International Meeting for Autism Research (May 7 - 9, 2009): Description of the RESEARCH Group on Pervasive Developmental Disorders in SÃo Paulo- Brazil

Description of the RESEARCH Group on Pervasive Developmental Disorders in SÃo Paulo- Brazil

Thursday, May 7, 2009
Northwest Hall (Chicago Hilton)
3:30 PM
R. L. Velloso , Pós Graduação em Distúrbios do Desevolvimento, Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, São Paulo, Brazil
A. A. Vinic , Pervasive Development Disorders Clinic, Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, São Paulo, Brazil
S. H. B. Ribeiro , Pós Graduação em Distúrbios do Desevolvimento, Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, São Paulo, Brazil
C. S. de Paula , Pós Graduação em Distúrbios do Desevolvimento, Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, São Paulo, Brazil
D. Brunoni , Pós Graduação em Distúrbios do Desevolvimento, Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, São Paulo, Brazil
J. S. Schwartzman , Pós Graduação em Distúrbios do Desevolvimento, Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, São Paulo, Brazil
Background: The Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) includes a broad spectrum of disorders of development characterized by the presence of disturbances in social skills, in communication and behavior, with restricted and repetitive interests. Diagnose correctly the PDD and conduct research in this area is very important for the knowledge of professionals who work in the area and interventions ever earlier. Objectives: Describing the group of research and evaluation on PDD of the Post-Graduate Program of Developmental Disorders, Center for Biological Sciences and Health, Mackenzie Presbyterian University, São Paulo, Brazil.
Methods: Description of the protocol of evaluation and analysis of the database group's evaluation of PDD.
Results: The evaluation: anamnesis,  screening questionnaires (SCQ: Social Screening questionnaire, ABC: Autism Behavior Checklist), neuropsychological assessment (WISC III, PEP-R, Trail Making Test, Wisconsin test, Rey) evaluation speech with an emphasis on language and social cognition (Pragmatic, Language Competences, Symbolic Maturity, Shared Attention, Empathy Card-deck, card-deck of basic facial expression in photos and drawings, Theory of Mind tasks, Social Stories Questionnaire), physical examination, neurological examination, assessment by equipment that records the eye movement (Tobii eye tracking) and implementation of protocols for scientific research. At the end of each assessment, the group concludes a diagnosis. Then it is done with a report of conduct and guidelines, which are explained in a meeting with the family of the individual assessed. From 2007 until 2008 were assessed 38 subjects, with 30 subjects were male and 8 female, aged between 2 and 39 years, with the largest concentration 5 to 11 years. Diagnostics: 8 subjects did not meet criteria for PDD, 8 received a diagnosis of PDD, 7 of autism, 6 of Asperger Syndrome, 8 of Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), and 1 with a semantic pragmatic disorder.

Conclusions: The group described conducts research and evaluations, reiterating the importance of the development of knowledge in the area, suitable for early intervention.

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