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Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (Heller's Syndrome) | Doctor
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Affected children have often achieved normal developmental milestones before the regression of skills. "/><meta property="og:title" content="Childhood disintegrative disorder"/><meta property="og:url" content="https://patient.info/doctor/childhood-disintegrative-disorder-hellers-syndrome"/><meta property="og:locale" content="en_GB"/><meta property="og:image" content="https://patient.info/images/logo_patient.png"/><meta property="og:type" content="website"/><meta property="og:description" content="Childhood disintegrative disorder is a rare disorder. Affected children have often achieved normal developmental milestones before the regression of skills. "/><meta property="fb:pages" content="310041829007343"/><meta property="p:domain_verify" content="03105afe891064ab36bab9260198eb12"/><meta name="twitter:description" content="Childhood disintegrative disorder is a rare disorder. Affected children have often achieved normal developmental milestones before the regression of skills. 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20.777 5.57022 20.394C5.60289 20.357 5.63754 20.322 5.67318 20.289"></path></svg></div></a><div class="SecondaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-inactive__uNEtz"><ul><li class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-content__JmUfL"><h6 class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-title__j9zHz">Featured conditions</h6><div class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-section__NpW9N"><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/childrens-health/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd" data-testid="ter_managingconditions_tertiarymenu"><p>ADHD in children</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/chest-lungs/asthma-leaflet" data-testid="ter_managingconditions_tertiarymenu"><p>Asthma</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/skin-conditions/viral-rashes/chickenpox-in-children" data-testid="ter_managingconditions_tertiarymenu"><p>Chickenpox</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/chest-lungs/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-leaflet" data-testid="ter_managingconditions_tertiarymenu"><p>COPD</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/digestive-health/inflammatory-bowel-disease/crohns-disease" data-testid="ter_managingconditions_tertiarymenu"><p>Crohn's disease</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/diabetes/diabetes-mellitus-leaflet" data-testid="ter_managingconditions_tertiarymenu"><p>Diabetes</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/womens-health/pelvic-pain-in-women/endometriosis" data-testid="ter_managingconditions_tertiarymenu"><p>Endometriosis</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/signs-symptoms/tiredness-fatigue/fibromyalgia" data-testid="ter_managingconditions_tertiarymenu"><p>Fibromyalgia</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/digestive-health/diarrhoea/gastroenteritis" data-testid="ter_managingconditions_tertiarymenu"><p>Gastroenteritis</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/skin-conditions/hives-inducible-urticaria" data-testid="ter_managingconditions_tertiarymenu"><p>Hives</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/digestive-health/irritable-bowel-syndrome-leaflet" data-testid="ter_managingconditions_tertiarymenu"><p>Irritable bowel syndrome</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/womens-health/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-leaflet" data-testid="ter_managingconditions_tertiarymenu"><p>Polycystic ovary syndrome</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/skin-conditions/psoriasis-leaflet" data-testid="ter_managingconditions_tertiarymenu"><p>Psoriasis</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/skin-conditions/viral-rashes/scarlet-fever" data-testid="ter_managingconditions_tertiarymenu"><p>Scarlet fever</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/infections/strep-a-group-a-strep-gas" data-testid="ter_managingconditions_tertiarymenu"><p>Strep A</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/sore-throat-2/tonsillitis" data-testid="ter_managingconditions_tertiarymenu"><p>Tonsillitis</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/sexual-health/vaginal-discharge-female-discharge/vaginal-thrush-yeast-infection" data-testid="ter_managingconditions_tertiarymenu"><p>Vaginal thrush</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/signs-symptoms/dizziness/vertigo" data-testid="ter_managingconditions_tertiarymenu"><p>Vertigo</p></a></div><div class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-section__NpW9N"><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/managing-conditions" data-testid="ter_managingconditions_tertiarymenu"><p>Health conditions A-Z</p></a></div></li></ul></div></div><div class="SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-content__X6m4s"><a href="https://patient.info" class="SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-list__67206" data-testid="sec_medicine_information"><div class="SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-list-menu__Chqv2"><div class="SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-list-icon__4jDqd SecondaryNavigationDesktop_navigation-item--health-advice__IBQM_ SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-list-icon--inactive__FLGa2 "><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" width="24" viewBox="0 -960 960 960"><path d="M136-266q-32 0-46.5-21T86-337l109-304q8-22 30.5-37.5T272-694q23 0 45 15.5t30 37.5l112 306q11 29-3.5 49T410-266q-14 0-25.5-8.5T368-296l-24-68H200l-20 66q-4 13-17 22.5t-27 9.5Zm94-188h80l-34-132h-8l-38 132Zm379 188q-28 0-47.5-19.5T542-333q0-13 6.5-30t14.5-27l181-210H597q-20 0-33.5-13.5T550-647q0-20 13.5-33.5T597-694h194q28 0 47.5 19.5T858-626q0 13-6.5 29.5T837-570L658-360h155q20 0 33.5 13.5T860-313q0 20-13.5 33.5T813-266H609ZM411-760q-17 0-24-16t5-28l72-72q3-3 18-7 3 0 18 7l72 72q12 12 5 28t-24 16H411Zm71 683q-3 0-18-7l-72-72q-12-12-5-28t24-16h142q17 0 24 16t-5 28l-72 72q-3 3-18 7Z"></path></svg></div><div class="SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-list-item__YWsVF SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-list-item--active__ADoJv"><h2>Medicine information</h2><p>Information and fact sheets for patients and professionals. Find out side effects, medicine names, dosages and uses.</p></div></div><div class="SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-list-navicon__Phe1K "><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" width="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M5.67318 20.289L13.8612 12L5.67318 3.711C5.63754 3.678 5.60289 3.643 5.57022 3.605C5.2168 3.223 5 2.709 5 2.144C5 0.959999 5.95136 0 7.12448 0C7.68975 0 8.20553 0.224001 8.58469 0.589001C8.61241 0.615001 8.63815 0.641999 8.66389 0.667999L18.3349 10.436C18.3607 10.462 18.3864 10.488 18.4112 10.515C18.9002 11.034 19.122 11.79 18.9329 12.536C18.8388 12.905 18.6547 13.228 18.4112 13.486C18.3983 13.499 18.3518 13.547 18.3399 13.558L8.66389 23.332C8.63815 23.358 8.61241 23.385 8.58469 23.411C8.20553 23.776 7.68975 24 7.12448 24C5.95136 24 5 23.04 5 21.855C5 21.291 5.2168 20.777 5.57022 20.394C5.60289 20.357 5.63754 20.322 5.67318 20.289"></path></svg></div></a><div class="SecondaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-inactive__uNEtz"><ul><li class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-content__JmUfL"><h6 class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-title__j9zHz">Medicine information</h6><div class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-section__NpW9N"><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/medicine" data-testid="ter_medicineinformation_tertiarymenu"><p>All medicines A-Z</p></a></div><div class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-section__NpW9N"><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/allergy-medicines" data-testid="ter_medicineinformation_tertiarymenu"><p>Allergy