Childhood Disintegration Disorder

Childhood Disintegration Disorder is quite rare, and is characterized by normal development until around age 2, or sometimes through ages 3, even 4.  After seemingly normal development, the child then demonstrates a gradual (or sometimes even a sudden) decline in functioning including language, learning, social, and adaptive skills.  Decline of motor skills, and bowel and bladder control are typical as well.  The decline is limited, meaning the child does not continue to decline over a life span as seen in Rhett’s disorder.  After the decline in skills, usually over the course of a few months to a year, these children very much resemble those with classic autism.  The exact cause is often unknown, but it is considered to be a neurological disorder involving genetics.  However, environmental agents are still very likely contributors.  Many refer to childhood disintegration disorder as late-onset autism.  Treatment for this disorder is typically the same as for children with autism.