Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified medical professional for advice and clarification.
The table below provides a simplified version of the DSM-IV definition, used by professionals to diagnose disorders. To make a rough assessment of whether a person has Childhood Disintegrative Disorder Test (a.k.a. Heller’s Syndrome and Disintegrative Psychosis) or not, tick the box under “ANS” if your client matches the description.
If you are diagnosing adults, please refer to their behavior as a young child. They may learned to cope through experience and may not fulfill the diagnostic criteria any more.
DSM-IV definition for Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (299.10)
A. Apparently normal development for at least the first 2 years after birth as manifested by the presence of age-appropriate verbal & nonverbal communication, social relationships, play, & adaptive behavior.
B. Clinically significant loss of previously acquired skills (before age 10 years) in at least two of the following areas:
- Expressive or receptive language
- Social skills or adaptive behavior
- Bowel or bladder control
- Play
- Motor skills
C. Abnormalities of functioning in at least 2 of the following:
- Qualitative impairment in social interaction (e.g., impairment in nonverbal behaviors, failure to develop peer relationships, lack of social or emotional reciprocity)
- Qualitative impairments in communication (e.g., delay or lack of spoken language, inability to initiate or sustain a conversation, stereotyped & repetitive use of language, lack of varied make-believe play)
- Restricted, repetitive, & stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, & activities, including motor stereotypes & mannerisms
D. The disturbance is not better accounted for by another specific Pervasive Developmental Disorder or by Schizophrenia.