medicines</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/analgesics-and-pain-medication" data-testid="ter_medicineinformation_tertiarymenu"><p>Analgesics and pain medication</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/anti-inflammatory-medicines" data-testid="ter_medicineinformation_tertiarymenu"><p>Anti-inflammatory medicines</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/breathing-treatment-and-respiratory-care" data-testid="ter_medicineinformation_tertiarymenu"><p>Breathing treatment and respiratory care</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/cancer-treatment-and-drugs" data-testid="ter_medicineinformation_tertiarymenu"><p>Cancer treatment and drugs</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/contraceptive-medicines" data-testid="ter_medicineinformation_tertiarymenu"><p>Contraceptive medicines</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/diabetes-medicines" data-testid="ter_medicineinformation_tertiarymenu"><p>Diabetes medicines</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/ent-and-mouth-care" data-testid="ter_medicineinformation_tertiarymenu"><p>ENT and mouth care</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/eye-care-medicine" data-testid="ter_medicineinformation_tertiarymenu"><p>Eye care medicine</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/gastrointestinal-treatment" data-testid="ter_medicineinformation_tertiarymenu"><p>Gastrointestinal treatment</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/genito-urinary-medicine" data-testid="ter_medicineinformation_tertiarymenu"><p>Genitourinary medicine</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/heart-disease-treatment-and-prevention" data-testid="ter_medicineinformation_tertiarymenu"><p>Heart disease treatment and prevention</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/hormonal-imbalance-treatment" data-testid="ter_medicineinformation_tertiarymenu"><p>Hormonal imbalance treatment</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/hormone-deficiency-treatment" data-testid="ter_medicineinformation_tertiarymenu"><p>Hormone deficiency treatment</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/immunosuppressive-drugs" data-testid="ter_medicineinformation_tertiarymenu"><p>Immunosuppressive drugs</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/infection-treatment-medicine" data-testid="ter_medicineinformation_tertiarymenu"><p>Infection treatment medicine</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/treatment-for-kidneys" data-testid="ter_medicineinformation_tertiarymenu"><p>Kidney conditions treatments</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/muscle-bone-and-joint-pain-treatment" data-testid="ter_medicineinformation_tertiarymenu"><p>Muscle, bone and joint pain treatment</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/nausea-medicine-and-vomiting-treatment" data-testid="ter_medicineinformation_tertiarymenu"><p>Nausea medicine and vomiting treatment</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/nervous-system-drugs" data-testid="ter_medicineinformation_tertiarymenu"><p>Nervous system drugs</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/fertility-treatment" data-testid="ter_medicineinformation_tertiarymenu"><p>Reproductive health</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/treatments-for-skin-conditions" data-testid="ter_medicineinformation_tertiarymenu"><p>Skin conditions treatments</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/substance-abuse-treatment" data-testid="ter_medicineinformation_tertiarymenu"><p>Substance abuse treatment</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/vaccines-and-immunisation" data-testid="ter_medicineinformation_tertiarymenu"><p>Vaccines and immunisation</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/vitamin-and-mineral-supplements" data-testid="ter_medicineinformation_tertiarymenu"><p>Vitamin and mineral supplements</p></a></div></li></ul></div></div><div class="SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-content__X6m4s"><a href="https://patient.info" class="SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-list__67206" data-testid="sec_tests_investigations"><div class="SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-list-menu__Chqv2"><div class="SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-list-icon__4jDqd SecondaryNavigationDesktop_navigation-item--health-advice__IBQM_ SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-list-icon--inactive__FLGa2 "><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="25" width="24" viewBox="0 0 24 25"><path d="M19 22.9932C18.45 22.9932 17.979 22.7975 17.587 22.4062C17.1957 22.0142 17 21.5432 17 20.9932V19.8932C15.85 19.6598 14.8957 19.0892 14.137 18.1812C13.379 17.2725 13 16.2098 13 14.9932V9.99316C13 9.44316 13.1917 8.97216 13.575 8.58016C13.9583 8.18883 14.4333 7.99316 15 7.99316H21C21.55 7.99316 22.021 8.18883 22.413 8.58016C22.8043 8.97216 23 9.44316 23 9.99316V14.9932C23 16.2098 22.621 17.2725 21.863 18.1812C21.1043 19.0892 20.15 19.6598 19 19.8932V20.9932H21C21.2833 20.9932 21.5207 21.0892 21.712 21.2812C21.904 21.4725 22 21.7098 22 21.9932C22 22.2765 21.904 22.5138 21.712 22.7052C21.5207 22.8972 21.2833 22.9932 21 22.9932H19ZM19.75 13.9932H21V9.99316H15V11.9932H15.75C16.3 11.9932 16.8207 12.1182 17.312 12.3682C17.804 12.6182 18.2167 12.9598 18.55 13.3932C18.6833 13.5932 18.8583 13.7432 19.075 13.8432C19.2917 13.9432 19.5167 13.9932 19.75 13.9932ZM6 17.9932H5C4.45 17.9932 3.979 17.7975 3.587 17.4062C3.19567 17.0142 3 16.5432 3 15.9932V8.49316C2.71667 8.49316 2.47933 8.3975 2.288 8.20616C2.096 8.01416 2 7.7765 2 7.49316C2 7.20983 2.096 6.97216 2.288 6.78016C2.47933 6.58883 2.71667 6.49316 3 6.49316H6V4.99316H5.5C5.21667 4.99316 4.979 4.89716 4.787 4.70516C4.59567 4.51383 4.5 4.2765 4.5 3.99316C4.5 3.70983 4.59567 3.47216 4.787 3.28016C4.979 3.08883 5.21667 2.99316 5.5 2.99316H8.5C8.78333 2.99316 9.021 3.08883 9.213 3.28016C9.40433 3.47216 9.5 3.70983 9.5 3.99316C9.5 4.2765 9.40433 4.51383 9.213 4.70516C9.021 4.89716 8.78333 4.99316 8.5 4.99316H8V6.49316H11C11.2833 6.49316 11.521 6.58883 11.713 6.78016C11.9043 6.97216 12 7.20983 12 7.49316C12 7.7765 11.9043 8.01416 11.713 8.20616C11.521 8.3975 11.2833 8.49316 11 8.49316V15.9932C11 16.5432 10.8043 17.0142 10.413 17.4062C10.021 17.7975 9.55 17.9932 9 17.9932H8V22.4932C8 22.6932 7.90833 22.8432 7.725 22.9432C7.54167 23.0432 7.36667 23.0265 7.2 22.8932L6.4 22.2932C6.26667 22.1932 6.16667 22.0765 6.1 21.9432C6.03333 21.8098 6 21.6598 6 21.4932V17.9932ZM5 15.9932H9V14.4932H7.25C7.05 14.4932 6.875 14.4182 6.725 14.2682C6.575 14.1182 6.5 13.9432 6.5 13.7432C6.5 13.5432 6.575 13.3682 6.725 13.2182C6.875 13.0682 7.05 12.9932 7.25 12.9932H9V11.4932H7.25C7.05 11.4932 6.875 11.4182 6.725 11.2682C6.575 11.1182 6.5 10.9432 6.5 10.7432C6.5 10.5432 6.575 10.3682 6.725 10.2182C6.875 10.0682 7.05 9.99316 7.25 9.99316H9V8.49316H5V15.9932Z"></path></svg></div><div class="SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-list-item__YWsVF SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-list-item--active__ADoJv"><h2>Tests & investigations</h2><p>Information and guidance about tests and an easy, fast and accurate symptom checker.