Childhood disintegrative disorder

Alternative names:

disintegrative psychosis; Heller's syndrome

Definition:

A condition occurring in 3 and 4 year olds characterized by a deterioration over several months of intellectual, social, and language functioning from previously normal functioning.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of childhood disintegrative disorder is unknown but it has been linked to neurological conditions. Some of the neurological conditions that have been suggested are seizure disorder and tuberous sclerosis. The child with this disorder has a loss of communication skills, has regression in nonverbal behaviors, and significant loss of previously acquired skills. This condition is very similar to autistic disorder (autism).