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Motormental retardation
Motormental retardation
OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

Childhood disintegrative disorder

Definition:
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).



Review Date: 5/24/2002
Reviewed By: Elizabeth Hait, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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