Pervasive Developmental Disorder is a developmental disorder that effects an individual's ability to learn, communicate, play, and relate to others. Pervasive Developmental Disorder is an umbrella term under which Autism, Aspergers Syndrome, and others fall beneath. This term is usually given to individuals when they have symptoms from more than one disability, but not all of the symptoms of one disability. Symptoms and characteristics of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders(PDD) are usually evident by the age of three. It is four times as common in boys as it is in girls. These are examples of some of the areas these individuals may have deficits in:

Social Communication-may have difficulty with expressive and/or receptive language.(May have difficulty expressing their own needs or may not seem to understand what you say to them.)They might be able to communicate, but not at the proper age level. 

Imagination and Comprehension-lack of imaginative play. May have difficulties understanding the consequences of their actions and/or may not be able to interpret the world around them. Repetitive Play Skills-may have a limited range of interests and repeat the same things over and over again.

Unusual Responses to Sensory Experiences-may be over/under sensitive to loud noises, bright lights or buzzing fluorescent lighting. Also to textures of foods and or fabrics.

Resists Changes In Routine-has a need for the sameness; a predictable routine.

Language Skills-may have difficulty with abstract concepts.

Unusual Responses to People-may go to strangers he/she doesn't know; may exhibit fear of strangers.

Attachments to a Certain Object or Toy-will not part with the toy or object easily.

Social Relationships-may have difficulty interacting with adults and/or children. A child may appear shy or that he/she doesn't know what to do in a sport or other activity. 

Repetitive and/or Compulsive Behaviors-such as hand/finger flapping, spinning themselves or objects and lining things up.

Aggressive and/or Self Injurious Behaviors-may hit, throw toys or objects, bite, pull hair, and/or bang head. May have bizarre, unpredictable and unacceptable behaviors.

This is not medical advice, but an attempt to inform you what this disability is from a parent's point of view.