By: Dr. Adrienne Mitchell

Autistic Spectrum Disorders, historically known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders are a category of childhood disorders that are characterized by severe and pervasive impairments in verbal and nonverbal communication skills, reciprocal social interactions and stereotyped or repetitive behaviors. The symptoms of ASD/PPD typically surface prior to the age of three years, and will vary accordingly. There are five disorders that fall under this classification which include: Autistic Disorder, Rett’s Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder NOS (Not Otherwise Specified). The information below will give a brief synopsis on each disorder.

Autistic Disorder
• Delays or abnormal functioning in at least two of the following:
o social interactions such as impairments in nonverbal communication (gestures, facial expressions, lack of eye contact, etc.)
o lack of social or emotional reciprocity
o failure to develop peer relations
o communication such as lack of development of spoken language
o stereotyped or repetitive use of language
o impaired ability to sustain conversations
o restricted, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors or interests, such as
o motor mannerisms – hand wringing or twisting
o preoccupation with certain objects
o adherence to inflexible, non-functional routines or rituals.
• More common in boys than girls

Rett’s Disorder
• Occurs almost always in girls.
• Distinctive onset and course of development
• Normal development is observed during the first five months of life
• Six month of age
o Deceleration of head growth
o Loss of purposeful hand movements
• Thirty months of age or older
o Development of repetitive hand washing or wringing
• Associated with profound mental retardation
• 50-80 percent of children develop epilepsy

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
• Normal development is observed during two years months of life
• Loss of at least two previously acquired skills (prior to age 10)
o language skills, bladder training, social skills, motor movements, etc.
• Lack of normal functioning or impairment in at least two areas:
o social interaction
o repetitive behaviors
o communication
Asperger’s Disorder
• Individuals engage in social isolation or demonstrate eccentric behavior
• Impairments in two-sided social interaction and two side communication
• Speech characterized by peculiar inflection and repetitive patterns
• Gross motor difficulties
• Circumscribed areas of interest

Pervasive Developmental Disorder NOS (Not Otherwise Specified)
• Some critical features of autism, but no the number or severity of the pattern of the full syndrome

If any of these symptoms appear relevant to your child or a child with whom you are in familiar, please seek out the expertise of a child mental health practitioner. The pediatrician can be a great place to initiate dialogue about the symptoms of childhood disorders; however professionals such as child psychologists or psychiatrists specializing in children will be able to conduct more comprehensive evaluations.

Have the courage to look at those things that are difficulty to see and to accept. The sooner you gain awareness, the sooner you have the opportunity to seek assistance.

Until next time,

Dr. Adrienne Mitchell

Feel free to contact Dr. Mitchell with questions, comments and suggestions for article topics, or for information about psychotherapy at DoctorMitchell@verizon.net.