Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “developmental disorders”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

Parent-professional agreement on diagnosis and recommendations for children with developmental disorders.

Twenty-eight children with developmental disorders underwent an interdisciplinary assessment for diagnosis and recommendations about management. Following this assessment, the degree of agreement on diagnosis and recommendations between parents and the team was determined. There was substantial agreement for diagnosis of clearly identifiable conditions such as genetic disorders, autism, and mental retardation but less agreement for milder disorders such as learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, and emotional disorders. Agreement on management varied, being higher for speech therapy and psychosocial interventions but lower for use of stimulant medication and diet. The parents identified additional diagnostic labels in their child and mentioned more recommendations than the clinicians prescribed. The results suggest the need for careful attention to parent perceptions following interdisciplinary assessment.

British Columbia↗

General movements: A window for early identification of children at high risk for developmental disorders.

Detection of children with a developmental disorder, such as cerebral palsy, at an early age is notoriously difficult. Recently, a new form of neuromotor assessment of young infants was developed, based on the assessment of the quality of general movements (GMs). GMs are movements of the fetus and young infant in which all parts of the body participate. The technique of GM assessment is presented and the features of normal, mildly abnormal, and definitely abnormal GMs discussed. Essential to GM assessment is the Gestalt evaluation of movement complexity and variation. The quality of GMs at 2 to 4 months postterm (so-called fidgety GM age) has been found to have the highest predictive value. The presence of definitely abnormal GMs at this age--that is, GMs devoid of complexity and variation--puts a child at very high risk for cerebral palsy. This implies that definitely abnormal GMs at fidgety age are an indication for early physiotherapeutic intervention.

Age Factors↗

Pharmacotherapy of pervasive developmental disorders in children and adolescents.

Pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) are severe psychiatric disorders characterised by impaired social interaction, reduced verbal and nonverbal communication, and restricted and stereotyped patterns of interest and behaviour, with onset in the first 3 years of life. As part of a multimodal approach that includes educational and behavioural interventions, appropriate use of pharmacotherapy in patients with PDDs can improve some symptoms and behaviours and increase the patient's response to nonpharmacological interventions. Pharmacotherapy is aimed at stabilising the dysregulated systems that are thought to underlie the abnormal behaviours, namely the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems.This paper critically reviews the available literature on the pharmacotherapy of PDDs in children and adolescents. Pharmacological, efficacy and safety data on drugs acting on serotonin (serotonergic agents such as clomipramine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, citalopram and fluvoxamine), on both serotonin and norepinephrine (venlafaxine and mirtazapine), dopamine (dopamine-blocking antipsychotics such as haloperidol and pimozide), and on both serotonin and dopamine (atypical antipsychotics such as clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine and ziprasidone) are presented. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of other psychotropic medications, such as the opioid antagonists, alpha-adrenoceptor agonists (clonidine and guanfacine), psychostimulants, mood stabilisers, glutamatergic compounds (lamotrigine, amantadine), buspirone, and secretin. Available evidence suggests that atypical antipsychotics (mainly risperidone and olanzapine) are particularly indicated when more serious behavioural symptoms, such as aggression, self-injurious behaviours and hyperactivity, are prominent. Serotonergic agents may be effective in children with repetitive phenomena or affective symptoms. Social relatedness is more frequently refractory to both atypical antipsychotics and serotonergic agents. Further research into the drug treatment of PDDs, including placebo-controlled trials and long-term, naturalistic follow-up studies of large samples of patients of different age ranges, is warranted.

Adolescent↗

ERP differences among subtypes of pervasive developmental disorders.

BACKGROUND: Children with multiple complex developmental disorder (MCDD) have been distinguished from autistic children on the basis of chart reviews. It was questioned whether it is possible to find other, e.g., event-related potential (ERP), evidence for this assertion. METHODS: ERPs were measured in response to stimuli in a visual oddball task in autistic, MCDD, attention deficit disorder, dyslexic, and normal control children, to study whether ERP peaks can be used to distinguish autistic and MCDD children, and to classify the aforementioned groups. RESULTS: It was found that the P3 at four different leads and the frontal Nc showed differences among the groups, and that the autistic and MCDD groups differed from each other as well as from the other groups. Also, it was found that, using discriminant analyses in which these parameters were included, children were classified above chance level. Especially in the MCDD group, a high percentage of correct classification was seen. CONCLUSIONS: ERP parameters indicate that autistic and MCDD children might differ in underlying pathology and might therefore, better be regarded as two separate diagnostic entities.

