Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder is a childhood problem in which children grow normally till the age of 2. After 2 years of age children become socially aloof and develop severe resistance to communication. They lose their capability to communicate along with other few skills.

In the broader spectrum, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder falls under Autism Spectrum Disorder. However both have a lot of differences. Unlike autism, in childhood disintegrative disorder, the child, after years of normal development shows a drastic decrease in social capabilities. The child also begins to digress in other skills like communication, listening, receptivity and response. This digression is usually very dramatic and does not happen gradually, like in autism.

When to seek expert advise

Your child will usually grow in his or her own pace. But if you feel that the previously acquired skills and habits are digressing and being lost, it is best to consult your doctor once to be sure that whether your child is experiencing Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and the situation is not due to any underlying cause. You can consult the doctors at the Department of Paediatrics at The Aga Khan University Hospital for an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.