Transcript Slide 1

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder:
An Overview and Guide for Early Childhood Professionals
Ngoc T. Tang
Learner Objectives
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Describe ways to help parents cope when they
learn their child has a disability
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Note common symptoms of childhood
disintegrative disorder (CDD)
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List and explain school services for children
with disabilities who meet the criteria
Definition
Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) is a rare condition
that affects children most often around ages 3-4, but may range
from ages 2-101. As written in the Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders IV-TR (DSM-IV-TR), there must be:
“After at least 2 years of normal postnatal development, significant losses
manifest in the following domains:
1. Expressive or receptive language
2. Social or adaptive behavior
3. Bladder or bowel control
4. Play
5. Motor skills
AND the development of features of autistic disorder”5, 1
8. Mayo Clinic Staff (2006)
5. Findling, R., Leventhal, B., & Scahill, L. (2007)
1. American Psychiatric Association (2000)
Background
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Originally reported as dementia infantilis by Theodore Heller in
1908. Other known names are:
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Heller syndrome
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Progressive disintegrative psychosis
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Pervasive disintegrative disorder8
Part of the umbrella group of Pervasive Developmental
Disorders (PDD)
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Asperger Syndrome
Autistic Disorder
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Rett Syndrome
Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified10
8. Mayo Clinic Staff (2006)
10. Strock (2004)
Background
• Similar to autism but is often distinguished by its late
age of onset and the severity of regression7
• Since CDD is rare, there is limited information
available. Autism, which occurs more frequently,
should be used as a guide.
• Causes are unknown
• Regression can occur abruptly from days to weeks or
gradually over an extended period of time8
7. Mouridsen, S.E. (2003)
8. Mayo Clinic Staff (2006)
Prevalence
• Childhood disintegrative disorder is quite rare
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1.7 per 100,000 children (avg. of four studies)6
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rates have a wide range
Occurs more in males than females4
6. Fombonne (2002)
4. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Identifying CDD
• Warning signs and symptoms
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Loss of social skills
Loss of bowel and bladder control
Loss of expressive or receptive language
Loss of motor skills
Lack of play
Failure to develop peer relationships
Impairment in nonverbal behaviors
Delay or lack of spoken language
Inability to start or sustain a conversation
11. Voorhees (2006)
Identifying CDD
• What parents should do:
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Stage 1- Schedule a check-up
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Take child routinely for well-child checkups at his primary care
provider.
In case of suspected problems, ask for a developmental screening.
Stage 2- Evaluation and diagnosis by team of experts, which
may include:
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Psychologist, neurologist, psychiatrist, speech therapist, occupational
therapist, physical therapist
10. Strock (2004)
Getting Help
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Stage 3- Diagnosis
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Get a notebook to write everything down. No one can remember
everything.
Gather information and contacts from specialists. They will help you
adjust and offer financial and emotional help.
Join a support group or network.
Stage 4- Treatment
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Medication
Therapy
Individualized program for your child
10. Strock (2004)
Screening
• Stage 1- Developmental screening
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Healthcare provider asks parents questions related to normal
development, focusing on social, emotional, and intellectual
development. Some questions are:
“Does your child…
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Not speak as well as other children her age?”
Seems unable to tell you what she wants, and so takes your hand and leads
you to it, or gets it herself?”
Have trouble following simple directions?”
Prefer to play alone?”
Not play “make-believe” games?”
Not play with toys in a usual way
Act as if she is in her own world?” NICHD
Possible indicators should lead to further evaluation
9. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (2005)
Evaluation
• Stage 2- Comprehensive evaluation:
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Review of child’s:
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Developmental history
Family history
Medical history
Physical examination
Auditory test- to rule out transient hearing loss
Lead exposure- children chew on objects during their oralmotor stage, a cause for mental retardation
Language assessment- communication skills
5. Findling, R., Leventhal, B., & Scahill, L. (2007)
Evaluation
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Medical examination•
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Neurological exam- lesions or possible seizure disorder
Genetics assessment- syndromes
Cognitive- general function10
Specific measures:
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Autism Diagnosis Interview- Revised (ADI-R)- determines child’s social
interaction, communication, repetitive behaviors, and age-of-onset symptoms
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-G)- contains activities to
observe patient’s social and communication behaviors
Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale- measures child’s functional abilities
Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC)- evaluates behavior problems5
10. Strock (2004)
5. Findling, R., Leventhal, B., & Scahill, L. (2007)
Diagnosis
• Stage 3- Communicating with parents
Telling parents that their child may be having
problems and difficulties can be hard for anyone.
