Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) is a condition first occurring in 3 to 4 year olds which is characterized by deterioration, over several months, of intellectual, social, and language functioning. Also known as disintegrative psychosis or Heller's syndrome.
This rather rare condition was described many years before autism but has only recently been 'officially' recognized.
With CDD children develop a condition which resembles autism but only after a relatively prolonged period of clearly normal development.
Although apparently rare the condition probably has frequently been incorrectly diagnosed.
CDD is usually associated with severe Learning disability. There also appears be an increased frequency of EEG abnormalities and seizure disorder. [source: EU]
The prevalence of childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) is unknown but is considered extremely rare with a estimated rate of 2 per 100,000 population.
CDD and Autism
Currently international groups are looking at international standard instruments for making disgnoses (DSV-V, ICD-11). There is speculation that CDD will be removed as a separate diagnosis and just be included as an ASD with a later onset.
Post new comment