The Unprofessional Guide to pervasive developmental disorder

Chapter 1: What Is pervasive developmental disorder, Really?

Important notice: This guide is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any medical decisions. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice because of something you read in this guide.

So. You got the diagnosis. Pervasive developmental disorder. Maybe you've been suspecting it for months, maybe years. Maybe it came completely out of left field. Either way, your heart is probably pounding, your head is spinning, and you're wondering what on earth this means for your life — or your child's life, or your partner's life. Let's take a breath together, okay. A big one. In through the nose, out through the mouth.

Good. Now let me tell you the most important thing you need to know right now, and I need you to really hear this: you are still the same person you were before this diagnosis. The label doesn't change who you are, or who your loved one is. It doesn't change the love, the history, or the future that was there ten minutes ago. All it does is give a name to something that's been there for a long time — and a name, as scary as it can sound, is actually a tool. A name gives you something to point at, to talk about, to learn about, and to work with. A name is the beginning of understanding, not