This information booklet is designed for parents who have a child who has been diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) or Asperger's Disorder. It provides information on: (1) the definition of PDD; (2) the five subtypes of PDD, including PDD "not otherwise specified," Asperger's disorder, autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, and Rett's disorder; (3) general characteristics of children with PDD; (4) the causes of PDD; (5) medical problems of children with PDD or autism, including sensitivity to sound, mild motor problems, sensitivity to certain kinds of touch, and seizures; (6) the unique nature of children with PDD or autism; (7) clinical diagnosis; (8) mental retardation and PDD or autism; (9) heredity of PDD; (10) communication skills of children with PDD or autism; (11) recovery of children with PDD; (12) problem behaviors; (13) choosing the best type of intervention or schools and characteristics of good programs, including structured schedules, fewer children per teacher, emphasis on social and communication development, use of play to promote social and communication development, and use of positive behavior management techniques; (14) drug therapy; and (15) and evaluating new treatments. Information on parent organizations for parents of children with PDD or autism are provided. (CR)