In this paper, we give an overview of the child psychiatry perspectives on developmental disorders and introduce the diagnostic categories of developmental disorders, based on the DSM-IV and ICD-10 classification systems. Pervasive developmental disorders, mental retardation and specific developmental disorders are the three main diagnostic categories of developmental disorders in this article. Pervasive developmental disorders include autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder, Rett disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. Specific developmental disorders include communication disorder, learning disorder and motor skills disorder. This article discusses the developmental and clinical characteristics of the above mentioned disorders, focusing on the developmental disabilities of each disorder and the differential diagnosis with other disorders. Future directions for diagnosis are also highlighted. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2006; 30: 303-308)
