Special Health Issues: Autism Spectrum Disorder

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

"Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)" was a rare diagnosis under the older Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV). It was used to describe cases where a child experienced a significant loss of previously acquired skills (a developmental regression) after at least two years of normal development.

With the release of the DSM-5, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder is no longer a distinct diagnosis.

Individuals who show this pattern of developmental regression are now diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The diagnosis for ASD can include specifiers to note the presence and timing of any regression.

For a complete overview of the current diagnostic criteria, please refer to the main Autism Spectrum Disorder page.

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