 Although parents may expect something is wrong,
there is usually shock and loss associated with an
affirmative diagnosis
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5. Findling, R., Leventhal, B., & Scahill, L. (2007)
Diagnosis
• Minimize stress for Parents
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Include parents in the evaluation process as much as possible
so they understand what their child can and cannot do
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Talk about both strengths and weaknesses
Let parents know that negative reactions are normal and
acceptable
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Grieving, anger, a sense of loss, shock, helplessness
Parents may need to take a trip to unwind5, 10
5. Findling, R., Leventhal, B., & Scahill, L. (2007)
10. Strock (2004)
Diagnosis
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Help prepare information and contacts
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Parents may not remember all the information you tell them during
the first session.
Repeat information several times if necessary
Organize information and write it down so parents can look at it
when they are more ready to5, 10
5. Findling, R., Leventhal, B., & Scahill, L. (2007)
10. Strock (2004)
Treatment
• Stage 4- Treatment is similar to children with autism
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Assemble treatment team, adding people similar to
the diagnostic team
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Include parents and teachers
Review available community resources
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Schools
Parent groups
State and private agencies
Respite programs
10. Strock (2004)
Treatment
• Specialized Members
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Language therapy•
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Physical therapy•
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Improve social interaction and communication with peers
Develop language skills
Using pictures to help communicate needs
Improve movement, posture, balance
Occupational therapy•
Adjusts environment to the child’s needs
5. Findling, R., Leventhal, B., & Scahill, L. (2007)
Treatment
• Develop a highly structured and individualized
program created by the health professional and
parent team, that:
Aims to develop areas of difficulty
 Builds on child’s strengths and interests
 Offers a predictable routine
 Teaches skills in simple steps
 Provides frequent and positive reinforcement
 Suggests structured and attractive activities
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10. Strock (2004)
Treatment
• Behavior management
Reinforce desirable behaviors
 Reduce/extinguish undesirable behaviors
 Educate parents on how to work with their child
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9. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (2005)
Treatment
• Medications
Anti-psychotics are used to treat behavior problems
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Typical: haloperidol, thioridazine, fluphenazine,
chlorpromazine
Atypical: risperidone, olanzapine, ziprasidone
Anticonvulsants help treat seizures
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Carbamazepine, lamotrigine, topiramate, valproic acid
Monitor effects closely to determine benefit
 Inform parents of potential side effects8, 10
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8. Mayo Staff Clinic (2006)
10. Strock (2004)
Treatment
• Other interventions
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Dietary- some children with autism benefit from
certain diets
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Casein free diet
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A protein found in milk, wheat, oat, rye, barley
More expensive than regular foods
Vitamin B6 supplement with magnesium
Secretin- single dose only
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10. Strock (2004)
May improve symptoms
 Sleep patterns, eye contact, language skills, alertness
Treatment
• Key components for effective early intervention
Provide services at earliest possible age
 At least 20 hours per week
 Parental involvement, training, and support
 Focused on social and communication skills
 Instruction with individualized goals
 Help child generalize skills to other settings
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5. Findling, R., Leventhal, B., & Scahill, L. (2007)
Financial Assistance
• Several types of Medical Assistance (MA)
Also known as Title 19
 Available to parents of children with severe
disabilities under age 18
 May cover therapeutic and other medical costs
 Available funding varies by location
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For more information, contact
