pervasive developmental disorder

noun

: autism spectrum disorder

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

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1981, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

pervasive developmental disorder

noun

per·​va·​sive developmental disorder pər-ˈvā-siv-, -ziv- 

: 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