1.What is Pervasive Developmental Disorders?
Pervasive developmental disorders refers to delays in the development of multiple basic functions including socialization and communication. Autism Spectrum Disorders including Aspergers Syndrome or High Functioning Autism come under this category..These type of problems usually have a pathological base and can usually be dependably identified by the age of 3 years, and in some cases as early as 18 months. Eventhough this problems do not affect life expectancy, it has considerable impact on the social life of the affected. Treatment and care of these problems require special training and focus from experts of this area.
a)Is treatment available for PDD?
Yes.The PDD treatment recommended for your child will depend on the type of pervasive developmental disorder he or she has and your child's needs.PDD treatment options can include:
- Therapy
- Specialized education
- Social support
- Medications.
2.What is Asperger Syndrome?
Asperger syndrome an autism spectrum disorder that is characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. It differs from other autism spectrum disorders by its relative preservation of linguistic and cognitive development. Although not required for diagnosis, physical clumsiness and atypical use of language are frequently reported. The lack of demonstrated empathy is possibly the most dysfunctional aspect of Asperger syndrome.
b)Is treatment available for Asperger Syndrome?
There is no single best treatment for all children with Asperger syndrome.
Main treatment methods include.
- Cognitive behavior or talk therapy, to help children manage their emotions, repetitive behaviors, and obsessions
- Parent training, to teach techniques that can be used at home
- Physical or occupational therapy, to help with motor skills and sensory problems
- Social skills training, often taught in a group
- Speech and language therapy, to help with the skill of everyday conversation
3.What is ADHD?
ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a problem with inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsivity, or a combination. ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder of childhood. It affects about 3 - 5% of school aged children. ADHD is diagnosed much more often in boys than in girlsADHD may run in families, but it is not clear exactly what causes it.
What are the Symptoms of ADHD?
The symptoms of ADHD fall into three groups:
- Lack of attention (inattentiveness)
- Hyperactivity
- Impulsive behavior (impulsivity)
c)d)What are the treatments available for ADHD?
Treatment for ADHD involves medications, therapy or a combination of the two.Main therapies and methods are
• Psychotherapy, or so-called “talk therapy,”
• Behavioral therapy
• Social skills training
• Support groups made up of other children with ADHD and their parents
• Parenting skills training.
4.What is Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder in which people have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, ideas, sensations (obsessions), or behaviors thObsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder in which people have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, ideas, sensations (obsessions), or behaviors that make them feel driven to do something (compulsions).
Often the person carries out the behaviors to get rid of the obsessive thoughts, but this only provides temporary relief. Not performing the obsessive rituals can cause great anxiety. Obsessions are thoughts that recur and persist despite efforts to ignore or confront them.People with OCD frequently perform tasks, or compulsions, to seek relief from obsession-related anxiety at make them feel driven to do something (compulsions).
d)What are the treatments for OCD?
Treatments include cognitive behavioral psychotherapy, behavioral therapies, and medications. Behavioral therapies for OCD include ritual prevention and exposure therapy. Prevention of rituals involves a mental-health professional helping the OCD sufferer to endure longer and longer periods of resisting the urge to engage in compulsive behaviors. Exposure therapy is the process by which the individual with OCD is put in touch with situations that tend to increase the OCD sufferer's urge to engage in compulsions
