• What is autism?
• What is congenital myasthenia gravis?
• What is a developmental disorder?
• What is Down syndrome?
• What is epilepsy?
• What does the abbreviation What does the abbreviation “PDD" mean?

Autism is a developmental disorder with lifelong implications. It usually interferes with communication abilities, social interactions and behavior, more severely in some cases than in others. Patients who have autism commonly are withdrawn and engage in repetitive routines, repeating actions obsessively or adhering rigidly to time schedules or sequences of actions. While the disorder prevents some autistic patients from learning to speak, others may repeat certain words or phrases habitually. They may be overly sensitive or relatively insensitive to pain, may be unable to discern danger, and may exhibit problems with muscular control. Patients with autism perceive and interact with the world around them in their own way, and parents and other family members must learn to adjust to their needs. Helpful therapeutic treatments capable of diminishing symptoms of autism include medications, physical therapy and other therapeutic techniques involving music, vision, and speech and language.

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Congenital myasthenia gravis, also known as congenital myasthenic syndrome, is a neuromuscular disorder that causes intermittent muscular weakness. The condition, which is exaggerated by activity and is alleviated by rest, is caused by an abnormal immune system response that interferes with transmission of nerve impulses. It can affect muscle groups used for walking, swallowing, talking, breathing or other functions. Although a cure for myasthenia gravis has not been discovered, treatment with certain medications can help improve communication between affected nerves and muscles, and other drugs can help suppress undesirable immune system activity.

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A developmental disorder is any condition that emerges during a child’s early developmental period — within the first three years of life — and affects proper formation or maturation of organs or bodily systems.

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Down syndrome is the most prominent cause of birth defects. It also is known as “Trisomy 21” because Down syndrome is the most prominent cause of birth defects. It also is known as “Trisomy 21” because it results from an abnormality of the 21st chromosome. Down syndrome typically affects facial appearance, height and size and shape of the hands, and also can produce abnormalities of the heart and digestive system that may require corrective surgery. Children with Down syndrome commonly exhibit delayed mental and social skills. While no treatment for Down syndrome exists, disorders associated with it may respond to specific treatments. Special education and training can help improve the lives of mentally disabled children.

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Epilepsy is a brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizures caused by abnormal electrical stimulation within the brain. Such unpredictable seizures can be caused by inherited abnormalities, metabolic conditions, various illnesses, or by injuries to the brain. Symptoms can range from vacant staring in a “petit mal” seizure to convulsions or unconsciousness in a “grand mal” episode. A “petit mal” seizure results in a brief lack of conscious activity during which a child may appear to be daydreaming. A “grand mal” or “tonic-clonic” seizure involves the entire body, which becomes gripped in muscular rigidity, often accompanied by violent contractions and spasms. If the cause of the seizures cannot be treated effectively, oral anti-convulsant medications, or surgery in some cases, may help inhibit seizures.

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“PDD” stands for “pervasive developmental disorders,” a category encompassing autism.

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