Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder is a rare condition where a child develops at a normal rate for a length of two years, then has an obvious regression in at least two of the following skills: motor skills, language skills, and social skills. The symptoms usually appear between the ages of 2 - 4 years of age, but before the age of 10. The regression may take weeks or months to fully appear, but some patients showed complete regression in a matter of days. Children with this condition may also lose bladder and bowel control. Patients may go from speaking in full sentences, to being completely mute. This condition falls under the spectrum because the symptoms and changes are similar to those with autism. The patients lack social skills, may become repetitive, or lose language skills.
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Strategies & Accommodations
"If you have met one kid on the Autism Spectrum, then you have met ONE kid on the Autism Spectrum."
-Shannon Archer Because no two kids on the Spectrum are the same, strategies are not all the same. CDD is a severe condition on the Spectrum. In order to help these students to be the very best they can be, it will take a combination on multiple therapies. Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy Behavior Therapy Medication Discrete Trial Training: Teacher places one blue card and one red card on the table. The teacher will ask the student to point to the blue card. When they point to the blue card, the student receives praise. DTT is used to teach students a new skill in a positive manner. Students with CDD may lack the motivation to learn. This also uses positive reinforcement for good behaviors. |
Behavior Plan
According to Shannon Archer, a teacher in a class specified for student with Autism, the biggest challenge for some students with severe ASD conditions is behavior. With the combinations, the students will show huge improvements in behavior. Students with severe conditions, like Childhood Disintegration Disorder, do well with Applied Behavior Analysis. Positive reinforcement is essential for students on the Spectrum. Behaviors that are rewarded, usually are repeated. Students with conditions like CDD, may also suffer from SIB, or Self Injured Behavior. With a behavior plan, where positive behaviors are rewarded, the injury to themselves and to others may be eliminated. Whatever behavior plans are placed in the school, need to be applied at home as well. Student on the Autism Spectrum may have problems differentiating environments. They have problems understanding a behavior that is done at home, may not be acceptable in school. Behavior plans should be discussed between parents and teachers. If the plan is applied across the board, the chances for success are higher. |