To find out more in what way children with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), like autism, differ in behavior from their peer group, Theme was used to reveal possible differences in behavioral patterns. The attachment style of both groups was assessed, by observing them after seperation and reunion with one of their parents. Theme revealed a relatively large number of patterns in PDD children, which reflects their typical stereotyped way of interacting with the environment. However, the disorganized/disoriented attachment style (revealed by a low number of long dyadic patterns) did not occur more often in children with PDD than in non-PDD children. A disorganized/disoriented attachment style is therefore no indication for a Pervasive Developmental Disorder.   

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