Autism and PDD: What are the Links between them

Both autism and PDD (Pervasive Development Disorder) are development disorder; their symptoms are disrupted speech patterns, communication and social interaction, difficulties. Autism and PDD is usually accompanied by obsessive behavior patterns. The anti social difficulties cause the sufferers to shun human contact, and they avoid touch.
Autism is a form of PDD, so it is natural that they share many common characteristics. Their diagnosis, cause and treatment are investigated under one banner, which is low functioning autism.

Diagnosis of Autism and PDD

There are three broad characteristics of the disease and to be diagnosed as suffering from autism PDD then you must suffer from at least one. The three categories are difficulties in learning speech, minimal desire and ability to socially interact, and obsessive behavior. Levels of severity separate autism and PDD. Less severe problems are defined as being PDD, whilst severe impediments are autistic.

As the diseases are complex a qualified medical diagnosis is important, even experienced practioners’ utilize detailed assessment questionnaires to be certain of their findings.

Causes of Autism and PDD

The exact causes of autism and PDD are not fully understood, but it is thought to be genetic. The autism and PDD gene has not yet been isolated, and is therefore not proved. Some experts believe that there is a link between autism and PDD and infant vaccinations. As yet this link has not been scientifically proved. Despite great strides in our understanding of the conditions the cause has not been verified.

Treatment of Autism and PDD

Treatment of autism and PDD uses a variety of methods that are as varied as the individual symptoms. One technique to treat autism and PDD is behavior modification, medications and a program to educate both the family and patient how best to deal with it.

Without treatment the sufferer of autism and PDD can develop out of control symptoms. If this behavioral correction known as applied behavior analysis (ABA) is begun when the child is young enough it may be possible to avoid medication. However the treatment regime has to be very strict, dictatorial and repetitive, as it needs to correct many aspects of behavior.

Treatment of autism and PDD is a multi-pronged attack. Applied Behavior Analysis may not be sufficient. Medications include treatment for depression, and hyperactivity, anti anxiety medication and tranquilizers. Some sufferers will also need medications that will control convulsions. Having PDD means that the sufferer has autism but will always be low functioning, they can never have the independence that is associated with Asperger’s Syndrome.

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