Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and Social Therapy
At the Social Therapy Group, youngsters with Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and their families are not segregated or compartmentalized by age or circumstances. Groups are interactive, include families and young people with a range of developmental issues, focus on building relationships, and are led by highly creative and experienced therapists.

The Social Therapy group provides a dynamic opportunity for everyone — young and old — to make connections with one another and build a group environment where everyone can get help with their emotional problems. For children diagnosed with Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, the Social Therapy group is optimally effective in supporting their ability to relate to others.

Participants in Social Therapy develop fresh ways of relating to one another and learn exciting new skills for working, playing, and performing more effectively in the world.

What is Childhood Disintegrative Disorder?

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (also called Heller's Syndrome and Disintegrative Psychosis) is a diagnostic category used to describe three- and four-year-old children who (up until two years of age) have achieved normal developmental milestones. In a period of only a few months, however, children with the diagnosis of Childhood Disintegrative Disorder typically regress, deteriorating in the areas of language, intellectual, and social functioning.

Although a diagnosis of Childhood Disintegrative Disorder is less common than a diagnosis of autism, both conditions refer to similar limitations in communication and social development. There is a reduced or absent desire for social interaction, regression in nonverbal communication, and reduced eye contact. And as with autism, although evidence points to neurological factors, no one is sure of the many factors that may contribute to the onset of Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.

The “warning signs” of Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

The “warning signs” said to characterize Childhood Disintegrative Disorder include:
  • Loss of social skills
  • Loss of bowel and bladder control
  • Loss of expressive or receptive language
  • Loss of motor skills
  • Absence of play
  • Inability to develop friendships with other children
  • Impaired nonverbal behaviors
  • Delayed or absence of spoken language
  • Unable to initiate or engage in conversation
  • Repetitive patterned behaviors

For maximum benefits, therapy with children suffering from Childhood Disintegrative Disorder should involve the entire family.

We encourage you to call to discuss further your individual situation and particular needs.