</p></div></div><div class="SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-list-navicon__Phe1K "><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" width="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M5.67318 20.289L13.8612 12L5.67318 3.711C5.63754 3.678 5.60289 3.643 5.57022 3.605C5.2168 3.223 5 2.709 5 2.144C5 0.959999 5.95136 0 7.12448 0C7.68975 0 8.20553 0.224001 8.58469 0.589001C8.61241 0.615001 8.63815 0.641999 8.66389 0.667999L18.3349 10.436C18.3607 10.462 18.3864 10.488 18.4112 10.515C18.9002 11.034 19.122 11.79 18.9329 12.536C18.8388 12.905 18.6547 13.228 18.4112 13.486C18.3983 13.499 18.3518 13.547 18.3399 13.558L8.66389 23.332C8.63815 23.358 8.61241 23.385 8.58469 23.411C8.20553 23.776 7.68975 24 7.12448 24C5.95136 24 5 23.04 5 21.855C5 21.291 5.2168 20.777 5.57022 20.394C5.60289 20.357 5.63754 20.322 5.67318 20.289"></path></svg></div></a><div class="SecondaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-inactive__uNEtz"><ul><li class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-content__JmUfL"><h6 class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-title__j9zHz">Tests & investigations</h6><div class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-section__NpW9N"><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/about-tests-and-investigations" data-testid="ter_testsinvestigations_tertiarymenu"><p>About tests & investigations</p></a></div><div class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-section__NpW9N"><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/symptom-checker" data-testid="ter_testsinvestigations_tertiarymenu"><p>Symptom checker</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/treatment-medication/blood-tests" data-testid="ter_testsinvestigations_tertiarymenu"><p>Blood tests</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/doctor/bmi-calculator" data-testid="ter_testsinvestigations_tertiarymenu"><p>BMI calculator</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/doctor/pregnancy-due-date-calculator" data-testid="ter_testsinvestigations_tertiarymenu"><p>Pregnancy due date calculator</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/signs-symptoms" data-testid="ter_testsinvestigations_tertiarymenu"><p>General signs and symptoms</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/doctor/patient-health-questionnaire-phq-9" data-testid="ter_testsinvestigations_tertiarymenu"><p>Patient health questionnaire</p></a><a class="TertiaryNavigationDesktop_tertiary-menu__AI1gf" href="https://patient.info/doctor/generalised-anxiety-disorder-assessment-gad-7" data-testid="ter_testsinvestigations_tertiarymenu"><p>Generalised anxiety disorder assessment</p></a></div></li></ul></div></div></div></li><li><div role="navigation" class="SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-sidebar__svZYs SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-navigation-item--health-research__Y0SVM SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-sidebar-hide__A4W4s"></div><div role="navigation" class="SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary__cbbXD SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-inactive__dSi2Y"></div></li><li><div role="navigation" class="SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-sidebar__svZYs SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-navigation-item--professional-hub__nczDM SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-sidebar-hide__A4W4s"></div><div role="navigation" class="SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary__cbbXD SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-inactive__dSi2Y"><div class="SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-content__X6m4s"><a href="https://patient.info" class="SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-list__67206" data-testid="sec_hub"><div class="SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-list-menu__Chqv2"><div class="SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-list-icon__4jDqd SecondaryNavigationDesktop_navigation-item--professional-hub__TLTw0 SecondaryNavigationDesktop_secondary-list-icon--inactive__FLGa2 "><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" width="24" viewBox="0 96 960 960"><path d="M440 696v80q0 17 11.5 28.5T480 816q17 0 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Snackbar_wrapper__H_KJn Snackbar_bottom__GGD4i " data-testid="ui-snackbar-wrapper"><div class="Snackbar_content__q4Tu8" data-testid="ui-snackbar-content">Article link copied to clipboard</div><button tabindex="-1" class="Snackbar_close__ZfdXe" type="button" aria-label="Close" data-testid="ui-snackbar-close"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" width="24" viewBox="0 -960 960 960"><path d="M482-406 291-215q-16 16-38 16t-38-16q-16-16-16-37.5t16-37.5l192-192-193-192q-16-16-16-37t16-37q16-16 37.5-16t37.5 16l191 190 189-189q16-16 38-16t38 16q16 16 16 38.5T745-670L555-479l191 191q15 15 15 37t-15 37q-15 15-36.5 15T673-214L482-406Z"></path></svg></button></div></li></ul></div></div></div></div></div><div class="Outer_outer__BTURZ" data-testid="main-outer"><div class="Inner_inner__R1rvV Inner_flex__1OFoE" data-testid="main-inner"><div class="Primary_primary__eOPvg Primary_primary-block___Cp_G" data-testid="main-primary"><div class="ProfessionalHighlights_professional__toaSm" data-testid="highlights-professional"><div class="Accordion_accordion-professional__Els99 undefined" role="region"><div role="button" tabindex="0" class="Accordion_accordion-header__YUsYL"><div class="ProfessionalHighlights_header___wa8v"><p class="ProfessionalHighlights_header-article__bP487" data-testid="highlights-professional-header">Medical Professionals</p></div><div class="Accordion_accordion-icon__VMjnF"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" width="24" viewBox="0 96 960 960"><path d="M268 683q-11-11-11-28t11-28l184-184q6-6 13-8.5t15-2.5q8 0 15 2.5t13 8.5l185 185q11 11 11 27t-12 28q-11 11-28 11t-28-11L480 527 323 684q-11 11-27 11t-28-12Z"></path></svg></div></div><div class="Accordion_accordion-content__n7Fz_"><div class="ProfessionalHighlights_content__OZ0Qh"><p data-testid="professional-article">Professional Reference articles are designed for health professionals to use. They are written by UK doctors and based on research evidence, UK and European Guidelines. You may find one of our聽<a href="https://patient.info/health">health articles</a>聽more useful.</p></div></div></div></div><div class="InThisArticle_wrapper__PysyZ" data-testid="in-this-article-wrapper"><div class="InThisArticle_title__NDDRL" data-testid="in-this-article-title"><h3>In this article<!-- -->:</h3></div><div class="InThisArticle_content__niE0Z" data-testid="in-this-article-content"><ul data-testid="in-this-article-list" role="navigation"><li data-testid="in-this-article-list-item"><a href="https://patient.info/doctor/childhood-disintegrative-disorder-hellers-syndrome#definition" class="Link_linkcontainer__NFFuY Link_link-quicklink__LWSK_ Link_link-professionals__uur2P InThisArticle_link__yAqS0" data-testid="in-this-article-list-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" width="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M5.67318 20.289L13.8612 12L5.67318 3.711C5.63754 3.678 5.60289 3.643 5.57022 3.605C5.2168 3.223 5 2.709 5 2.144C5 0.959999 5.95136 0 7.12448 0C7.68975 0 8.20553 0.224001 8.58469 0.589001C8.61241 0.615001 8.63815 0.641999 8.66389 0.667999L18.3349 10.436C18.3607 10.462 18.3864 10.488 18.4112 10.515C18.9002 11.034 19.122 11.79 18.9329 12.536C18.8388 12.905 18.6547 13.228 18.4112 13.486C18.3983 13.499 18.3518 13.547 18.3399 13.558L8.66389 23.332C8.63815 23.358 8.61241 23.385 8.58469 23.411C8.20553 23.776 7.68975 24 7.12448 24C5.95136 24 5 23.04 5 21.855C5 21.291 5.2168 20.777 5.57022 20.394C5.60289 20.357 5.63754 20.322 5.67318 20.289"></path></svg><span>Definition<!