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Pervasive developmental disorders in preschool children

S Chakrabarti1, E Fombonne

  • 1MRC Child Psychiatry Unit, Institute of Psychiatry/King's College London, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, England.

JAMA
|June 28, 2001
PubMed

Insights

This study found higher rates of pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) in preschool children than previously reported. Further research is needed to determine if this reflects an actual increase in autism spectrum disorder incidence.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorder prevalence is uncertain, with ongoing concerns about increasing incidence.
  • Accurate epidemiological data is crucial for understanding and addressing developmental disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate the prevalence of pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) in a defined population of preschool-aged children.
  • To provide updated epidemiological data on PDDs in early childhood.

Main Methods:

  • A survey was conducted in Staffordshire, England, screening 15,500 children aged 2.5 to 6.5 years.
  • Children with suspected PDDs underwent intensive assessment by a multidisciplinary team, including standardized diagnostic interviews and psychometric testing.

Main Results:

  • The study identified 97 children with PDDs, estimating a prevalence of 62.6 per 10,000 children.
  • Autistic disorder prevalence was 16.8 per 10,000, and other PDDs were 45.8 per 10,000.
  • Associated conditions included mental retardation (25.8%) and medical conditions (9.3%).

Conclusions:

  • PDD rates appear higher than previously documented in preschool populations.
  • Current epidemiological limitations prevent definitive conclusions about increased incidence, necessitating further rigorous investigation.
  • The findings highlight the significant needs of preschool children diagnosed with PDDs.
Abstract

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