Facts First

  Prevalence:                 Data is very limited but suggests the disorder is very rare and much less 
                                        common than Autistic Disorder     

  Characteristics:         The essential feature of Childhood Disintegrative Disorder is a marked 
                                        regression in multiple areas of functioning following a period of at 
                                        least  2 years of apparently normal development.  After the first 2 years of life 
                                        (but before 10 years), the child has a clinically significant loss of previously 
                                        acquired skills in a least two of the following areas: expressive or receptive 
                                        language, social skills or adaptive behavior, bowel or bladder control, play, or 
                                        motor skills.  Most typically, acquired skills are lost in almost all areas.
 
  Causes:                      It appears likely that the condition is the result of some trauma or damage to
                                       the developing central nervous system, although no precise mechanism has 
                                       been identified.