Neurodevelopmental

Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD)

A holistic special education approach covering all developmental areas of children with pervasive developmental disorders.

Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) cover a group of neurodevelopmental conditions showing differences in social interaction, communication skills, and behavioral patterns. Subcategories such as autism spectrum disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) are included under the PDD diagnosis. As Önce Special Education, we offer comprehensive and individual education programs for the developmental needs of children diagnosed with PDD at our center in Pendik, Istanbul.

Our PDD education program adopts a holistic approach covering communication, social skill, cognitive development, motor skill, and behavior regulation areas according to the individual developmental profile of the individual. At our Pendik center, a detailed neurodevelopmental assessment is conducted for each child, and individualized goals are determined in line with these assessment results. Our team of special education specialists, language therapists, psychologists, and occupational therapists works in a coordinated manner on each child's unique developmental journey.

Located in Pendik, Istanbul, our center offers education programs based on current research and evidence-based practices in the PDD field. Structured teaching, natural environment teaching, visual support systems, and alternative communication methods are among the core tools of our program. We aim to ensure a consistent development support is provided in the home environment as well by working in close cooperation with families.

Who Is It For?

  • Children diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)
  • Individuals diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
  • Children experiencing significant difficulties in social interaction and communication
  • Individuals in need of support in multiple developmental areas
  • Children showing difficulties in behavioral flexibility and adaptation
  • Children in the developmental risk group referred within early intervention

How Does It Work?

1

The process starts with a comprehensive family interview and taking the developmental history.

2

Neurodevelopmental assessment: detailed measurement in communication, social cognition, cognitive development, motor, and adaptive behavior areas.

3

An individualized education program is designed with a multidisciplinary team meeting.

4

Structured teaching, natural environment teaching, and visual support strategies are applied in individual sessions.

5

Alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) systems are introduced when necessary.

6

Goals are updated with periodic assessments, and regular feedback is given to the family.

Benefits

Improvement in communication skills (verbal and non-verbal)
Expansion of social interaction capacity and interests
Support for cognitive skills and learning capacity
Increase in behavioral regulation and flexibility
Development of daily life and independent living skills
Improvement in sensory processing skills
Strengthening of family-child interaction
Increase in adaptation and participation in the education environment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PDD diagnosis and how is it made?

Pervasive Developmental Disorder is a neurodevelopmental diagnosis category characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction and communication. The diagnosis is made by a child psychiatrist by examining clinical observation, standardized assessment tools, and developmental history. Our Pendik center offers support in referral during the diagnosis process and post-diagnosis education planning.

What is the difference between PDD and autism?

Autism spectrum disorder is the most common subtype of the pervasive developmental disorders group. PDD is a broader diagnosis category that also covers autism. In current classification systems, there is a trend to merge these terms. Programs suitable for both diagnosis groups are available at our center.

How often should I receive education for my child diagnosed with PDD?

Education frequency is determined according to the child's age and developmental needs. Generally, between 2-4 sessions of individual education per week are recommended. The number of sessions can be increased at early ages and during intensive intervention periods.

Which developmental areas are supported in PDD education?

Communication, social skill, cognitive development, motor skills, adaptive behaviors, and sensory processing areas are all supported at our center. Focus areas are determined according to the individual needs of each child, and we work with a multidisciplinary approach.

Free Assessment Appointment

Our experts evaluate your child's developmental needs for free.

Free Assessment Appointment

Our experts evaluate your child's developmental needs for free.

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