Research summaries for autism therapy: pervasive developmental disorder (PDD)

definition of pervasive developmental disorder (PDD): Defined as a broad category of disorders in which there is a delay in the development of basic functions including communication and social interaction. PDD includes autism spectrum disorders (autism disorder, childhood disintegration disorder, Rett syndrome, Asperger’s syndrome, and PDD-not otherwise specified or PDD-NOS).
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Safety and Efficacy of Oral DMSA Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Part B – Behavioral Results, Summarized Apr 27, 2010

A single round of DMSA chelation therapy may improve the severity of autism.

The purpose of this study was to see if DMSA therapy is safe and helpful for children with autism. The authors used five tools to assess changes in autism symptoms. Three of the tools (PDD-BI, SAS and PGI) showed improved behaviors in the children who were given one round of DMSA therapy, and those who were given seven rounds of DMSA therapy. The authors believe that one round of treatment may be enough for some children to excrete toxic metals. The children who released the most metals (thallium, arsenic, mercury, and lead) were the ones with the most improved autism symptoms.

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Autism Spectrum Disorders in Young Children, Summarized Feb 12, 2010

Early diagnosis of autism may lead to effective early intervention.

This review article gives an overview of diagnosis, testing, and therapy options for children with autism. Details focus on children with autism or pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). Autism may be diagnosed based on problems with social interactions and communication. A child with autism also may have repetitive behaviors.... Read more...

State Variation in Psychotropic Medication Use by Foster Care Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Summarized Feb 10, 2010

Children with autism in foster care may be more likely to take 3 or more medications than children with other disabilities.

This study looked at Medicaid claims of 43,406 children with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, or pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). Children were 3 to 18 years old. The authors compared children with autism in foster care to children with other disabilities. Almost 1 out of 3 children in foster care took 3 or more medications, compared to about 1 out of 16 children with other disabilities.... Read more...

Sowing Seeds of Compassion: The Case of a Music Therapy Integration Group, Summarized Jan 29, 2010

Integrating children with autism and normally-developing children in music therapy may help foster compassion.

This study measured kindness in 4 children who were placed together in a music therapy group. The group included two children with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) and two normally-developing children (9 and 10 years old). The children met for 14 weekly sessions for 30 minutes each. The normally-developing children showed more compassion over the 14-week period.... Read more...

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Synonyms for pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) include: PDD, pervasive development disorder, pervasive developmental disorder, pervasive developmental disorders
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