This class of childhood disorders (which include autism), is identifiable by the profound impairment on a child's normal communication and social interactions. Children
usually show signs of these disorders by the age of three, but sometimes as late as age six.
Children with PDD may exhibit the following characteristics:
> Inability to develop interpersonal relationships, failure to make friends.
> Failure to engage in co-operative or imaginary play.
> Impairment or absence of verbal communication.
> Unresponsive to or disinterested in people around them, (infants who will not cuddle, children who fail to make or maintain eye contact).
> Gestures and facial expressions are inappropriate, if they occur at all.
> Child is resistant to changes (even minor changes) in his/ her surroundings or routine.
> Peculiar body movements, rocking or swaying.
> Repetition of sounds, words, or phrases without regard for meaning, content or social appropriateness.
Children with this type of disorder, in most cases, will experience symptoms for the rest of their lives. However, the severity will sometimes decrease over time. A small percentage recover to the point that they can live independently, though most cases will require a structured environment throughout.
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