-- --> </span></a></li><li data-testid="in-this-article-list-item"><a href="https://patient.info/doctor/childhood-disintegrative-disorder-hellers-syndrome#pathogenesis" class="Link_linkcontainer__NFFuY Link_link-quicklink__LWSK_ Link_link-professionals__uur2P InThisArticle_link__yAqS0" data-testid="in-this-article-list-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" width="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M5.67318 20.289L13.8612 12L5.67318 3.711C5.63754 3.678 5.60289 3.643 5.57022 3.605C5.2168 3.223 5 2.709 5 2.144C5 0.959999 5.95136 0 7.12448 0C7.68975 0 8.20553 0.224001 8.58469 0.589001C8.61241 0.615001 8.63815 0.641999 8.66389 0.667999L18.3349 10.436C18.3607 10.462 18.3864 10.488 18.4112 10.515C18.9002 11.034 19.122 11.79 18.9329 12.536C18.8388 12.905 18.6547 13.228 18.4112 13.486C18.3983 13.499 18.3518 13.547 18.3399 13.558L8.66389 23.332C8.63815 23.358 8.61241 23.385 8.58469 23.411C8.20553 23.776 7.68975 24 7.12448 24C5.95136 24 5 23.04 5 21.855C5 21.291 5.2168 20.777 5.57022 20.394C5.60289 20.357 5.63754 20.322 5.67318 20.289"></path></svg><span>Pathogenesis</span></a></li><li data-testid="in-this-article-list-item"><a href="https://patient.info/doctor/childhood-disintegrative-disorder-hellers-syndrome#epidemiology" class="Link_linkcontainer__NFFuY Link_link-quicklink__LWSK_ Link_link-professionals__uur2P InThisArticle_link__yAqS0" data-testid="in-this-article-list-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" width="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M5.67318 20.289L13.8612 12L5.67318 3.711C5.63754 3.678 5.60289 3.643 5.57022 3.605C5.2168 3.223 5 2.709 5 2.144C5 0.959999 5.95136 0 7.12448 0C7.68975 0 8.20553 0.224001 8.58469 0.589001C8.61241 0.615001 8.63815 0.641999 8.66389 0.667999L18.3349 10.436C18.3607 10.462 18.3864 10.488 18.4112 10.515C18.9002 11.034 19.122 11.79 18.9329 12.536C18.8388 12.905 18.6547 13.228 18.4112 13.486C18.3983 13.499 18.3518 13.547 18.3399 13.558L8.66389 23.332C8.63815 23.358 8.61241 23.385 8.58469 23.411C8.20553 23.776 7.68975 24 7.12448 24C5.95136 24 5 23.04 5 21.855C5 21.291 5.2168 20.777 5.57022 20.394C5.60289 20.357 5.63754 20.322 5.67318 20.289"></path></svg><span>Epidemiology</span></a></li><li data-testid="in-this-article-list-item"><a href="https://patient.info/doctor/childhood-disintegrative-disorder-hellers-syndrome#presentation" class="Link_linkcontainer__NFFuY Link_link-quicklink__LWSK_ Link_link-professionals__uur2P InThisArticle_link__yAqS0" data-testid="in-this-article-list-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" width="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M5.67318 20.289L13.8612 12L5.67318 3.711C5.63754 3.678 5.60289 3.643 5.57022 3.605C5.2168 3.223 5 2.709 5 2.144C5 0.959999 5.95136 0 7.12448 0C7.68975 0 8.20553 0.224001 8.58469 0.589001C8.61241 0.615001 8.63815 0.641999 8.66389 0.667999L18.3349 10.436C18.3607 10.462 18.3864 10.488 18.4112 10.515C18.9002 11.034 19.122 11.79 18.9329 12.536C18.8388 12.905 18.6547 13.228 18.4112 13.486C18.3983 13.499 18.3518 13.547 18.3399 13.558L8.66389 23.332C8.63815 23.358 8.61241 23.385 8.58469 23.411C8.20553 23.776 7.68975 24 7.12448 24C5.95136 24 5 23.04 5 21.855C5 21.291 5.2168 20.777 5.57022 20.394C5.60289 20.357 5.63754 20.322 5.67318 20.289"></path></svg><span>Presentation</span></a></li><li data-testid="in-this-article-list-item"><a href="https://patient.info/doctor/childhood-disintegrative-disorder-hellers-syndrome#differential-diagnosis" class="Link_linkcontainer__NFFuY Link_link-quicklink__LWSK_ Link_link-professionals__uur2P InThisArticle_link__yAqS0" data-testid="in-this-article-list-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" width="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M5.67318 20.289L13.8612 12L5.67318 3.711C5.63754 3.678 5.60289 3.643 5.57022 3.605C5.2168 3.223 5 2.709 5 2.144C5 0.959999 5.95136 0 7.12448 0C7.68975 0 8.20553 0.224001 8.58469 0.589001C8.61241 0.615001 8.63815 0.641999 8.66389 0.667999L18.3349 10.436C18.3607 10.462 18.3864 10.488 18.4112 10.515C18.9002 11.034 19.122 11.79 18.9329 12.536C18.8388 12.905 18.6547 13.228 18.4112 13.486C18.3983 13.499 18.3518 13.547 18.3399 13.558L8.66389 23.332C8.63815 23.358 8.61241 23.385 8.58469 23.411C8.20553 23.776 7.68975 24 7.12448 24C5.95136 24 5 23.04 5 21.855C5 21.291 5.2168 20.777 5.57022 20.394C5.60289 20.357 5.63754 20.322 5.67318 20.289"></path></svg><span>Differential diagnosis</span></a></li><li data-testid="in-this-article-list-item"><a href="https://patient.info/doctor/childhood-disintegrative-disorder-hellers-syndrome#investigations" class="Link_linkcontainer__NFFuY Link_link-quicklink__LWSK_ Link_link-professionals__uur2P InThisArticle_link__yAqS0" data-testid="in-this-article-list-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" width="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M5.67318 20.289L13.8612 12L5.67318 3.711C5.63754 3.678 5.60289 3.643 5.57022 3.605C5.2168 3.223 5 2.709 5 2.144C5 0.959999 5.95136 0 7.12448 0C7.68975 0 8.20553 0.224001 8.58469 0.589001C8.61241 0.615001 8.63815 0.641999 8.66389 0.667999L18.3349 10.436C18.3607 10.462 18.3864 10.488 18.4112 10.515C18.9002 11.034 19.122 11.79 18.9329 12.536C18.8388 12.905 18.6547 13.228 18.4112 13.486C18.3983 13.499 18.3518 13.547 18.3399 13.558L8.66389 23.332C8.63815 23.358 8.61241 23.385 8.58469 23.411C8.20553 23.776 7.68975 24 7.12448 24C5.95136 24 5 23.04 5 21.855C5 21.291 5.2168 20.777 5.57022 20.394C5.60289 20.357 5.63754 20.322 5.67318 20.289"></path></svg><span>Investigations</span></a></li><li data-testid="in-this-article-list-item"><a href="https://patient.info/doctor/childhood-disintegrative-disorder-hellers-syndrome#management" class="Link_linkcontainer__NFFuY Link_link-quicklink__LWSK_ Link_link-professionals__uur2P InThisArticle_link__yAqS0" data-testid="in-this-article-list-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" width="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M5.67318 20.289L13.8612 12L5.67318 3.711C5.63754 3.678 5.60289 3.643 5.57022 3.605C5.2168 3.223 5 2.709 5 2.144C5 0.959999 5.95136 0 7.12448 0C7.68975 0 8.20553 0.224001 8.58469 0.589001C8.61241 0.615001 8.63815 0.641999 8.66389 0.667999L18.3349 10.436C18.3607 10.462 18.3864 10.488 18.4112 10.515C18.9002 11.034 19.122 11.79 18.9329 12.536C18.8388 12.905 18.6547 13.228 18.4112 13.486C18.3983 13.499 18.3518 13.547 18.3399 13.558L8.66389 23.332C8.63815 23.358 8.61241 23.385 8.58469 23.411C8.20553 23.776 7.68975 24 7.12448 24C5.95136 24 5 23.04 5 21.855C5 21.291 5.2168 20.777 5.57022 20.394C5.60289 20.357 5.63754 20.322 5.67318 20.289"></path></svg><span>Management</span></a></li><li data-testid="in-this-article-list-item"><a href="https://patient.info/doctor/childhood-disintegrative-disorder-hellers-syndrome#prognosis" class="Link_linkcontainer__NFFuY Link_link-quicklink__LWSK_ Link_link-professionals__uur2P InThisArticle_link__yAqS0" data-testid="in-this-article-list-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" width="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M5.67318 20.289L13.8612 12L5.67318 3.711C5.63754 3.678 5.60289 3.643 5.57022 3.605C5.2168 3.223 5 2.709 5 2.144C5 0.959999 5.95136 0 7.12448 0C7.68975 0 8.20553 0.224001 8.58469 0.589001C8.61241 0.615001 8.63815 0.641999 8.66389 0.667999L18.3349 10.436C18.3607 10.462 18.3864 10.488 18.4112 10.515C18.9002 11.034 19.122 11.79 18.9329 12.536C18.8388 12.905 18.6547 13.228 18.4112 13.486C18.3983 13.499 18.3518 13.547 18.3399 13.558L8.66389 23.332C8.63815 23.358 8.61241 23.385 8.58469 23.411C8.20553 23.776 7.68975 24 7.12448 24C5.95136 24 5 23.04 5 21.855C5 21.291 5.2168 20.777 5.57022 20.394C5.60289 20.357 5.63754 20.322 5.67318 20.289"></path></svg><span>Prognosis</span></a></li><li data-testid="in-this-article-list-item"><a href="https://patient.info/doctor/childhood-disintegrative-disorder-hellers-syndrome#historical-note" class="Link_linkcontainer__NFFuY Link_link-quicklink__LWSK_ Link_link-professionals__uur2P InThisArticle_link__yAqS0" data-testid="in-this-article-list-link"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" width="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M5.67318 20.289L13.8612 12L5.67318 3.711C5.63754 3.678 5.60289 3.643 5.57022 3.605C5.2168 3.223 5 2.709 5 2.144C5 0.959999 5.95136 0 7.12448 0C7.68975 0 8.20553 0.224001 8.58469 0.589001C8.61241 0.615001 8.63815 0.641999 8.66389 0.667999L18.3349 10.436C18.3607 10.462 18.3864 10.488 18.4112 10.515C18.9002 11.034 19.122 11.79 18.9329 12.536C18.8388 12.905 18.6547 13.228 18.4112 13.486C18.3983 13.499 18.3518 13.547 18.3399 13.558L8.66389 23.332C8.63815 23.358 8.61241 23.385 8.58469 23.411C8.20553 23.776 7.68975 24 7.12448 24C5.95136 24 5 23.04 5 21.855C5 21.291 5.2168 20.777 5.57022 20.394C5.60289 20.357 5.63754 20.322 5.67318 20.289"></path></svg><span>Historical note</span></a></li></ul></div></div><div class="Body_wrapper__87Ugw" data-testid="body"><div class=" Markup_markup__hjGOW Body_markup__5QVEm " data-testid="markup"><p><i>Synonyms: dementia infantalis, disintegrative psychosis, social development regression</i></p><div class="InlineAds_inlineads__KhwOX" data-index="1" id="inlinead"><p class="InlineAds_adslinebreak__o_d8f"><span>Continue reading below</span><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" width="24" viewBox="0 -960 960 960"><path d="M480-362q-8 0-15-2.5t-13-8.5L268-557q-11-11-11-28t11-28q11-11 28-11t28 11l156 156 156-156q11-11 28-11t28 11q11 11 11 28t-11 28L508-373q-6 6-13 8.5t-15 2.5Z"></path></svg></p><div class="InlineAds_adswrapper__q54f_"><div class="InlineAds_wrapper__D6jdy" aria-label="Side rail Advertisement" role="complementary" data-testid="inlineads-wrapper"><div id="div-gpt-ad-1698311650922-0" data-adunit="Side Rail-App" data-dimensions="300,250" data-targeting="{}" class="InlineAds_wrapper-active__1EvdQ" data-testid-adspossibledimensions="300,250"></div></div></div></div><h2 class="ScrollMargin_anchor__VQzBd" id="definition" data-testid="heading-2">Definition<sup class="Body_reference__h__Rq" data-testid="body-reference"><a class=" Body_professionals__iDFsA " href="https://patient.info/doctor/childhood-disintegrative-disorder-hellers-syndrome#ref-1" title="Mughal S, Faizy RM, Saadabadi A; Autism Spectrum Disorder. StatPearls, Jan 2020. "><span>1</span></a></sup> </h2><p>Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) is a rare disorder. