pervasive developmental disorder
noun
: autism spectrum disorder
Note: In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association removed the group of diagnoses known as pervasive developmental disorders and replaced them with a single diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
Examples of pervasive developmental disorder in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
My 23-year-old has pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).
—
Abigail Van Buren, oregonlive, 18 Feb. 2023
Mason has been diagnosed with ADHD, explosive disorder, pervasive developmental disorder and autism, among other conditions.
—Sydney Czyzon, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 7 June 2019
Brayson had been diagnosed with fragile X syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, impulse control disorder and dysphasia, according to records obtained by IndyStar.
—Marisa Kwiatkowski, Indianapolis Star, 31 May 2018
After three months and several tests, Ameera was eventually diagnosed with a form of autism called PDD (pervasive developmental disorders).
—Redbook, 6 June 2016
For example, the four separate diagnoses related to autism -- autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified -- would now be referred to as autism spectrum disorders [Los Angeles Times] .
—Andrew Moseman, Discover Magazine, 10 Feb. 2010
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Abigail Van Buren, oregonlive, 18 Feb. 2023
Mason has been diagnosed with ADHD, explosive disorder, pervasive developmental disorder and autism, among other conditions.
—Sydney Czyzon, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 7 June 2019
Brayson had been diagnosed with fragile X syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, impulse control disorder and dysphasia, according to records obtained by IndyStar.
—Marisa Kwiatkowski, Indianapolis Star, 31 May 2018
After three months and several tests, Ameera was eventually diagnosed with a form of autism called PDD (pervasive developmental disorders).
—Redbook, 6 June 2016
For example, the four separate diagnoses related to autism -- autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified -- would now be referred to as autism spectrum disorders [Los Angeles Times] .
—Andrew Moseman, Discover Magazine, 10 Feb. 2010
Cite this Entry
“Pervasive developmental disorder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pervasive%20developmental%20disorder. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
pervasive developmental disorder
noun
per·va·sive developmental disorder
pər-ˈvā-siv-, -ziv- 
: autism spectrum disorder
Note: In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association removed the group of diagnoses known as pervasive developmental disorders and replaced them with a single diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
Pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), now known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), are characterized by delays in the development of social and communication skills.—National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
—abbreviation PDD
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokeLove words? Need even more definitions?
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