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Autism spectrum disorder - childhood disintegrative disorder

Definition

Childhood disintegrative disorder is a condition in which children develop normally through age 3 or 4. Then, over a few months, they lose language, motor, social, and other skills that they already learned.

Childhood disintegrative disorder is a part of the larger developmental disorder category of autism spectrum disorder.

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Alternative Names


Causes


Exams and Tests


Treatment


Outlook (Prognosis)


When to Contact a Medical Professional


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Motormental disability
Motormental disability in children is generally related to significant central nervous system damage or abnormality. It refers both to lack of intellectual development and motor development. There can be various degrees of intellectual disability, and failure to meet various normal developmental milestones.

References

American Psychiatric Association website. Intellectual disability. www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/intellectual-disability/what-is-intellectual-disability. Updated July 2017. Accessed June 16, 2021.

Marcdante KJ, Kliegman RM. Autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. In: Marcdante KJ, Kliegman RM, eds. Nelson Essentials of Pediatrics. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 20.

Last reviewed April 14, 2021 by Charles I. Schwartz MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team..

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