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), CDD is merged into <a href="https://patient.info/doctor/autistic-spectrum-disorders-pro" class="Link_linkcontainer__NFFuY Link_link-professionals__uur2P " data-testid="wrapper-link">autistic spectrum disorder</a>. CDD has a relatively late onset and causes regression of previously acquired skills in social, language and motor functioning.</p><p>The cause is unknown and affected children have often achieved normal developmental milestones before the regression of skills. The age of onset is variable, but is typically seen after three years of reaching normal milestones. The regression can be very rapid. Some children may appear to be responding to hallucinations, but the most common and distinct feature is the regression of previously attained attained skills.</p><h2 class="ScrollMargin_anchor__VQzBd" id="pathogenesis" data-testid="heading-2">Pathogenesis</h2><p>The cause is unknown. CDD occurs in children who have had previously normal development who then appear to regress, sometimes rapidly. The condition can seem to develop in days or develop over time, and most commonly begins in the fourth year of life, although there is some variation<sup class="Body_reference__h__Rq" data-testid="body-reference"><a class=" Body_professionals__iDFsA " href="https://patient.info/doctor/childhood-disintegrative-disorder-hellers-syndrome#ref-2" title="Zwaigenbaum L, Szatmari P, Mahoney W, et al; High functioning autism and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder in half brothers. J Autism Dev Disord. 2000 Apr;30(2):121-6."><span>2</span></a></sup> . Some consider the condition to be a childhood dementia, suggesting that brain deposition of amyloid is the cause of the condition, but no clear-cut pathophysiology is proven<sup class="Body_reference__h__Rq" data-testid="body-reference"><a class=" Body_professionals__iDFsA " href="https://patient.info/doctor/childhood-disintegrative-disorder-hellers-syndrome#ref-3" title="Nunn K, Williams K, Ouvrier R; The Australian Childhood Dementia Study. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2002 Apr;11(2):63-70."><span>3</span></a></sup> .</p><div class="InlineAds_inlineads__KhwOX" data-index="2" id="inlinead"><p class="InlineAds_adslinebreak__o_d8f"><span>Continue reading below</span><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" width="24" viewBox="0 -960 960 960"><path d="M480-362q-8 0-15-2.5t-13-8.5L268-557q-11-11-11-28t11-28q11-11 28-11t28 11l156 156 156-156q11-11 28-11t28 11q11 11 11 28t-11 28L508-373q-6 6-13 8.5t-15 2.5Z"></path></svg></p><div class="InlineAds_adswrapper__q54f_"><div class="InlineAds_wrapper__D6jdy" aria-label="Side rail Advertisement" role="complementary" data-testid="inlineads-wrapper"><div id="div-gpt-ad-1698311751337-0" data-adunit="Side Rail-App" data-dimensions="300,250" data-targeting="{}" class="InlineAds_wrapper-active__1EvdQ" data-testid-adspossibledimensions="300,250"></div></div></div></div><h2 class="ScrollMargin_anchor__VQzBd" id="epidemiology" data-testid="heading-2">Epidemiology</h2><p>CDD is extremely rare with an incidence of 1.7 in 100,000 children<sup class="Body_reference__h__Rq" data-testid="body-reference"><a class=" Body_professionals__iDFsA " href="https://patient.info/doctor/childhood-disintegrative-disorder-hellers-syndrome#ref-4" title="Fombonne E; Epidemiological surveys of autism and other pervasive developmental disorders: an update. J Autism Dev Disord. 2003 Aug;33(4):365-82."><span>4</span></a></sup> .</p><h2 class="ScrollMargin_anchor__VQzBd" id="presentation" data-testid="heading-2">Presentation</h2><h3>Symptoms</h3><p>Affected children show clinically significant losses of earlier acquired skills in at least two of the following:</p><ul><li><p>Expressive language skills.</p></li><li><p>Receptive language skills.</p></li><li><p>Social skills and self-care skills.</p></li><li><p>Bowel or bladder control.</p></li><li><p>Play skills.</p></li><li><p>Motor skills.</p></li></ul><p>Abnormal function also occurs in at least two of:</p><ul><li><p>Social interaction.</p></li><li><p>Communication.</p></li><li><p>Repetitive interests or behaviours.</p></li></ul><p>The child presents after at least two years of apparently normal development. The change occurs usually between the ages of 3 to 4 years, but generally before the age of 10 years.</p><ul><li><p>The onset may be abrupt or gradual.</p></li><li><p>It can be severe enough that children are aware themselves of the regression, and may ask what is happening to them.</p></li><li><p>Usually parents and professionals have not previously noticed abnormalities in terms of language and non-verbal communication, social relationships, play, adaptive behaviour or emotional development.</p></li><li><p>A typical presentation would be of a child who is able to communicate in two- or three-word phrases losing this ability. They would eventually stop talking altogether or retain only fragments of their former speech.</p></li><li><p>There may be social and emotional problems, such as a child previously happy to be cuddled becoming averse to physical contact.</p></li><li><p>Some children describe or seem to be reacting to hallucinations.</p></li></ul><h3><b>Comparison with autism</b></h3><ul><li><p>The patient eventually shows similar social and communication deficits to those associated with severe or Kanner's autism. However, it is distinguishable from autism on the basis of the normal antecedent developmental history.</p></li><li><p>Children with CDD are more likely than autistic children to show fearfulness and early stereotypical behaviours<sup class="Body_reference__h__Rq" data-testid="body-reference"><a class=" Body_professionals__iDFsA " href="https://patient.info/doctor/childhood-disintegrative-disorder-hellers-syndrome#ref-5" title="Kurita H, Koyama T, Setoya Y, et al; Validity of childhood disintegrative disorder apart from autistic disorder with speech loss. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2004 Aug;13(4):221-6."><span>5</span></a></sup> .</p></li><li><p><a href="https://patient.info/doctor/epilepsy-in-children-and-young-people" class="Link_linkcontainer__NFFuY Link_link-professionals__uur2P " data-testid="wrapper-link">Epilepsy</a> occurs much more frequently in children with CDD compared with autism<sup class="Body_reference__h__Rq" data-testid="body-reference"><a class=" Body_professionals__iDFsA " href="https://patient.info/doctor/childhood-disintegrative-disorder-hellers-syndrome#ref-6" title="Kagan-Kushnir T, Roberts SW, Snead OC 3rd; Screening electroencephalograms in autism spectrum disorders: evidence-based guideline. J Child Neurol. 2005 Mar;20(3):197-206."><span>6</span></a></sup> .</p></li><li><p>The degree of intellectual impairment in children with CDD appears to be more 'even' than when compared with autism, although the overall degree of impairment and outcome appears to be similar in both groups.</p></li></ul><h3>Signs</h3><ul><li><p>There are no specific confirmatory signs, and physical abnormalities are not usually found, although there may be minor abnormalities such as microcephaly or motor inco-ordination.