Abstract
This pilot study presents preliminary results concerning the prevalence of Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) in South
America. It was a three-phase study conducted in a typical town in Southeast Brazil. Case definition was based in a combination
of standardized instruments and clinical evaluations by experts. The prevalence of PDD was 27.2/10,000 (95% CI: 17.6–36.8)
and some hypotheses were raised to explain this low frequency. Clinical findings of PDD cases were consistent with previous
data, such as, male preponderance, more children diagnosed with PDD-NOS than with autistic disorder, and half of them born
from older mothers. Moreover, the study raised concerns about treatment of cases, because identification of PDD had been late
and access to services has been very limited.
America. It was a three-phase study conducted in a typical town in Southeast Brazil. Case definition was based in a combination
of standardized instruments and clinical evaluations by experts. The prevalence of PDD was 27.2/10,000 (95% CI: 17.6–36.8)
and some hypotheses were raised to explain this low frequency. Clinical findings of PDD cases were consistent with previous
data, such as, male preponderance, more children diagnosed with PDD-NOS than with autistic disorder, and half of them born
from older mothers. Moreover, the study raised concerns about treatment of cases, because identification of PDD had been late
and access to services has been very limited.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-5
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-011-1200-6
- Authors
- Cristiane S. Paula, Developmental Disorder Post Graduation Program, Mackenzie Presbyterian University, Rua da Consolação, 930. Edifício 38 Secretaria de Pós-Graduação em Distúrbios do Desenvolvimento, São Paulo, SP 01302-907, Brazil
- Sabrina H. Ribeiro, Developmental Disorder Post Graduation Program, Mackenzie Presbyterian University, Rua da Consolação, 930. Edifício 38 Secretaria de Pós-Graduação em Distúrbios do Desenvolvimento, São Paulo, SP 01302-907, Brazil
- Eric Fombonne, Department of Psychiatry—Montreal Children’s Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada
- Marcos T. Mercadante, Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP Brazil
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257