Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD), also known as Heller's syndrome and disintegrative psychosis, is a rare condition characterized by late onset of developmental delays—or severe and sudden reversals—in language (receptive and expressive), social engagement, bowel and bladder, play and motor skills. Researchers have not been successful in finding a cause for the disorder. CDD has some similarities to autism and is sometimes considered a low-functioning form of it.
In May 2013, CDD, along with other sub-types of PDD (Asperger's syndrome, Classic autism, and PDD-NOS), was fused into a single diagnostic term called "autism spectrum disorder" under the new DSM-5 manual.
CDD was originally described by Austrian educator Theodor Heller (1869–1938) in 1908, 35 years before Leo Kanner and Hans Asperger described autism. Heller had previously used the name dementia infantilis for the syndrome.
An apparent period of fairly normal development is often noted before a regression in skills or a series of regressions in skills. The age at which this regression can occur varies; after three years of normal development is typical. The regression, known as a 'prodrome,' can be so dramatic that the child may be aware of it, and may in its beginning even ask, vocally, what is happening to them. Some children describe or appear to be reacting to hallucinations, but the most obvious symptom is that skills apparently attained are lost.
Symptoms
The loss of previously acquired skills may be gradual; however, in general this usually occurs rapidly over a period of six-nine months. Symptoms may begin with unexplained changes in behaviour, e.g. anxiety, agitation, or unprovoked anger. Behavioural changes are normally followed by a loss in motor, social and communication skills. Children with Childhood Disintegrative Disorder often lose bowel or bladder control and reject social interaction. After a time the regression will stop, however, the child does not usually regain any of the lost skills.
Treatment Options
Unfortunately, no cure exists for childhood disintegrative disorder; only treatment and therapy is provided to relieve and lessen the symptoms. Medications such as anticonvulsant drugs to avoid seizures or antipsychotic medications may be prescribed. Behavioral therapy can be designed to minimize the loss of language/communication, self-care, social skills and, possibly, slow down the regression.