PDD Disorder
A PDD Disorder (Pervasive Developmental Disorder) or Autism Spectrum Disorder is part of a group of developmental disabilities which, according to recent research, affect as many as 1 in 250 people. Falling under the umbrella of PPD Disorders are: Autistic Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD- NOS), Asperger’s Disorder, Rett’s Disorder, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. These disorders occur in all cultures around the world (although diagnoses differ in frequency and type), in all economic classes and affect up to 5 times as many boys as girls. Usually, these disorders are recognized between the ages of 1 and 3 years, and affect the development of social behavior, verbal and non-verbal communication and attention/interests. PPDs do not describe a delay in development, but instead, a significant deviation from what is considered normal development. The spectrum of this deviation ranges from mild to severe. About 40 percent of children w...