What are mild disabilities?

Mild disabilities include learning disability, high-functioning autism, Asperger syndrome, emotional disturbances, and ADHD. Individuals with mild disabilities have difficulty with cognition, language, social skills, physical abilities, and so forth.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder

Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) refers a group of disorders characterized by socialization and communication difficulties. Depending on the types of PDD, their abilities, intelligence, and behaviors significantly vary. Examples of PDD inclues autism, Asperger syndrome, and Rett syndrome.

主な特徴

  • Difficulty with effectively communicating with others
  • Difficulty in sympathizing other people's feeling or experience
  • Use toys or objects in an unusual way
  • Difficulty with adjusting to new environment or schedule
  • Repeat same behaviors over and over.

Expected developmental stages differ by age.
The attributes above are the features compared to same age peers.

Home tips

Understand tendencies
It would be helpful to understand what kind of circumstanes is stressful and relaxing. For example, some individuals may be extremely overwhelmed by a loud crowd whereas others may enjoy it. By understanding tendencies, they can avoid the stressful situation or find other ways to participate in the situation.
Make daily routine
Make daily routine that is easy to follow and stick with. Sudden change of schedule or environment creates great stress to individuals with the above disabilities. It is usually better to inform them in advance when changes are expected.
Give specific instructions
Individuals with PDD struggle with communication and social skills. Since it is difficult for them to assume what is socially appropriate in a given situation, communication and social skills must be taught directly and explicitly.
Use visual aids
Understanding other people's emotions from facial expressions and expressing their own emotions are difficult for individuals with PDD. Visual aids such as picture and photo show specific examples.

Message from Educational Therapist

Intelligence, abilities, and characteristics are significantly different by the types of PDD. It is crucial to know the correct diagnosis and understand its characteristics. Please contact me if you have any concerns about PDD. Educational Therapy is available for individuals with PDD as well.