Heller syndrome, also known as childhood disintegrative disorder, is a rare pervasive developmental disorder that involves impaired language development, social skills, and motor abilities. Unfortunately, to this day the causes that cause it are unknown.
In this Psychology-Online article we explain What is Heller syndrome?what are its symptoms and its main characteristics, the possible causes that cause it, as well as the treatment indicated for this serious disorder.
Symptoms of Heller syndrome
Children affected by Heller syndrome or childhood disintegrative disorder show a clinically significant loss of previously acquired skills in at least two of the following fields:
- Expressive language skills
- Receptive language skills
- Social and self-care skills
- Bowel and bladder control
- gaming skills
- Motor skills
This disorder can also affect other relevant areas in the child’s behavior:
- Social interaction
- Communication
- Restricted interests
- Repetitive behaviors
The child has these difficulties after at least two years of apparently normal development. This usually occurs when they are between 3 and 4 years old, but usually before they turn 10 years old.
Characteristics of Heller syndrome
The onset of Heller syndrome can be abrupt or gradual. This disorder is usually severe enough that children be aware of regression in their capabilities, which leads them to ask what is happening to them. In general, parents and professionals do not previously notice abnormalities in aspects such as language or non-verbal communication, social relationships, play or abnormal development, which is why the diagnosis is often traumatic.
A typical presentation of Heller syndrome would be that of a child who is able to communicate in sentences of two or three words and lose this ability. She would eventually stop talking altogether or retain only fragments of his previous speech. There may be social and emotional problems, such as a child who previously showed joy in being hugged and suddenly becomes averse to physical contact. Additionally, some children also describe what could be hallucinations.
Difference between Heller syndrome and ASD
Heller syndrome has sometimes been compared to some variants of . In both disorders the child shows social and communication deficits Similar; However, Heller syndrome is distinguished from autism in that in the latter there is no rapid regression after a period of apparent normality in psychosocial development. It is also worth noting that children with Heller syndrome are more likely to show fear and stereotypical behaviors early.
Children who suffer from this serious syndrome suffer from epilepsy more frequently than children with autism spectrum disorder. In the following article you will find more information about the .
the degree of intellectual disability appears to be more “uniform” compared to autism, although the overall degree of disability and its outcome appears to be similar in both groups.
Causes of Heller syndrome
Initially, the Heller syndrome It was considered strictly a medical disorder and was believed to have identifiable medical causes. However, after the scientific community reviewed various reported cases of the syndrome, no specific medical or neurological cause was found that could explain the entire syndrome.
It is currently unknown what causes Heller syndrome. Research results suggest that it could be the result of neurobiological alterations in the child’s brain. Approximately half of children diagnosed with this syndrome have an abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG) (EEGs measure the brain’s electrical activity generated by nerve transmission).
Heller syndrome has also sometimes been associated with onset of seizures, another indicator that there could be a brain neurobiological cause involved in the onset of this disorder. Furthermore, some researchers consider the syndrome to be actually a type of childhood dementia, suggesting that brain amyloid deposits They could be the cause of the disorder, as occurs in the . However, this last hypothesis has not been proven and investigations continue.
Treatment for Heller syndrome
Current treatment for Heller syndrome is very similar to the treatment indicated for children with autism spectrum disorder. The key is to address this disorder through early and intensive educational interventionssince although the disorder as such has no cure, it is possible stimulate skills and the child’s own abilities, taking into account the limitations and specific needs of each one.
Most of the treatment is based on being performed in highly structured environments. One of the most well-known and used therapies is applied behavior analysis or ABA. This methodology includes learning principles to modify children’s behavior. Along with behavioral therapy, behavioral therapy is also usually applied. sensory enrichment and pharmacological therapy (mainly antipsychotics and serotonin reuptake inhibitors).
Finally, it is worth noting the importance of involve parents throughout the therapeutic process, so that they can also ask questions and problems they encounter. Sometimes families can feel overwhelmed without knowing how to react to certain situations or to some disruptive behaviors of the child, which is why it is essential to take into account the instructions of health professionals, so that what the child learns in therapy can later be transferred. to other areas (school or home).
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Bray, MA, Kehle, TJ, Theodore, LA, & Broudy, MS (2002). Case study of childhood disintegrative disorder—Heller’s syndrome. Psychology in the Schools, 39(1), 101-109.
- Hendry, C. N. (2000). Childhood disintegrative disorder: should it be considered a distinct diagnosis? Clinical Psychology Review, 20(1), 77-90.