Pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), which can greatly affect a child’s mental and social functioning refers to a group of five disorders characterized by delays in the development of multiple basic functions which mainly include socialization and communication.

 

Parents are worried when their children as old as two and more do not speak a word. Such children would not even show interest in what is being said or communicated to them. Parents and relatives try all possible efforts to make the child feel at ease so that they can say what fears are keeping their mouth shut. Sometimes, families ignore such situations considering that the child will talk soon and that he is just a late bloomer.

 

PDD affects the child’s ability to develop his or her communication and socialization skills. Some of the disorders that are categorized under PDD are: Autism, Rett syndrome Childhood disintegrative disorder, Asperger syndrome.Of these disorders, autism is a serious one. PDD does not affect an individual physically. A child suffering from a PDD can live a long and healthy life.

 

Some of the common symptoms of PDD are repetitive body movements, difficulty in understanding language and following instructions, inability to deal with changes or inability to adjust in a new environment, difficulty in doing normal tasks, unusual behavior with objects, inability to relate to people, preference to stay lonely etc.

 

PDD symptoms are usually overlooked under the perception of the child being a late bloomer. A pervasive developmental disorder can only be diagnosed by a qualified specialist. Hence the awareness of the same is what is more important so that parents can be alert and cautious.