Adolescent↗

Reciprocal social behavior in children with and without pervasive developmental disorders.

An invariant feature of pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) is a relative deficit in the capacity for reciprocal social behavior (RSB). The authors acquired teacher reports of RSB in 287 schoolchildren and parent reports of RSB in 158 child psychiatric patients using a new research instrument, the Social Reciprocity Scale. Total scores on this measure of RSB were continuously distributed in all groups of subjects; children with PDDs scored significantly higher for the degree of deficits in RSB than did clinical or nonclinical controls. Latent class analysis and factor analysis failed to demonstrate separate categories of deficiency for core autistic symptomatology and more general impairments in RSB, consistent with the notion of a "broader autism phenotype." Assessments of RSB on a continuous scale may be useful clinically for characterizing the behavior of children whose social deficits fall below the threshold for a full diagnosis of autism. They may also be useful in genetic-linkage studies of autistic spectrum disorders.

Adolescent↗

Clinical studies of pervasive developmental disorders in Japan.

Articles on pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) published mainly by Japanese child psychiatrists in international journals for the last 20 years were reviewed for the purpose of clarifying the accomplishment and aims of Japanese PDD research. Although Japanese child psychiatrists investigated PDD in various specialties, their contributions to international archives were much fewer than those of Japanese professionals in other branches of medical sciences. This may be accounted for by the absence of an authorized education system of child psychiatrists and strong clinical orientation together with some reluctance of Japanese child psychiatrists to perform research. However, the epidemiology of PDD subtypes, the speech loss in PDD and the psychopathology of persons with high-functioning PDD seem to be providing promising research areas for Japanese child psychiatrists based on their clinical experiences.

Autistic Disorder↗

Expansion of the allelic and phenotypic spectrum of MED25-related developmental disorder: novel compound heterozygous variants with structural domain implications.

MED25-related developmental disorder (Basel-Vanagaite-Smirin-Yosef syndrome) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, defined by severe neurodevelopmental delay, corpus callosum abnormalities, ocular involvement, epilepsy, and marked facial appearance. MED25 pathogenic variants interfere with the functioning of the Mediator complex, which is responsible for RNA polymerase II transcription. We report a 9-year-old girl who presents with significant global developmental delay, agenesis of the corpus callosum, congenital cataracts, epilepsy, hypotonia, musculoskeletal abnormalities, and typical craniofacial features. Trio-based whole-exome sequencing revealed compound heterozygous variants in MED25: a maternally transmitted truncating variant (c.1366 C > T; p.Gln456*) and a paternally inherited missense variant (c.430 C > T; p.Leu144Phe). The new classification of the missense variant as potentially pathogenic is supported by a systematic ACMG re-evaluation supported by segregation analysis, phenotypic specificity, computational prediction, and structural localization in the MED25 Activator Interaction Domain (ACID). Comparative phenotypic analyses show strong agreement with reported cases but add more data to fine-tune clinical spectrum. This article broadens the allelic and phenotypic spectrum of MED25-related developmental disorder and highlights the need for comprehensive evaluation across molecular, structural, and phenotypic pathways to elucidate variant signature in rare genetic disease models correctly.

Humans↗

Pervasive developmental disorders: from DSM-III to DSM-III-R.

The present paper provides a brief history of the development of the DSM-III-R (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 1987) section on Pervasive Developmental Disorders. It describes the process by which the contents of the text and criteria for Autistic Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified were decided and gives the reasons for the changes from DSM-III (APA, 1980) categories and criteria. The paper concludes with a short discussion of critical diagnostic issues.

