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Childhood disintegrative disorder: Issues for DSM-IV

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Abstract

Childhood disintegrative disorder, also known as Heller syndrome or as disintegrative psychosis, is a relatively uncommon condition which has variably been included in official diagnostic systems. Available evidence regarding the validity of this diagnostic concept, particularly with regard to autism, supports inclusion of the category in DSM-IV. Proposed criteria and narrative description for the disorder are presented.

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The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent the official positions of the DSM-IV Task Force, Work Groups, or the American Psychiatric Association. A shorter version of this paper will appear in theDSM-IV Source Book.

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Volkmar, F.R. Childhood disintegrative disorder: Issues for DSM-IV. J Autism Dev Disord 22, 625–642 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01046331

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