Youth Treatment Programs for Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Youth treatment programs are showing great promise for helping
children and teens who suffer from pervasive developmental disorders
(PDD). PDD can create havoc in a family. Children with PDD often have
problems socializing and communicating. They can throw tantrums, bang
their heads repeatedly and cry because sound bothers them. Read on for
more information about this devastating condition.
What is PDD?
Boys and girls with PDD have brains that function differently than those of other children, making it difficult to process information efficiently. The cause is a mystery to doctors, but they have identified four major categories of PDD:
Five Common Symptoms of a PDD Child
The symptoms of PDD affect children differently, and not all kids are affected along the entire symptomatic range. The behaviors that each child displays vary considerably, but five major symptoms are common and easy to spot.
First, children have tr
ouble handling social situations with parents, siblings, adults and other children. Unlike most youngsters, they will often avoid physical contact and even eye contact. The PDD child usually has few, if any, friends and seldom joins in playtime.
Second, communication is problematic with most PDD children. They commonly have trouble with gestures and facial expressions. They can be slow to talk and to understand basic language skills. Sometimes a child will repeat words over and over, a condition called echolalia.
Third, a child with PDD often has problems developing motor skills that are essential for everyday activities. She might have periods where she rocks back and forth continually or flaps her hands and fingers. Sometimes she will bang her head against a wall repeatedly.
Fourth, the child might have problems with sensory development. At times the child can be hypersensitive to sounds of all types. At other times, she may not appear to hear even the loudest noises.
Finally, mood swings are common in PDD kids, often triggered by anxiety and fear. Aggressive behavior is often a problem as well, and the child may switch between happy behavior and extreme anger or aggression without obvious provocation.
Treating Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Physicians and therapists can help children with PDD. A multidisciplinary approach works best, including:
Providing the multi-pronged treatment your child needs can be difficult. That's why, if you suspect that a child in your care may suffer from Pervasive Developmental Disorders, you should consider a residential treatment program setting.
What is PDD?
Boys and girls with PDD have brains that function differently than those of other children, making it difficult to process information efficiently. The cause is a mystery to doctors, but they have identified four major categories of PDD:
- Autism
- Asperger's disorder
- Rett's disorder
- Childhood disintegrative disorder, which is also known as disintegrative psychosis
Five Common Symptoms of a PDD Child
The symptoms of PDD affect children differently, and not all kids are affected along the entire symptomatic range. The behaviors that each child displays vary considerably, but five major symptoms are common and easy to spot.
First, children have tr
ouble handling social situations with parents, siblings, adults and other children. Unlike most youngsters, they will often avoid physical contact and even eye contact. The PDD child usually has few, if any, friends and seldom joins in playtime.
Second, communication is problematic with most PDD children. They commonly have trouble with gestures and facial expressions. They can be slow to talk and to understand basic language skills. Sometimes a child will repeat words over and over, a condition called echolalia.
Third, a child with PDD often has problems developing motor skills that are essential for everyday activities. She might have periods where she rocks back and forth continually or flaps her hands and fingers. Sometimes she will bang her head against a wall repeatedly.
Fourth, the child might have problems with sensory development. At times the child can be hypersensitive to sounds of all types. At other times, she may not appear to hear even the loudest noises.
Finally, mood swings are common in PDD kids, often triggered by anxiety and fear. Aggressive behavior is often a problem as well, and the child may switch between happy behavior and extreme anger or aggression without obvious provocation.
Treating Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Physicians and therapists can help children with PDD. A multidisciplinary approach works best, including:
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Behavior therapy
- Training in social skills
- Experiential therapy
Providing the multi-pronged treatment your child needs can be difficult. That's why, if you suspect that a child in your care may suffer from Pervasive Developmental Disorders, you should consider a residential treatment program setting.
If you are concerned your child may suffer from PDD, residential treatment might be your best option.
Jen Stott is a writer and blogger, and works as Director of Digital Content Marketing at Be Locally SEO in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jen_Stott
Jen Stott is a writer and blogger, and works as Director of Digital Content Marketing at Be Locally SEO in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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