your state Department of Health and Human Services or
Developmental Disabilities Administration
3. Autism Society of America (n.d.)
Legal Safeguards in Pennsylvania
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
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Must meet federal and state criteria
Makes it possible for children with disabilities to receive free
educational services and devices to facilitate learning
Available from age 3 through high school or age 21
Contact principal or special education coordinator for
qualification assessment
9. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (2005)
Legal Safeguards in Pennsylvania
• Individual education plan (IEP)
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Qualification for IEP is easier to receive than IDEA
Required by law for children with special education needs
Written document between the school and family, tailored to
the child’s educational needs
States educational goals and environmental changes
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Addressing academic achievement, adaptive behavior goals, motor
skills, communication skills,
Adaptations to environment such as extending programs into the
home, allowing more time on work, extending school year
9. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (2005)
Education
• School-based programs
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All public schools must provide services for children with
disabilities ages 3-21
Must have an educational evaluation provided by the public
school to receive services
• Special education for children
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Offer highly-structured setting
Use visuals to accompany instruction
Build on child’s interests
Include specialists from treatment team
2. Autism Society of America (2006)
Education
• Parents
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Regular communication between parents and teachers
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Utilize notebooks, e-mail, phone calls, meetings
Special education can offer:
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Lower student to teacher ratio
Trained and experienced professionals who have worked with
children with disabilities
Many environmental and educational adjustments
Special equipment and learning tools
Respite services
Parent training
Emergency care
Resource referral
2. Autism Society of America (2006)
Information for Parents
• Refer to the brochure handout
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Brief information about CDD
Local and national support services
• National Alliance on Mental Illness of Pennsylvania Helpline
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Provides information, referrals, emotional support- (800) 223-0500
• Autism Society of America (ASA)
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Information and support
Led by parents of children on the autism spectrum
www.autism-society.org
• MayoClinic
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Information and education
www.mayoclinic.com/health/childhood-disintegrative-disorder/DS00801
Information for Parents
• Literature
Helpful Responses to Some of the Behaviors of Individuals
with Autism by Nancy Dalrymple
 Children with Autism: A Parents’ Guide edited by
Michael D. Powers
 The Complete IEP Guide: How to Advocate for You Special
Ed. Child by Lawrence M. Siegel
 Siblings of Children with Autism: A Guide for Families by
Sandra L. Harris
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For further information
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National Alliance on Mental Illness of Pennsylvania (NAMI) Education and support to families with mental illnesses
 Education and information to mental health consumers
 namipa.nami.org
National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
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Information and resources
www.nichcy.org
U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources
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Information and financial aid
www.hhs.gov/children/index.html
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
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Education and research
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www.nichd.nih.gov
For further information
• Literature
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Inclusion: 450 Strategies for Success: A Practical Guide for All
Educators Who Teach Students with Disabilities by Peggy A.
Hammeken
Teaching Children with Autism: Strategies for Initiating Positive
Interactions and Improving Learning Opportunities edited by Robert
and Lynn Koegel
Behavioral Interventions for Young Children with Autism: A Manual
for Parents and Professionals edited by Catherine Maurice, Gina
Green, and Stephen C. Luce
Learning and Cognition in Autism edited by Eric Schopler and
Gary B. Mesibov
References
1. American Psychiatric Association (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of
mental disorders (4th ed., text revision). Washington, DC: Author.
2. Autism Society of America (2006). Building Our Future: Educating Students on the
Autism Spectrum. n.d., 1-12.
3. Autism Society of America. (n.d.). Next Steps: A Guide for Families New to
Autism. n.d., 1-7.
4. Childhood disintegrative disorder. Retrieved September 15, 2007, from Yale
Developmental Disabilities Clinic Web site:
http://www.med.yale.edu/chldstdy/autism/cdd.html
5. Findling, R., Leventhal, B., & Scahill, L. (2007). Counseling Points: Current
Concepts in the Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Autism
Counseling Points 1 (3), 3-11.
6. Fombonne, Eric (2002). Prevalence of childhood disintegrative disorder.
SAGE Publications and The National Autistic Society, 6 (2), 149-157.
References
7. Mouridsen, S.E. (2003). Childhood disintegrative disorder. Brain and
Development: Official Journal of the Japanese Society of Child Neurology, 25, 225228. Retrieved September 21, 2007, from PsycInfo database.
8. Mayo Clinic Staff (2006). Childhood disintegrative disorder. Retrieved September
15, 2007, from MayoClinic.com Website:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childhood-disintegrativedisorder/DS00801/DSECTION=1
9. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (2005). Autism
Overview: What We Know. n.d., 1-16.
10. Strock, Margaret (2004). Autism Spectrum Disorders: Pervasive Developmental
Disorders. NIH Publication No. NIH-04-5511, National Institute of
Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, 40.
11. Voorhees, Benjamin (2006). Childhood disintegrative disorder. Retrieved
September 15, 2007, from Medline Plus Website:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/ 001535.htm
Contact Information
Ngoc T. Tang
Masters candidate in Psychology in Education
University of Pittsburgh
E-mail: [email protected]
Replication of any materials requires prior approval.