What Is Pervasive Developmental Disorder?
Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), or autism spectrum disorder, typically causes developmental delays such as delayed communication and social skills. Symptoms can appear in infants and often develop by the time a child is 3 years old.
Children with PDD often benefit from early interventions and care, including specialized learning environments and chiropractic care.
What Are the Signs of Pervasive Developmental Disorder?
People with PDD are often described as having “subthreshold autism," meaning they have mild symptoms or only a few autism characteristics. Some of the symptoms often associated with PDD include:
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Difficulty relating to objects, people or events
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Difficulty using or understanding language
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Difficulty coping with changes in surroundings or routines
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Repetitive behaviors or body movements
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Different modes of play
The severity of symptoms can vary considerably. Some people with PDD may have average language skills, while others may be nonverbal or may only use a few words or phrases. Some people do not exhibit repetitive behaviors or have difficulty interacting with others.
Chiropractic Care for Pervasive Developmental Disorder
The cause of PDD and autism spectrum disorders remains unknown, but various factors probably contribute, including genes, environmental exposure and birth injuries. For example, an injury to the cervical spine or neck during delivery could cause misalignment that disrupts neurological communication.
Balancing the spine and correcting vertebral misalignments may help people with PDD and other autism spectrum disorders experience an improvement in symptoms, including speech delays and communication difficulties.
Offering Chiropractic Care for a Range of Developmental Disorders
Lazar Spinal Care in Ann Arbor, Michigan, offers chiropractic care for people with PDD and autism spectrum disorders. With our understanding of the neurology of the upper neck, we've been able to help hundreds of children with PDD and autism. Request an appointment today to see how we can help you or your child.