Childhood disintegrative disorder is a condition occurring in 3 and 4 year olds characterized by deterioration over several months in intellectual, social, and language functioning from previously normal behavior. Normal development is seen up to age 2.

Alternative Names

Disintegrative psychosis; Heller's syndrome

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The cause of childhood disintegrative disorder is unknown, but it has been linked to neurological problems. The child with this disorder has a loss of communication skills, has regression in nonverbal behaviors, and significant loss of previously acquired skills. The condition is very similar to autistic disorder ( autism ).

Signs and tests

This disorder must be differentiated from both childhood schizophrenia and pervasive developmental disorder (autism). The most important signs of this disorder are loss of developmental milestones. The child tends to have normal development by age 2, fairly normal (but with some mild developmental delay) until age 10, and then a gradual loss of previously established abilities. Generally, the diagnosis is made with a loss of functioning in at least two areas described above.

Treatment

Treatment is the same for autistic disorder ( autism ) because of the similarity in the two disorders.

Expectations (prognosis)

Unfortunately, the prognosis for this disorder is limited. The loss of functioning will likely be permanent, though to some degree behaviors can be modified.

Calling your health care provider

You should always call your health care provider if your child has any delays in development or starts to lose developmental abilities.