This online article outlines each of the five pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) as they are described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Fourth Edition (DSM-IV). These were Autistic Disorder, Rett’s Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD NOS).

Please note that the DSM-IV was replaced by the DSM-5 in 2013, which replaced the PDDs (minus Rett’s Disorder) with a single category of “Autism Spectrum Disorder.” However, DSM-IV classifications may still apply to individuals diagnosed with autism prior to 2013.

The Indiana Resource Center for Autism conducts outreach training, engages in individual consultations, provides ongoing support to school teams, conducts research, and produces and disseminates autism information for professionals and families. [Website]