Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) is a developmental disorder characterized by a loss of thinking, communication, and language skills that occurs some time between 2 and 4 years of age. Normal development is seen until then.

The cause of childhood disintegrative disorder is not known. Symptoms include poor social skills, lack of bowel and bladder control, impaired language and motor skills, and difficulties developing relationships. The condition is very similar to autistic disorder (autism) in its more severe forms.

The condition affects girls and boys in equal numbers. More research is needed to find out how many children are affected by childhood disintegrative disorder. But it is considered to occur much less frequently than autism.