Children with Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDC)

This disorder affects mostly boys. They start their lives developing typically, and learn new skills in the motor, language, cognitive and social and emotional domains. As early as their preschool years, and some of them during their toddler years, these children begin to lose some of the skills that they have learned. When this happens, they will have to re-learn many of these lost skills.

Description

Like children with ASD, Children with Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDC) experience difficulty learning how to talk and relate to others. They may also engage in self-stimulatory (see full Glossary) and/or repetitive behaviors, and may have difficulty regulating (see full Glossary) their sensory system.

Intervention Options

Intervention options are strategies, programs and resources that are available for parents and for service providers working with children with additional needs, and the professionals working with children and families:

• Infant or child support development consultant through the  Infant Development Program/ Aboriginal Infant Development Program Supported Child Development Program/ Aboriginal Supported Child Development
•  Sensory Integration therapy
• Academic preparation: children with CDC may have difficulties with specific learning skills and will benefit from the help of small group and/or individualized learning support from a resource teacher. An Individualized Educational Program or Plan (IEP) needs to be in place for children with CDC.

Interventionists working with children with CDC include the following:

• Occupational therapist
• Physiotherapist
• Behavioral therapist
• Speech language pathologist
• Mental health therapists

Other Intervention Options:

• Music therapy: Music may help children improve their cognitive, social and emotional skills as well as help them with their neurological functioning.

• Art and play therapy: This may be part of a holistic program that targets all developmental areas.

• Dance and movement therapy: This can help some children develop a better understanding of their bodies and how they function in the world. It may also address some aspects of their hypo and/or hyper-sensitivity to certain environmental stimuli.

• Medication: Some children with CDD may be given medication as a way to help control their repetitive movements, as well as anxiety and depression (Mayo clinic).

• Special diets: Some children with CDD may be placed on special diets and may receive vitamin and mineral supplements, as part of a homeopathic or naturopathic treatment plan.