Home > Encyclopedia of Children's Health > Pervasive Developmental Disorders

Definition

Pervasive developmental disorders are a group of neurological disorders that include autistic disorder (autism), Asperger's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, Rett's syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDDNOS). These disorders are characterized by delayed development in functional, socialization, and communication skills.

Description

The term pervasive developmental disorders was first used in the 1980s to describe a class of neurological disorders that involved impaired social and communication skills and repetitive behaviors.

Due to difficulties in accurately describing...