Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Autism is one of five developmental disorders classified as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). All of the disorders are referred to as syndromes. This means that diagnosis is based on a defined group of behaviors which combine to result in a disrupted pattern of development. The term "pervasive" was chosen for this group of disorders because people demonstrate difficulties in multiple, as opposed to specific, areas of development. Difficulties in one area of development (e.g., social) impact other areas of development (e.g., communication). The result is an extremely complex group of features and characteristics.
Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) fact sheet PDF
Pervasive Developmental Disorders PDF
