scale with high-functioning autism. How is Autism Diagnosed? There is no special test for doctors to definitely tell what is autism. Instead, they analyze the child and their development. There is a Modified Checklist for Toddler (M-Chat) that many doctors use to see if your child needs to be tested further. However, as a parent, you may notice strange behavior early...

Parents often find relief in autism diagnosis, which explains their child's behaviors and helps them seek appropriate treatment and support.

What is Autism?

For a parent of a child with autism, it can be a confusing time when it comes to getting the proper diagnosis. However, as many parents that have children with autism will tell you, learning about their child's diagnosis did not rob them from the joy of parenting. In fact, many parents are relieved when they discover their children has autism because it answers a lot of questions and concerns they had since the child was an infant. Millions of children are diagnosed with autism, or autism-related disorders, such as Rett Syndrome or Asperger's Syndrome. While autism is a commonly known word, few people know what is autism and what isn't. Autism affects the brain development and can be characterized in many different ways. Common characteristics of this disorder include challenges with your child socializing with others, as well as how they communicate verbally and non-verbally. Children with autism may also have challenges with motor skills and attention skills, as well as difficulties with their emotions. Autism has varying degrees, so many children can be diagnosed with severe autism or on the other side of the scale with high-functioning autism.  How is Autism Diagnosed?   There is no special test for doctors to definitely tell what is autism. Instead, they analyze the child and their development. There is a Modified Checklist for Toddler (M-Chat) that many doctors use to see if your child needs to be tested further. However, as a parent, you may notice strange behavior early...

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Special Needs
Articles

What is Pervasive Development Disorder?

What is Equine Therapy?

What is Autism?

Find Providers Near You

Special Needs Articles

What is Pervasive Development Disorder?

What is Equine Therapy?

What is Autism?

Find Providers Near You

Special Needs
Articles