CDD

What It Is
CDD (Childhood Disintegrated Disorder) is a developmental disorder that causes children to lose previously acquired language and social skills. Children diagnosed with CDD usually develop normally for two years and then begin to show CDD signs at three or four years old. CDD is more rare than autism, affecting about one in 100,000 children, and occurs more often in boys than girls.

The Diagnostic Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), the standard classification system of mental health and health professionals, classifies CDD as a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). CDD is also categorized as an autism spectrum disorder. These disorders are linked because they are neurological disorders affecting a child's development of normal communication and social skills.

There is no known cause of CDD. Many experts believe that CDD and other PDDs are genetic. Other experts also blame environmental causes such as a toxic exposure or infection. In fact, there is a theory that a malfunctioning autoimmune response could play a role in the development of CDD. Although CDD increases the chance for the development of epilepsy, there is no medical evidence to suggest that epilepsy triggers CDD. Other medical conditions such as tuberous sclerosis, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and lipid storage diseases are also associated with CDD. However, there is no evidence that they cause CDD.

CDD symptoms are dramatic and the child experiencing them may even comment on them. The loss of developmental skills can occur abruptly within a week or gradually over several months. Common symptoms of CDD may include:

Loss of previously-learned vocabulary and communication skills
Loss of bladder and bowel control
Loss of interest in social interaction
Repetitive and obsessive behaviours
Seizures

How It’s Similar to Classic Autism

Some children with CDD have been misdiagnosed with late-onset autism. CDD resembles autism due to the general pattern of social, communication and behavioural impairments. However, CDD has the following key differences:

Two to three years of normal development
Loss of previously acquired language and social skills
No longer able to control the bladder and bowel
Seizures
More likely to result in mental retardation than autism

What to Do About It

Treatments
There is no known cure for CDD. CDD often follows a treatment plan similar to autism. CDD patients are typically treated with medications and behaviour therapies. No specific medication treats CDD. Instead, doctors prescribe medication to treat specific symptoms. Anxiety, depression or antipsychotic drugs are often prescribed for aggressive or obsessive behaviours. CDD patients who experience epileptic seizures are often given anticonvulsant drugs.

Children with CDD can benefit from behaviour therapy programs. Behaviour therapy helps CDD patients re-learn language, communication, social and self-care skills.

How to Cope

Children affected with Childhood Disintegrative Disorder usually require lifelong care. Whenever CDD is suspected, parents should contact a doctor immediately for diagnosis. Early intervention provides the best chance to improve life quality.
Parents of CDD patients should learn everything possible about the disorder and the treatment options available. This knowledge will help parents pick the best doctors, therapists and teachers for their child.

The impact of the illness is very stressful on families. Support groups are essential to help families cope.