Pervasive Developmental Disorders

Paper Summary:

This paper describes some of the causes of pervasive developmental disorders diagnosed in children. The paper explains that these causes can include biological factors such as chromosomal and genetic disorders, infections, disease (kernicterus), maternal alcohol abuse during pregnancy as well as psychosocial factors. Particular emphasis is placed on the disorder of autism.

Outline:
Mental Retardation
Autism

From the Paper:

"About 1% of the general population is affected with mental retardation. Mental retardation is impairment in the development of cognitive and social functioning (APA, 2000). It is not a medical disorder, nor a mental disorder. Mental retardation is a particular state of functioning that begins in childhood and is characterized by limitation in both intelligence and adaptive skills. Mental retardation reflects the "fit" between the capabilities of individuals and the structure and expectations of their environment. Many children with mental retardation improve their condition with support, guidance, and extra academic opportunities, but those who live in impoverish environments may deteriorate. According to the DSM-IV the criteria for mental retardation include three a combination of three of the following:
A. low scores in formal intelligence test (an IQ score of 70 or below)
B. impaired functioning in performing life tasks expected for his/her age in at least two of the following areas: communication, resources, self-care, home living, social/interpersonal skills, use of community resources, functional academic skills, work, leisure, and safety.
c. The onset is before 18 years (DSM, 2000)
"There are different degrees of severity of mental retardation which have to be specified. These degrees will reflect the level of impairment.
317 Mild Mental Retardation - 318.0 Moderate Mental Retardation - 318.1 Severe Mental Retardation - 318.2 Profound Mental Retardation

Sample of Sources Used:

• American Psychological Association: Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, Fourth edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychological Association, 2000.
• Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for disease control and prevention. Mental Retardation (2007). Retrieved February 28, 2007 from ttp://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dd/mr3.htm
• Nevid, J., Rathus, S., Greene B. (2006) Abnormal Psychology in a changing world (6th ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

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