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Close Topic OptionsPervasive Developmental Disorders Pdd
Pervasive Developmental Disorders Pdd - Psychology, Special Needs, Health - Posted: 22nd Oct, 2007 - 1:56pm
Posts: 6 - Views: 1075
Pervasive Developmental Disorders Pdd
Our son Felipe was diagnosed with PDD today so I researched as much as I could about the condition. In our son's case he has some symptoms of autism but he is not autistic. The Pervasive developmental disorders are a group of brain abnormalities that in some cases cause mental retardation, some conditions include:
Autism, Rett's Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) (This one is Felipe's case).
| QUOTE |
| The diagnostic category of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) refers to a group of disorders characterized by delays in the development of socialization and communication skills. Parents may note symptoms as early as infancy, although the typical age of onset is before 3 years of age. Symptoms may include problems with using and understanding language; difficulty relating to people, objects, and events; unusual play with toys and other objects; difficulty with changes in routine or familiar surroundings, and repetitive body movements or behavior patterns. Autism (a developmental brain disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication skills, and a limited range of activities and interests) is the most characteristic and best studied PDD. Other types of PDD include Asperger's Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Rett's Syndrome. Children with PDD vary widely in abilities, intelligence, and behaviors. Some children do not speak at all, others speak in limited phrases or conversations, and some have relatively normal language development. Repetitive play skills and limited social skills are generally evident. Unusual responses to sensory information, such as loud noises and lights, are also common. |
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Pdd Disorders Developmental Pervasive
I think that it is hard to diagnose this condition, so they must be pretty sure that Felipe has got it.
When I took my youngest for tests just before Christmas, they wouldn't tie themselves down with a definite answer, and this was the first time that I had heard of PDD, when it was suggested that he either had that, ADHD, or Autism.
I think that this is because they are so closely linked it is hard to decipher which caracteristic fits which diagnosis.
I am glad that you seem to be getting some answers, at least you can arm yourself with the information that you need to help Felipe.
I know how frustrating it is when firstly you're told one thing only to be told down the line that it's something else.
Through research myself, after my Son's tests, I learned that omega 3 and omega 6 essential fish oils combined with a multi vitamin supplement daily, can help children with this type of diagnosis, as the omega's help with childhood concentration, and messages sent to the brain, whilst the multi vitamins 'balance' out anything that is lacking, vitamin wise.
I find them to be pretty expensive, but have decided to put all 3 of my kids on them, as they are 'natural' I think they can only benefit from trying it.
I hope you manage to find some help, I feel pretty rotten at the fact that we do at least get the resources over here, whilst other children elsewhere don't have the help at hand as there are limited amounts of help depending on where you live.It really does seem unfair.
Pervasive Developmental Disorders Pdd Health & Special Psychology
DianeC said:
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| I think that it is hard to diagnose this condition, so they must be pretty sure that Felipe has got it. When I took my youngest for tests just before Christmas, they wouldn't tie themselves down with a definite answer, and this was the first time that I had heard of PDD, when it was suggested that he either had that, ADHD, or Autism. I think that this is because they are so closely linked it is hard to decipher which caracteristic fits which diagnosis. |
Yes, is hard to diagnose, that's why we did not get a full diagnose yet (we will have it in 3 weeks time). One of the reasons for this new diagnose is that the drug for ADHD is not working on Felipe (he is taking Concerta 36mg, that usually a 12 years old child takes! He is supposed to be "okay" with Concerta 18mg) same with Ritalin. So obviously his behavior are not ADHD related but a brain abnormality (in this case several ones). It's a pretty scary condition for me because it will require some serious medication (an anti-psychotic) and he is only 6, will turn 7 in April). Not to mention that at this point of time we do not know the possibilities of him having an independent life in the future, we can only hope.
The serious speech problem will require DAILY speech sessions with a speech therapist, for HOURS if we want to see some type of improvement. His receptive and cognitive side is also severely affected (the ability to understand and follow instructions). His logic and intellect are fine and his logic is great, but anything that requires speech or language are extremely poor. Since all these symptoms are different abnormalities they came up with this diagnose.
| Rather off topic, but... I am very concerned right now because of the lack of resources. Did I mention there is only ONE child psychiatrist for the WHOLE Caribbean area? No special schools, no resources to get him a proper overnight brain scan, only a couple of speech therapists that live far away and when you go sometimes don't even show up. No homeschooling resources, no parenting support groups for parents with kids with this condition, in few words: No resources whatsoever. Even the psychologist was saying these things. Sad. |
Edited: LDS_forever on 9th Jan, 2007 - 11:26pmPost Date: 1st Apr, 2007 - 11:33am / Post ID: #
Pdd Disorders Developmental Pervasive
According to toddlerstoday.com/resources/articles/pdd.htm: "Although early and intense intervention can help children with PDDs improve their skills, the long-term outlook is not very promising. Because of their impaired communication and social skills, approximately 70 percent of children with PDDs will never be able to live on their own. Unfortunately, Dr. London's son fits this statistic. At 14, he is very well behaved, but his language is still mediocre. When asked about his future, Dr. London says, "I don't think he'll ever live independently."
Pdd Disorders Developmental Pervasive
Actually that prognosis has a lot to do with the severity of the case. Since most PDD children are autistic, I suppose that's why we see a 70% of children not able to live on their own.
The prognosis in cases of PDD varies. I found the following:
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| It is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome for any child and the same is true for children with ASD. All children make progress as they grow up, and so do children with autism spectrum disorder. Usually, if a child has useful language by around 6 years, it is likely that he will be able to gain academic and life skills. The ASD will remain, but as the child grows and learns and is more able to understand what is being said to him, so the world will become a less threatening place and he may be able to respond more appropriately. Some children with ASD will be able to attend and benefit from mainstream school, others will learn better in the more structured environment of a special school where staff have a good understanding of their specific needs. There are people with ASD who live independently and are employed. There are also many who need supported employment and sheltered accommodation and there are those who are not able to live independently but need the support and understanding of well-trained staff. No matter how able the person with ASD, the ability to understand and empathise with what is going on in another person's head will remain a real difficulty for them, though, as with any skill, it can only improve with practise, training and experience. |
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| The child who presents with severe ASD (Austistic Spectrum Disorders) plus MR (mental retardation) tends to remain readily recognizable as having autism throughout life. In contrast, the child with mild to moderate ASD plus normal general intelligence tends to undergo predictable improvement with the passage of time. This process may progress to the point where the individual ceases to be readily recognizable as autistic, although subtle impairment remains. |
https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/.../full/105/5/e65
So it seems like if the case is mild to moderate and there is no mental retardation, you can see improvements over time to the point that the signs of austism or PDD won't be easily recognized although subtle impairments will always remain.
Pervasive Developmental Disorders Pdd
As we see our child's progress we are starting to see that some of his needs seem to be less related to ADHD and more similar to Autism. This may be as a result of PDD and his ability to control certain symptoms as he gets older.
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