Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) is a group of four types of autism, as well as Rett syndrome. These five disorders cause delays in social and communication growth. If your child or other loved one faces PDD, you know daily life includes many struggles. However, through help and care from PACE Mental Health Houston, you can see strides made in their condition and quality of life.

What Is a Pervasive Development Disorder?

a child lays on the floor during a pervasive developmental disorder therapy session with a pervasive developmental disorder psychiatristA pervasive developmental disorder is usually found at about three years of age. PDD actually starts during infancy but does not show clear signs until your child falls behind in meeting developmental milestones. You first notice motor skills differences, as well as social and speech problems, as compared to their peers.

The diagnosis of PDD is actually a catch-all of five conditions. Often it takes time to see which pervasive developmental disorder your child has. So while you know they have a PDD disorder, a final diagnosis makes their needs and concerns clearer at a later time.

The five types of PDD include:

  • PDD not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)
  • Autism
  • Asperger syndrome
  • Rett syndrome
  • Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD)

Almost half of all pervasive developmental disorder diagnoses include PDD-NOS. Autism is the best known of PDD conditions, along with Asperger syndrome. Asperger syndrome makes up nine percent of PDD cases.

Signs and Symptoms of PDD

Pervasive developmental disorder includes many behavioral, social, and communication struggles, including problems understanding or using language. People with these conditions also struggle to relate to others, objects, and events. They typically fail to use eye contact, facial responses, and other methods of unspoken communication.

Children with PDD do not play like others, using toys in unique ways. They struggle with changes in their home or routine. You also notice repeating movements or behaviors, such as twirling hair, tapping feet, or flapping hands. They do not seek comfort like others and struggle to maintain stable emotions or behaviors, often leading to aggression, emotional breakdowns, anxiety, and tantrums.

Besides these typical signs and symptoms, your loved one shows unique variations in abilities, behaviors, talents, communication, and intelligence. Many struggle with lights, noises, and other external stimuli. However, their future offers great happiness and hope with the right therapy and support. You simply must get to know your loved one’s PDD and ways of supporting them in their growth and daily living.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder Therapy

Pervasive developmental disorder therapy uses a combined approach of medicines, individualized education, and support. Your child or loved one needs focused therapies designed to meet their specific needs, often on a one-to-one basis. The earlier in life these therapies begin, the better the outcome.

Whether your child suffers PDD-NOS, autism, Asperger syndrome, or other pervasive developmental disorder, a pervasive developmental disorder psychiatrist provides the care, support and therapy they need to achieve more in life. Houston Aspergers therapy can work very well for your loved one, regardless of their age or life stage.

In fact, pervasive developmental disorder therapy helps all members of your household enjoy a more stable and positive lifestyle. This therapy helps overcome behavioral problems, communication problems, and the stress of caring for family members with PDD disorders.

PDD Therapy in Houston

In Houston, Texas, PACE Mental Health Houston provides PDD therapy and other supportive services for families living with autism or another type of PDD diagnosis. At the same time, PACE Mental Health Houston helps people with different kinds of mental health problems gain the therapy and care they need for greater wellness, happiness, stability, and productivity in life.

Services provided by PACE Mental Health Houston include:

When you seek help from PACE Mental Health Houston, you enjoy short wait times and flexible appointment scheduling. So call PACE Mental Health Houston now at 866.971.8423 for pervasive developmental disorder therapy or to meet your other therapeutic needs.