Home Remedies and Herbs for Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)

Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) is a clinical diagnosis that describes a group of conditions in children who exhibit delayed social and behavioral development. PDD symptoms are characterized primarily by delayed language, developmental deficits and social interaction deficits.¹Pervasive developmental disorders can affect children in varying degrees. For example, some children may struggle more with speech while other children may struggle more with forming relationships.²There are five main conditions classified under the clinical term pervasive developmental disorder:²

• Austism
• Asperger’s syndrome
• Childhood disintegrative disorder
• Rett syndrome
• PDD-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)

While it’s common for children to exhibit certain pervasive developmental disorders during their developmental years, what distinguishes PDD from typical childhood behavior is the consistency and intensity of these symptoms.² PPD is typically diagnosed in early childhood and it’s important to diagnose it as soon as possible. As the child ages, pervasive developmental disorder in adults can be better managed over time.²

What Causes Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)?

The exact pervasive developmental disorder causes are not known at this time. Researchers suspect there may be several factors associated with pervasive developmental causes. Researchers are currently studying people with autism and other PPD conditions to examine their brain structure and function for evidence that suggests how these conditions develop. So far, there are a few theories as to possible pervasive developmental disorder causes. These potential causes include:^{2 3 4}

• A problem with the nervous system either in the brain or spinal cord
• Genetics causes due to a family history of PPD conditions
• Chemical imbalances or inconsistencies in the brain in serotonin, dopamine or epinephrine levels

Pervasive developmental disorder in adults can develop later in life and is believed to be caused by mental trauma or low socioeconomic status that prevents the person from living a safe, stable and healthy life.⁵

Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) Symptoms

Pervasive developmental disorder symptoms typically present themselves initially in young children. These pervasive developmental disorder symptoms include:²

• Problems with language and communication
• Inability to relate to others or form relationships with them
• Repetitive behaviors in body movements or playing with toys
• Being scared or overreacting to loud noises and lights
• Inability to adapt to new routines

References

1. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/914683-overview
2. http://www.mayo.edu/pmts/mc5100-mc5199/mc5155-09.pdf
3. http://www.medicinenet.com/pervasive_development_disorders/page3.htm#what_causes_pervasive_development_disorders
4. https://www.psychologytoday.com/conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder
5. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/theory-knowledge/201508/pervasive-adult-developmental-disorder