What Is Autism/PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder)?

Autism is a developmental brain disorder that can severely impair an individual’s ability to communicate, interact with others, play, develop interests, and learn from typical environments. It is diagnosed by observing for behavioral excesses and deficits that appear before the age of 3 years. Wide variability across individuals is the rule.

For example, language may be delayed, disordered, or may not develop at all. Individuals with autism tend to lack the ability to comprehend or to express non-vocal communication such as gestures or facial expressions. They may appear uninterested in others or may demonstrate unusual interactions with people, for example, extreme dependency or "clinginess" to one caregiver.

Children with autism often fail to show, bring, or point out things of interest to their parents or others. Make-believe and social play may not develop normally. Repetitive, stereotypic motor mannerisms may be observed. Some individuals with autism may be intensely preoccupied with a few objects or repetitive, ritualistic activities.

Autism is often referred to as a spectrum disorder, meaning that the symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe. Although autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors, children can exhibit any combination of the behaviors in any degree of severity. Two children, both with a diagnosis of autism, can act very differently from one another.

Autism affects roughly 1 in 150 children. Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), which is closely related, affects still more. In most cases the cause is unknown. No medical “cure” for autism/PDD exists. Without effective intervention, most people with autism/PDD require lifelong special supports. However, with effective intervention, there is hope…

Treatment — What Is ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a precise, data-based approach to developing skills and addressing the needs of individuals with autism/PDD. Every skill is broken down into small steps taught systematically in a one-on-one teaching session. The child is provided with repeated learning opportunities that present clear, simple cues, prompts to enable success, and immediate and consistent rewards for correct responses. Skills are also practiced outside of the classroom environment. Skills such as observing, listening, following directions, and imitating provide the foundation for teaching more complex skills like communication and social interaction. Behavioral excesses (such as tantrums and aggression) are not reinforced; more appropriate behaviors are taught in their place.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques have proven effective in improving a wide range of skills in children and adults with autism. Studies have shown that behavioral intervention can produce significant improvement in specific and important areas, such as peer interaction, social behavior, imitation, self-care, language, attention, appropriate independent play, and cognitive skills. Many children develop skills that ultimately enable them to attend regular school programs more successfully than they would otherwise.

The Most Effective Early Intensive Behavioral Programs for Autism/PDD: