Definition
Also referred to as Disintegrative psychosis or Heller's syndrome, Childhood disintegrative disorder is a condition occurring in 3 and 4 year olds characterized by deterioration over several months in intellectual, social, and language functioning from previously normal behavior. Normal development is seen up to age 2.

What is Childhood Disintegrative Disorder?
Childhood disintegrative disorder, an extremely rare disorder, is a clearly apparent regression in multiple areas of functioning, following a period of at least 2 years of apparent normal development. The child with this disorder has a loss of communication skills, has regression in non-verbal behaviors and a significant loss in other previously acquired skills (examples include, the ability to move, bladder and bowel control and social and language skills).

Childhood disintegrative disorder can only be diagnosed if the symptoms are preceded by at least 2 years of normal development and the onset of decline is prior to age 10.

Symptoms/Warning Signs

• Loss of social skills
• Loss of bowel and bladder control
• Loss of expressive or receptive language
• Loss of motor skills
• Lack of play
• Failure to develop peer relationships
• Impairment in non-verbal behaviors
• Delay or lack of spoken language
• Inability to initiate or sustain a conversation