</p></li><li><p>Careful CNS examination including fundoscopy is important to detect other possible causes of the symptoms.</p></li></ul><div class="InlineAds_inlineads__KhwOX" data-index="3" id="inlinead"><p class="InlineAds_adslinebreak__o_d8f"><span>Continue reading below</span><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" width="24" viewBox="0 -960 960 960"><path d="M480-362q-8 0-15-2.5t-13-8.5L268-557q-11-11-11-28t11-28q11-11 28-11t28 11l156 156 156-156q11-11 28-11t28 11q11 11 11 28t-11 28L508-373q-6 6-13 8.5t-15 2.5Z"></path></svg></p><div class="InlineAds_adswrapper__q54f_"><div class="InlineAds_wrapper__D6jdy" aria-label="Side rail Advertisement" role="complementary" data-testid="inlineads-wrapper"><div id="div-gpt-ad-1698311686220-0" data-adunit="Side Rail-App" data-dimensions="300,250" data-targeting="{}" class="InlineAds_wrapper-active__1EvdQ" data-testid-adspossibledimensions="300,250"></div></div></div></div><h2 class="ScrollMargin_anchor__VQzBd" id="differential-diagnosis" data-testid="heading-2">Differential diagnosis</h2><p>The differential diagnosis incudes any of the other pervasive developmental disorders, eg autistic spectrum disorder, <a href="https://patient.info/doctor/rett-syndrome" class="Link_linkcontainer__NFFuY Link_link-professionals__uur2P " data-testid="wrapper-link">Rett's Syndrome</a>, pervasive developmental disorder - not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), or causes of general learning disability. Other specific conditions which need to be ruled out are:</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://patient.info/doctor/lead-poisoning-pro" class="Link_linkcontainer__NFFuY Link_link-professionals__uur2P " data-testid="wrapper-link">Mercury poisoning</a>.</p></li><li><p><a href="https://patient.info/doctor/lead-poisoning-pro" class="Link_linkcontainer__NFFuY Link_link-professionals__uur2P " data-testid="wrapper-link">Lead poisoning</a>.</p></li><li><p><a href="https://patient.info/doctor" class="Link_linkcontainer__NFFuY Link_link-professionals__uur2P " data-testid="wrapper-link">Aminoacidurias</a>.</p></li><li><p><a href="https://patient.info/doctor/hypothyroidism" class="Link_linkcontainer__NFFuY Link_link-professionals__uur2P " data-testid="wrapper-link">Hypothyroidism</a>.</p></li><li><p><a href="https://patient.info/doctor/brain-tumours-in-children" class="Link_linkcontainer__NFFuY Link_link-professionals__uur2P " data-testid="wrapper-link">Brain tumour</a>.</p></li><li><p>Organophosphate exposure.</p></li><li><p>Atypical seizure disorder.</p></li><li><p><a href="https://patient.info/doctor/human-immunodeficiency-virus-hiv" class="Link_linkcontainer__NFFuY Link_link-professionals__uur2P " data-testid="wrapper-link">HIV infection</a>.</p></li><li><p><a href="https://patient.info/doctor/creutzfeldt-jakob-disease" class="Link_linkcontainer__NFFuY Link_link-professionals__uur2P " data-testid="wrapper-link">Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease</a>/new variant CJD.</p></li><li><p>Other rare metabolic/neurodegenerative conditions - eg, <a href="https://patient.info/doctor/glycogen-storage-disorders-pro" class="Link_linkcontainer__NFFuY Link_link-professionals__uur2P " data-testid="wrapper-link">glycogen storage disorders</a>.</p></li><li><p>Childhood schizophrenia.</p></li><li><p><a href="https://patient.info/doctor/measles-pro" class="Link_linkcontainer__NFFuY Link_link-professionals__uur2P " data-testid="wrapper-link">Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE)</a>.</p></li><li><p><a href="https://patient.info/doctor" class="Link_linkcontainer__NFFuY Link_link-professionals__uur2P " data-testid="wrapper-link">Tuberous sclerosis</a>.</p></li></ul><h2 class="ScrollMargin_anchor__VQzBd" id="investigations" data-testid="heading-2">Investigations</h2><p>Tests to exclude reversible underlying causes of the condition:</p><ul><li><p>FBC.</p></li><li><p>U&E/glucose.</p></li><li><p>LFT.</p></li><li><p>TFT.</p></li><li><p>Heavy metal levels.</p></li><li><p>HIV testing.</p></li><li><p>Urine screening for aminoaciduria.</p></li><li><p>Neuroimaging studies.</p></li></ul><p>These are normally carried out during initial assessment in secondary care. Electroencephalogram (EEG), MRI or CT scan are likely to be used to ensure an alternative diagnosis has not been missed.</p><h2 class="ScrollMargin_anchor__VQzBd" id="management" data-testid="heading-2">Management</h2><h3>General measures</h3><p>Therapy is given, as with autism, tailored to the child's disabilities, needs and educational objectives. This may include:</p><ul><li><p>Behavioural therapies, such as applied behaviour analysis, which aim to teach the child to relearn language, self-care and social skills systematically.</p></li><li><p>Environmental therapies such as sensory enrichment.</p></li><li><p>Medication: <br/></p><ul><li><p>Risperidone may be effective in improving behavioural symptoms in PDD<sup class="Body_reference__h__Rq" data-testid="body-reference"><a class=" Body_professionals__iDFsA " href="https://patient.info/doctor/childhood-disintegrative-disorder-hellers-syndrome#ref-4" title="Fombonne E; Epidemiological surveys of autism and other pervasive developmental disorders: an update. J Autism Dev Disord. 2003 Aug;33(4):365-82."><span>4</span></a></sup> . However, there is little evidence of specific efficacy in CDD<sup class="Body_reference__h__Rq" data-testid="body-reference"><a class=" Body_professionals__iDFsA " href="https://patient.info/doctor/childhood-disintegrative-disorder-hellers-syndrome#ref-7" title="McDougle CJ, Holmes JP, Bronson MR, et al; Risperidone treatment of children and adolescents with pervasive developmental disorders: a prospective open-label study. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1997 May;36(5):685-93."><span>7</span></a></sup> .</p></li><li><p>Other antipsychotics, stimulants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are sometimes used in expert hands to help in the control of problematic behaviour, particularly aggression. There is a significant risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome with the use of neuroleptic medication.</p></li><li><p>Epilepsy may require anti-epileptic medication.</p></li></ul></li></ul><h2 class="ScrollMargin_anchor__VQzBd" id="prognosis" data-testid="heading-2">Prognosis</h2><ul><li><p>Loss of skills often reaches a plateau by around age 10. There may be some, very limited improvement, but this is seen in a minority of cases.</p></li><li><p>In the long term, children have similarities to a child with severe (Kanner's) autism with long-term impairment of behavioural and cognitive functioning.</p></li><li><p>Effects on intellectual function, self-sufficiency and adaptive skills are profound, with most cases regressing to severe intellectual disability.</p></li><li><p>Medical comorbidities such as epilepsy commonly develop.</p></li><li><p>Those with moderate-to-severe mental intellectual disability or with an inability to communicate tend to do worse than those left with a higher IQ and some verbal communication.</p></li><li><p>Outlook is poor. Children will require lifelong support.</p></li><li><p>Risk of seizures increases throughout childhood, peaking at adolescence, and seizure threshold may be lowered by SSRIs and neuroleptics.</p></li><li><p>Life expectancy has previously been reported as normal. However, more recent studies suggest that mortality of people with autistic spectrum disorders is twice that of the general population, mainly due to complications of epilepsy<sup class="Body_reference__h__Rq" data-testid="body-reference"><a class=" Body_professionals__iDFsA " href="https://patient.info/doctor/childhood-disintegrative-disorder-hellers-syndrome#ref-8" title="Mouridsen SE, Bronnum-Hansen H, Rich B, et al; Mortality and causes of death in autism spectrum disorders: an update. Autism. 2008 Jul;12(4):403-14. doi: 10.1177/1362361308091653."><span>8</span></a></sup> .