Pervasive Developmental Disorders

DSM-IV Criteria for Autistic Disorder A. Qualitative Impairment in social interaction B. Qualitative Impairment in communication C. Qualitative Impairment in behavior patterns, interests, and activities D. Onset prior to age 3

Characteristics Male to female ratio = 3-5:1 –Females with Autism more likely to have severe MR Onset: by definition less than 3 years of age Course: usually continuous & lifelong Symptoms may change over time Familial: increased risk among siblings

Associated Characteristics Mental Retardation in ~75% Uneven profile of cognitive skills Behavior & emotional problems –aggression, hyperactivity, oppositional, self- injurious behavior –anxiety, fears, sleep, eating disturbances Movement disturbances Odd responses to sensory stimuli Seizures develop in adolescence in ~25%

Associated Characteristics A. Sensory & Perceptual Deficits B. Intellectual Performance C. Behavior Problems D. Psychological deficits –1. Affective-social deficit –2. Social cognitive deficit –3. Executive functioning deficit –4. Weak central coherence E. Neurological abnormalities

Asperger’s Syndrome Language, curiosity, and cognitive development proceed normally. Substantial delay in social interaction and “development of restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities” More common in males Course: Usually continuous and life long

Rett’s Disorder Development of multiple deficits following a period of typical development after birth. –Apparently normal prenatal and perinatal development Loss of purposeful movement, loss of social engagement, severely impaired language development Head growth decelerates Onset: 5 to 48 months Clinical population entirely female Usually associated with Severe or Profound MR Course: Usually continuous and life long

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder Marked regression in multiple areas of functioning after at least 2 years of apparently typical development. Very rare, much less prevalent than Autistic Disorder More common in males Usually associated with Severe MR Course: Usually continuous and life long