Autistic Disorder↗

Practitioner review: early adversity and developmental disorders.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of genetic influences, on developmental disorders such as autism spectrum, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and learning disabilities, has increased the opportunities for understanding the influences of the early environment. METHODS: This paper provides a selective, narrative review for clinicians of the effects of factors such as exposure to toxins and stresses in utero and in postnatal life; brain injuries and perinatal compromise; neglect, malnutrition and selective food deficiencies. It also considers what is known about the mechanisms through which early adversities operate. RESULTS: Gaps in the research are identified and suggestions made about clinical investigations. Several types of environmental adversity have associations with later disorders that suggest a causal role. The effects are often on a broad range of psychological processes, and are not always quickly reversible. Several adversities often coexist, calling for skilled judgement about priorities in treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals vary considerably in their exposure to adversity and their vulnerability to its effects, and genetic inheritance can influence both.

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity↗

47,XYY karyotypes and pervasive developmental disorders.

OBJECTIVE: The presence of a 47, XYY karyotype in boys with pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) has rarely been described in the past. Herein, 2 boys with PDDs and a supernumerary Y chromosome are presented. METHODS: The case histories of the 2 patients are described along with the results of associated testing. The literature on psychosocial development as well as brain morphology and physiology in males with 47, XYY karyotypes is reviewed. RESULTS: Both boys had presentations typical of PDDs, one with autistic disorder and the other with PDD not otherwise specified. CONCLUSION: The finding that, in a clinic for children with developmental disorders, 2 of 40 male referrals had 47, XYY karyotypes suggests that the rate of this sex chromosome anomaly may be increased in PDDs. An extra Y chromosome may be related to abnormal brain development, which may, in turn, predispose vulnerable males to PDDs.

Adolescent↗

Specificity and developmental consequences of speech loss in children with pervasive developmental disorders.

Speech loss (SL) was compared in 276 children who had pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) with 62 children with intellectual disabilities without PDD. Speech loss seems relatively specific to PDD because it is significantly more common in children with PDD (26.1%, 72/276) than in those with intellectual disabilities (1.6%, 1/62). In three PDD categories, speech loss occurred in all the 12 children with disintegrative psychosis, 35/149 (23.5%) children with infantile autism and 25/115 (21.7%) children with other PDD. Children with pervasive developmental disorders and speech loss had spoken significantly earlier yet developed less satisfactorily after speech loss than those without it. Speech loss seems fairly specific to PDD and is indicative of unfavorable intellectual development in children with PDD.

Adolescent↗

Trends, perinatal characteristics, and medical conditions in pervasive developmental disorders.

Our aim was to study trends in the prevalence of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) and to quantify their association with morphogenetic anomalies and with perinatal characteristics such as gestational age, birthweight, and hospitalization in a neonatal care unit. Data from a French morbidity register of childhood disabilities with the use of consistent definitions over time within the same geographical area were analyzed. The data of a total of 454 children (312 males, 142 females) with PDD, born between 1980 and 1993 and residing in Isère county, were recorded at the age of 7 years. The overall prevalence of PDD was 22.2 out of every 10000. There was a significant increase, from 14.7 to 30.8 out of every 10 000, during the period of study. Among these children with PDD, morphogenetic anomalies were observed in 12.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.3-15.5), and the hospitalization rate during the neonatal period was 22% (95% CI 17.0-27.5), which is significantly higher than the observed rates in the general population. The increase in the prevalence of PDD, the association with perinatal risk factors, and the high rate of neonatal hospitalization require further studies to investigate the reasons for and mechanisms of these developmental disorders.

Birth Weight↗

Cognitive-developmental systems theory in pervasive developmental disorders.

The concept of reality systems is introduced in context of cognitive-developmental systems theory. Examination of the parallels between the reality systems of normal infants and those of children with pervasive developmental disorders supports the view that the latter are stalled at an early stage of development. Evaluation of pervasively disordered children with closed-system and system-forming disorders indicates the aberrant manner in which such children orient toward and engage objects and events, a manner that precludes flexible adaptation to people or surroundings. Attention is given the role of interruption as it triggers a compensatory reaction to maintain systems and the contribution of such reactions in developing the intentional behavior so lacking in children with pervasive developmental disorders. Finally, the author discusses theory-driven strategies to correct deficits in the body schema, coping with surroundings, social development, and communication and representation.

Child↗

The hospitalization of children with developmental disorders.

