childhood

childhood disintegrative disorder One of the pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) characterized by apparently normal development for at least the first 2 years after birth, as manifested by the presence of age-appropriate verbal and nonverbal communication, social relationships, play, and adaptive behavior. Children with this disorder display significant loss of previously acquired skills (before age 10 years). This loss may affect expressive or receptive language, social skills or adaptive behavior, bowel or bladder control, play, or motor skills. Childhood disintegrative disorder also involves impairment in social interaction and communication, often with the development of repetitive stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, including motor stereotypes and mannerisms. The loss of previously acquired skills distinguishes childhood disintegrative disorder from autism, another PDD. See also autism; developmental disorder.