Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and Fragil X Syndrome

Symptoms

• Loss of social skills
• Loss of bowel and bladder control
• Loss of expressive or receptive language
• Loss of fine and gross motor skills
• Lack of interest in play or loss of play skills
• Failure to develop peer relationships
• Problems in nonverbal behaviors
• Delay or lack of spoken language

The Cause and Treatment Options

The cause of childhood disintegrative disorder is unknown, but it has been linked to neurological problems. An affected child shows a loss of communication skills, has regression in nonverbal behaviors, and significant loss of previously acquired skills. The condition is similar to autistic disorder (autism).

Tests & Diagnosis for childhood disintegrative disorder

This disorder must be differentiated from both childhood schizophrenia and pervasive developmental disorder (autism).The most important signs of childhood disintegrative disorder are loss of developmental milestones. The child tends to have normal development through age 3 to 4, and then over a few months undergoes a gradual loss of previously established abilities (e.g., language, motor, or social skills). Generally, the diagnosis is made with a loss of functioning in at least two areas described above.

Treatments Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

Treatment is the same for autistic disorder (autism) because of the similarity in the two disorders.

Prognosis

Unfortunately, the prognosis for this disorder is limited. The loss of functioning will likely be permanent. However, to some degree, behaviors can be modified.

Call your provider if your child has any delays in development or starts to lose developmental.

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

Fragile X Syndrome

Special Needs

Autism Symptoms

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