pervasive developmental disorder

noun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web 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

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pervasive developmental disorder.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1981, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pervasive developmental disorder was circa 1981

Dictionary Entries Near pervasive developmental disorder

pervasive

pervasive developmental disorder

pervenche

Cite this Entry

“Pervasive developmental disorder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pervasive%20developmental%20disorder. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

pervasive developmental disorder

noun
per·​va·​sive developmental disorder pər-ˈvā-siv-, -ziv- How to pronounce pervasive developmental disorder (audio)
: autism spectrum disorder
Pervasive developmental disorder is the more serious, impairing a child's ability to develop cognitive, language, motor, social or imagination skills.Lisa W. Foderaro, The New York Times
Between 200,000 and 300,000 infants and toddlers are diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorders such as autism.The Orlando Sentinel
abbreviation PDD
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