Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of pervasive developmental disorders?

The option indicating "normal cognitive development" is not a characteristic of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), including autism spectrum disorders. Individuals with PDD often exhibit varying levels of cognitive functioning, and while some may have typical cognitive development, many show significant cognitive delays or intellectual disabilities. In fact, cognitive impairments are commonly associated with PDD, making deviations from typical cognitive development a hallmark of these disorders. Characteristics such as deficits in communication, socialization difficulties, and behavioral challenges are prevalent among individuals with PDD, reflecting the broad spectrum of challenges they face. Thus, the presence of normal cognitive development does not align with the profiles typically observed in pervasive developmental disorders.