Craig Mental Health
Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Pervasive Developmental Disorders are characterized by severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development such as social skills, communication skills, or the presence of stereotyped behavior, interests, and activities. These disorders are usually evident in the first few years of life and are sometimes associated with some degree of Mental Retardation. There may also be other general medical conditions such as chromosomal abnormalities or structural abnormalities of the central nervous system. Following are the four pervasive developmental disorders generally diagnosed in childhood.
Autistic Disorder Autism is sometimes very difficult to diagnose, given the wide spectrum of behaviors that it encompasses. The essential features, however, include abnormal or impaired development in social interaction and communication, and a restricted range of activity and interests. Often these children do not make eye contact or they have impaired use of facial expression, body postures, and gestures. They may fail to develop peer relationships appropriate to their developmental level. They generally display a lack of social or emotional give and take with others.
There may also be a delay or total lack of spoken language, an inability to initiate or sustain a conversation, or stereotyped/repetitive use of language. Finally, these individuals may be inflexible in sticking to rigid routines or rituals; they may display repetitive motor mannerisms such as hand or finger flapping; and they may be persistently preoccupied with parts of objects.
For more information check out www.autisim.org, a search site for all subjects related to autism, and http://www.yampavalleyautism.org/ for more local information and resources.
Rett's Disorder Individuals with Rett's Disorder appear to have normal development through the first 5 months of life. Between 5 and 48 months, however, head growth slows down and there is a loss of previously acquired hand skills and the development of stereotyped hand movements such as hand-wringing. Interest in the social environment diminishes in the first few years, although social interaction may often develop later on. Problems develop with coordination, and there is severe impairment in language development and severe psychomotor retardation. Rett's Disorder is typically associated with Severe or Profound Mental Retardation. For more information, see http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/rett/detail_rett.htm.
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder This disorder indicates a significant regression in multiple areas of functioning following a period of at least 2 years of apparently normal development. This is reflected in communication, social relationships, play, and adaptive behavior. This disorder is also usually associated with Severe Mental Retardation. There seems to be an increased frequency of EEG abnormalities and seizure disorder. This disorder is very rare and much less common than Autistic Disorder. For more information, go to http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childhood-disintegrative-disorder/DS00801.
Asperger's Disorder This disorder is evidenced by severe and sustained impairment in social interaction and the development of restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. In contrast to Autistic Disorder, there are no clinically significant delays in language, cognitive development, or other age-appropriate adaptive behavior skills. Asperger's Disorder appears to have a somewhat later onset than Autistic Disorder, or at least to be recognized somewhat later. For more information, see http://www.aspergers.com/.
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