</p></li></ul><h2 class="ScrollMargin_anchor__VQzBd" id="historical-note" data-testid="heading-2">Historical note</h2><p>In 1908 a Viennese remedial teacher, Theodor Heller, described six children who had insidiously developed a severe mental regression between the third and fourth years of life after previously normal development. He called it dementia infantilis. Dementia infantilis was first distinguished from infantile autism in 1943, when Leo Kanner postulated that they represented separate diagnoses.</p><p><b><i>Dr Mary Lowth is an author or the original author of this leaflet.</i></b></p></div></div><div class="FurtherReading_furtherreading__rzIRH"><div class="Accordion_accordion-empty__ihyBX undefined" role="region"><div role="button" tabindex="0" class="Accordion_accordion-header__YUsYL"><h3 data-testid="furtherReading_header">Further reading and references</h3><div class="Accordion_accordion-icon__VMjnF"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" width="24" viewBox="0 96 960 960"><path d="M268 683q-11-11-11-28t11-28l184-184q6-6 13-8.5t15-2.5q8 0 15 2.5t13 8.5l185 185q11 11 11 27t-12 28q-11 11-28 11t-28-11L480 527 323 684q-11 11-27 11t-28-12Z"></path></svg></div></div><div class="Accordion_accordion-content__n7Fz_"><div class="FurtherReading_furtherreading-content__7yw9j FurtherReading_furtherreading-content-professionals__4Tg5J"><div class=" Markup_markup__hjGOW FurtherReading_markup__LrR_5 " data-testid="markup"><ul><li><a href="http://medicine.yale.edu/childstudy/autism/information/cdd.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" data-testid="furtherReading_url">Childhood Disintegrative Disorder<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" width="24" viewBox="0 96 960 960"><path d="M200 936q-33 0-56.5-23.5T120 856V296q0-33 23.5-56.5T200 216h240q17 0 28.5 11.5T480 256q0 17-11.5 28.5T440 296H200v560h560V616q0-17 11.5-28.5T800 576q17 0 28.5 11.5T840 616v240q0 33-23.5 56.5T760 936H200Zm160-240q-11-11-11-28t11-28l344-344H600q-17 0-28.5-11.5T560 256q0-17 11.5-28.5T600 216h200q17 0 28.5 11.5T840 256v200q0 17-11.5 28.5T800 496q-17 0-28.5-11.5T760 456V352L415 697q-11 11-27 11t-28-12Z"></path></svg></a><span data-testid="furtherReading_text">; Autism Project at Yale, Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine</span></li></ul><ol data-testid="further-reading-references"><li class="ScrollMargin_anchor__VQzBd" id="ref-1" data-testid="further-reading-reference-item"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=30247851" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" data-testid="further-reading-reference-link">Mughal S, Faizy RM, Saadabadi A<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" width="24" viewBox="0 96 960 960"><path d="M200 936q-33 0-56.5-23.5T120 856V296q0-33 23.5-56.5T200 216h240q17 0 28.5 11.5T480 256q0 17-11.5 28.5T440 296H200v560h560V616q0-17 11.5-28.5T800 576q17 0 28.5 11.5T840 616v240q0 33-23.5 56.5T760 936H200Zm160-240q-11-11-11-28t11-28l344-344H600q-17 0-28.5-11.5T560 256q0-17 11.5-28.5T600 216h200q17 0 28.5 11.5T840 256v200q0 17-11.5 28.5T800 496q-17 0-28.5-11.5T760 456V352L415 697q-11 11-27 11t-28-12Z"></path></svg></a><span data-testid="further-reading-reference-text">; Autism Spectrum Disorder. StatPearls, Jan 2020. </span></li><li class="ScrollMargin_anchor__VQzBd" id="ref-2" data-testid="further-reading-reference-item"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=10832776" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" data-testid="further-reading-reference-link">Zwaigenbaum L, Szatmari P, Mahoney W, et al<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" width="24" viewBox="0 96 960 960"><path d="M200 936q-33 0-56.5-23.5T120 856V296q0-33 23.5-56.5T200 216h240q17 0 28.5 11.5T480 256q0 17-11.5 28.5T440 296H200v560h560V616q0-17 11.5-28.5T800 576q17 0 28.5 11.5T840 616v240q0 33-23.5 56.5T760 936H200Zm160-240q-11-11-11-28t11-28l344-344H600q-17 0-28.5-11.5T560 256q0-17 11.5-28.5T600 216h200q17 0 28.5 11.5T840 256v200q0 17-11.5 28.5T800 496q-17 0-28.5-11.5T760 456V352L415 697q-11 11-27 11t-28-12Z"></path></svg></a><span data-testid="further-reading-reference-text">; High functioning autism and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder in half brothers. J Autism Dev Disord. 2000 Apr;30(2):121-6.</span></li><li class="ScrollMargin_anchor__VQzBd" id="ref-3" data-testid="further-reading-reference-item"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12033746" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" data-testid="further-reading-reference-link">Nunn K, Williams K, Ouvrier R<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" width="24" viewBox="0 96 960 960"><path d="M200 936q-33 0-56.5-23.5T120 856V296q0-33 23.5-56.5T200 216h240q17 0 28.5 11.5T480 256q0 17-11.5 28.5T440 296H200v560h560V616q0-17 11.5-28.5T800 576q17 0 28.5 11.5T840 616v240q0 33-23.5 56.5T760 936H200Zm160-240q-11-11-11-28t11-28l344-344H600q-17 0-28.5-11.5T560 256q0-17 11.5-28.5T600 216h200q17 0 28.5 11.5T840 256v200q0 17-11.5 28.5T800 496q-17 0-28.5-11.5T760 456V352L415 697q-11 11-27 11t-28-12Z"></path></svg></a><span data-testid="further-reading-reference-text">; The Australian Childhood Dementia Study. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2002 Apr;11(2):63-70.</span></li><li class="ScrollMargin_anchor__VQzBd" id="ref-4" data-testid="further-reading-reference-item"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12959416" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" data-testid="further-reading-reference-link">Fombonne E<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" width="24" viewBox="0 96 960 960"><path d="M200 936q-33 0-56.5-23.5T120 856V296q0-33 23.5-56.5T200 216h240q17 0 28.5 11.5T480 256q0 17-11.5 28.5T440 296H200v560h560V616q0-17 11.5-28.5T800 576q17 0 28.5 11.5T840 616v240q0 33-23.5 56.5T760 936H200Zm160-240q-11-11-11-28t11-28l344-344H600q-17 0-28.5-11.5T560 256q0-17 11.5-28.5T600 216h200q17 0 28.5 11.5T840 256v200q0 17-11.5 28.5T800 496q-17 0-28.5-11.5T760 456V352L415 697q-11 11-27 11t-28-12Z"></path></svg></a><span data-testid="further-reading-reference-text">; Epidemiological surveys of autism and other pervasive developmental disorders: an update. J Autism Dev Disord. 2003 Aug;33(4):365-82.</span></li><li class="ScrollMargin_anchor__VQzBd" id="ref-5" data-testid="further-reading-reference-item"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15365892" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" data-testid="further-reading-reference-link">Kurita H, Koyama T, Setoya Y, et al<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" width="24" viewBox="0 96 960 960"><path d="M200 936q-33 0-56.5-23.5T120 856V296q0-33 23.5-56.5T200 216h240q17 0 28.5 11.5T480 256q0 17-11.5 28.5T440 296H200v560h560V616q0-17 11.5-28.5T800 576q17 0 28.5 11.5T840 616v240q0 33-23.5 56.5T760 936H200Zm160-240q-11-11-11-28t11-28l344-344H600q-17 0-28.5-11.5T560 256q0-17 11.5-28.5T600 216h200q17 0 28.5 11.5T840 256v200q0 17-11.5 28.5T800 496q-17 0-28.5-11.5T760 456V352L415 697q-11 11-27 11t-28-12Z"></path></svg></a><span data-testid="further-reading-reference-text">; Validity of childhood disintegrative disorder apart from autistic disorder with speech loss. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2004 Aug;13(4):221-6.</span></li><li class="ScrollMargin_anchor__VQzBd" id="ref-6" data-testid="further-reading-reference-item"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15832609" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" data-testid="further-reading-reference-link">Kagan-Kushnir T, Roberts SW, Snead OC 3rd<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" width="24" viewBox="0 96 960 960"><path d="M200 936q-33 0-56.5-23.5T120 856V296q0-33 23.5-56.5T200 216h240q17 0 28.5 11.5T480 256q0 17-11.5 28.5T440 296H200v560h560V616q0-17 11.5-28.5T800 576q17 0 28.5 11.5T840 616v240q0 33-23.5 56.5T760 936H200Zm160-240q-11-11-11-28t11-28l344-344H600q-17 0-28.5-11.5T560 256q0-17 11.5-28.5T600 216h200q17 0 28.5 11.5T840 256v200q0 17-11.5 28.5T800 496q-17 0-28.5-11.5T760 456V352L415 697q-11 11-27 11t-28-12Z"></path></svg></a><span data-testid="further-reading-reference-text">; Screening electroencephalograms in autism spectrum disorders: evidence-based guideline. J Child Neurol. 2005 Mar;20(3):197-206.