Childhood Disintegrative Disorder Causes
- There's no known cause of childhood disintegrative disorder.
- There's likely a genetic basis for autism spectrum disorders.
- The theory is that an abnormal gene is switched on in the early stages of development, before
birth, and that this gene affects other genes that coordinate a child's brain development.
- Environmental exposures, such as to a toxin or infection, may contribute to these effects.
The Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Although there are many concerns about labeling a young child with an ASD, the earlier the
diagnosis of ASD is made, the earlier needed interventions can begin.
- In evaluating a child, clinicians rely on behavioral characteristics to make a diagnosis.
Some of the characteristic behaviors of ASD may be apparent in the first few months of a child's life, or they may appear at any time during the early years.
The diagnosis requires a two-stage process:
- The first stage involves developmental screening during “well child” check-ups.
- The second stage entails a comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team.