Conversely, some children with PDD may be inappropriately affectionate. The severity of impairment of receptive and expressive language varies to a great degree. Some children with autism seem to be unable to process any spoken language, and are nonverbal. These children may benefit from the use of a total communication system with sign language, and communication boards. Most children with PDD do acquire some spoken language.
Acquisition is delayed, and there are qualitative abnormalities.
Children may repeat what has just been said by another person, or they may repeat bits and pieces of TV commercials or rote phrases. Some children will recite over-learned phrases repetitively. Children with more mild impairment may show difficulties in using language appropriately for communication. They may speak fluently with good articulation and good grammar, but will have difficulty in initiating and sustaining conversations. They may speak on a single focus without regard to the interest of the listener.