Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) is a developmental disorder
characterized by a loss of thinking, communication, and language skills that
occurs some time between 2 and 4 years of age. Normal development is seen until
then.
The cause of childhood disintegrative disorder is not known.
Symptoms include poor social skills, lack of bowel and bladder control,
impaired language and motor skills, and difficulties developing relationships.
The condition is very similar to autistic disorder (autism) in its more severe
forms.
The condition affects girls and boys in equal numbers. More
research is needed to find out how many children are affected by childhood
disintegrative disorder. But it is considered to occur much less frequently
than autism.
Last Revised:
April 3, 2012
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
John Pope, MD - Pediatrics & Fred Volkmar, MD - Child and Adolescent Psychiatry