Hospitalization is a difficult experience for a normal child. The hospitalization of a developmentally disabled child can be especially traumatic, both for the child who can not understand what is happening to him and for hospital personnel who are unaccustomed to dealing with such children. This article discusses the hospitalization of children with developmental disorders using the theoretical perspective of developmental psychology. The following issues are considered: 1) Does the child's disorder represent a delayed or a deviant course of development?, 2) Is the child's deficit global, affecting all areas of functioning, or specific, limited to one area?, and 3) Does a disorder early in development necessarily predict later problems, or are children able to compensate for certain deficits? Suggestions for improving the care of children with developmental disorders in hospitals are offered based on research and clinical observations.

Child↗

Pathological demand avoidance syndrome: a necessary distinction within the pervasive developmental disorders.

A proposal is made to recognise pathological demand avoidance syndrome (PDA) as a separate entity within the pervasive developmental disorders, instead of being classed under "pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified" (PDDnos, DSM-IV). Discriminant functions analysis shows PDA to be significantly different on many counts from classic autism and Asperger's syndrome, both separately and together, including an equal sex ratio (150 cases). Demand avoidance using social manipulation is seen in all children, which strongly contrasts with the features of autistic spectrum disorders. A criterial structure is described, supported by statistical data from a random sample of 50 children diagnosed with PDA, together with a follow up sample of 18 young adults.

Asperger Syndrome↗

Increased prevalence of pervasive developmental disorders in children with slight arylsulfatase A deficiency.

Arylsulfatase A deficiency (less than 15% of controls) is responsible for a neurological disorder known as metachromatic leukodystrophy. Nonetheless, low levels of the enzyme (15-50% of controls, higher than in metachromatic leukodystrophy) in adult patients have been related to neuropsychiatric disorders. On the other hand, there are only few and controversial data on the significance of reduced arylsulfatase A activity in children. This led us to perform the present study. Various classes of arylsulfatase A activity in children have been related with different groups of neuropsychiatric disorders and compared with a similar number of healthy children. We found a high percentage of reduced arylsulfatase A (less than 50% of controls) in children with pervasive developmental disorders (10.25%). Unexpectedly, raising the threshold level for considering arylsulfatase A deficiency up to 70% of controls resulted in a marked increase in the incidence of pervasive developmental disorders. This new class, arylsulfatase A slight deficiency, contained the highest number of patients affected by psychiatric symptoms. This suggests that arylsulfatase A slight deficiency could be a marker of a subclass of pervasive developmental disorders.

Adolescent↗

[Autism and pervasive developmental disorders].

OBJECTIVE: To review the current knowledge on neurobiological aspects of autism and pervasive developmental disorders, as well as to provide pediatricians with up to date information on diagnosis and treatment of autism. SOURCES OF DATA: Review of MEDLINE and Internet. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: Autism is the 3rd developmental disorder, with an incidence of 40 to 130/100,000 individuals. Diagnosis is based on clinical findings, following DSM IV criteria. Neuroimaging, investigation of fetal neurological status, and genetic investigation contribute towards a better understanding of the neurobiology of autism. CONCLUSION: Pediatricians are the first health professional to come in contact with patients with autism. Thus, they should be able to diagnose and to coordinate the multidisciplinary treatment of these patients.

Autistic Disorder↗

Development and developmental disorders of the human cerebellum.

The human cerebellum develops over a long time, extending from the early embryonic period until the first postnatal years. This protracted development makes the cerebellum vulnerable to a broad spectrum of developmental disorders. The development of the cerebellum occurs in four basic steps: 1) characterization of the cerebellar territory at the midbrain-hindbrain boundary; 2) formation of two compartments for cell proliferation: first, the Purkinje cells and the deep cerebellar nuclei arise from the ventricular zone of the metencephalic alar plate; second, granule cell precursors are formed from a second compartment of proliferation, i. e. the upper rhombic lip; 3) inward migration of the granule cells: granule precursor cells form the external granular layer, from which (and continuing into the first postnatal year), granule cells migrate inwards to their definite position in the internal granular layer, and 4) formation of cerebellar circuitry and further differentiation. The precerebellar nuclei, i. e. the pontine nuclei and the inferior olive, arise from the lower rhombic lip. Developmental disorders of the cerebellum are often accompanied by malformations of the precerebellar nuclei. In this review the development of the cerebellum and some of its more frequent developmental disorders, such as the Dandy-Walker and related midline malformations, and the pontocerebellar hypoplasias, are discussed.

Cerebellar Diseases↗