</span></li><li class="ScrollMargin_anchor__VQzBd" id="ref-7" data-testid="further-reading-reference-item"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=9136504" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" data-testid="further-reading-reference-link">McDougle CJ, Holmes JP, Bronson MR, et al<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" width="24" viewBox="0 96 960 960"><path d="M200 936q-33 0-56.5-23.5T120 856V296q0-33 23.5-56.5T200 216h240q17 0 28.5 11.5T480 256q0 17-11.5 28.5T440 296H200v560h560V616q0-17 11.5-28.5T800 576q17 0 28.5 11.5T840 616v240q0 33-23.5 56.5T760 936H200Zm160-240q-11-11-11-28t11-28l344-344H600q-17 0-28.5-11.5T560 256q0-17 11.5-28.5T600 216h200q17 0 28.5 11.5T840 256v200q0 17-11.5 28.5T800 496q-17 0-28.5-11.5T760 456V352L415 697q-11 11-27 11t-28-12Z"></path></svg></a><span data-testid="further-reading-reference-text">; Risperidone treatment of children and adolescents with pervasive developmental disorders: a prospective open-label study. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1997 May;36(5):685-93.</span></li><li class="ScrollMargin_anchor__VQzBd" id="ref-8" data-testid="further-reading-reference-item"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=18579647" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" data-testid="further-reading-reference-link">Mouridsen SE, Bronnum-Hansen H, Rich B, et al<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="24" width="24" viewBox="0 96 960 960"><path d="M200 936q-33 0-56.5-23.5T120 856V296q0-33 23.5-56.5T200 216h240q17 0 28.5 11.5T480 256q0 17-11.5 28.5T440 296H200v560h560V616q0-17 11.5-28.5T800 576q17 0 28.5 11.5T840 616v240q0 33-23.5 56.5T760 936H200Zm160-240q-11-11-11-28t11-28l344-344H600q-17 0-28.5-11.5T560 256q0-17 11.5-28.5T600 216h200q17 0 28.5 11.5T840 256v200q0 17-11.5 28.5T800 496q-17 0-28.5-11.5T760 456V352L415 697q-11 11-27 11t-28-12Z"></path></svg></a><span data-testid="further-reading-reference-text">; Mortality and causes of death in autism spectrum disorders: an update. Autism. 2008 Jul;12(4):403-14. doi: 10.1177/1362361308091653.</span></li></ol></div></div></div></div></div><div class=" Markup_markup__hjGOW ArticleHistory_articlehistory__L8Zqh " data-testid="markup"><h2>Article history</h2><p class="ArticleHistory_articlehistory-desc__2QL_N" data-testid="article-history-desc">The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.</p><div class="ArticleHistory_reviewdate__K36Xw" data-testid="article-history-data"><ul><li class="ArticleHistory_reviewlist__h0dfS " data-testid="review-due"><div class="ArticleHistory_dotted__8aA5T"><h6 data-testid="review-due-date">Next review due: 24 Jan 2026</h6></div></li><li class=""><h6 class="ArticleHistory_date__QGJMl" data-testid="last-updated-date">25 Jan 2021 <span class="ArticleHistory_date-desc__zu5gX">| <!-- -->Latest version</span></h6><div class="ArticleHistory_noborder__NFsQ5" data-testid="last-updated-content"><p class="ArticleHistory_updateby__j5fGu">Last updated by</p><a 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Affected children have often achieved normal developmental milestones before the regression of skills. "},"secondaryTopicsCollection":{"__typename":"PagePatientProfessionalArticleSecondaryTopicsCollection","items":[{"__typename":"TopicCategory","displayName":"Mental health (psychiatry)"}]},"furtherReadingCollection":{"__typename":"PagePatientProfessionalArticleFurtherReadingCollection","items":[{"__typename":"TopicReferences","referenceText":"Childhood Disintegrative Disorder; Autism Project at Yale, Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine","url":"http://medicine.yale.edu/childstudy/autism/information/cdd.aspx"}]},"body":{"json":{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"italic"}],"value":"Synonyms: dementia infantalis, disintegrative psychosis, social development regression","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Definition","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"target":{"sys":{"id":"ref_60478","type":"Link","linkType":"Entry"}}},"content":[],"nodeType":"embedded-entry-inline"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" ","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) is a rare disorder. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), CDD is merged into ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"target":{"sys":{"id":"doc_1833","type":"Link","linkType":"Entry"}}},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"autistic spectrum disorder","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"entry-hyperlink"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":". CDD has a relatively late onset and causes regression of previously acquired skills in social, language and motor functioning.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"The cause is unknown and affected children have often achieved normal developmental milestones before the regression of skills. The age of onset is variable, but is typically seen after three years of reaching normal milestones. The regression can be very rapid. Some children may appear to be responding to hallucinations, but the most common and distinct feature is the regression of previously attained attained skills.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Pathogenesis","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"The cause is unknown. CDD occurs in children who have had previously normal development who then appear to regress, sometimes rapidly. The condition can seem to develop in days or develop over time, and most commonly begins in the fourth year of life, although there is some variation","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"target":{"sys":{"id":"ref_10387","type":"Link","linkType":"Entry"}}},"content":[],"nodeType":"embedded-entry-inline"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" . Some consider the condition to be a childhood dementia, suggesting that brain deposition of amyloid is the cause of the condition, but no clear-cut pathophysiology is proven","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"target":{"sys":{"id":"ref_10388","type":"Link","linkType":"Entry"}}},"content":[],"nodeType":"embedded-entry-inline"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" .","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Epidemiology","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"CDD is extremely rare with an incidence of 1.7 in 100,000 children","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"target":{"sys":{"id":"ref_10389","type":"Link","linkType":"Entry"}}},"content":[],"nodeType":"embedded-entry-inline"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" .","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Presentation","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Symptoms","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-3"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Affected children show clinically significant losses of earlier acquired skills in at least two of the following:","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Expressive language skills.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Receptive language skills.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Social skills and self-care skills.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Bowel or bladder control.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Play skills.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Motor skills.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"}],"nodeType":"unordered-list"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Abnormal function also occurs in at least two of:","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Social interaction.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Communication.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Repetitive interests or behaviours.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"}],"nodeType":"unordered-list"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"The child presents after at least two years of apparently normal development. 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