pervasive developmental disorder

American  

[per-vey-siv di-vel-uhp-muhn-tl dis-awr-der] / pərˈveɪ sɪv dɪˌvɛl əpˈmən tl dɪsˌɔr dər /

noun

1. autism spectrum disorder. PDD

---

pervasive developmental disorder Scientific  

/ pər-vā′sĭv /

1. Any of several developmental disorders, such as autism or Asperger's syndrome, characterized by severe deficits in social interaction and communication or by the presence of repetitive, stereotyped behaviors. Most of these disorders are evident in the first years of life.

---

Etymology

Origin of pervasive developmental disorder

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Doctors were initially baffled as well, eventually diagnosing "pervasive developmental disorder," where the world and its noise become too intense.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2016

Often called pervasive developmental disorder, it was accompanied by epileptic episodes, which worsened in adolescence, as did his erratic behavior.

From Washington Times • Apr. 25, 2016

The parents were asked if a health professional ever told them that their child had autism, Asperger's disorder, pervasive developmental disorder or autism spectrum disorder.

From US News • Nov. 13, 2015

Asperger's syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder on the autism spectrum.

From Seattle Times • May 21, 2013

Their campaign began in 1998, when the British gastroenterologist Andrew Wakefield published a paper in The Lancet titled “Ileal-lymphoid-nodular hyperplasia, non-specific colitis, and pervasive developmental disorder in children.”

From Newsweek