Development, disintegration and dementia

It has been argued that there is an important group of conditions, seen for the first time in late infancy and early childhood, which are both remarkably persistent and pervasive in their influence on cognitive and social development. They combine features of childhood autism, mental retardation and cognitive deterioration and the term 'disintegrative' most precisely characterizes their impact on development. The term 'psychosis' is only usually appropriate in describing the severity of the psychiatric symptoms. In order to avoid confusion with the psychoses or dementia of adult life, the term 'disintegrative disorder of development' may be preferred. While specific pathology is being identified in an increasing number of cases, the combined use of psychiatric and physical diagnostic categories perhaps best serves to draw attention to this important group of disorders. It is likely that, with increasing knowledge, the need for such an interim diagnostic category may become unnecessary.