Heller Syndrome

Heller syndrome, also known as childhood disintegrative disorder, is a rare neurodevelopmental condition in which a child who had been developing as expected loses, after a period of apparent normality, skills they had already acquired.

Areas it usually affects:

• Language and communication
• Social and play skills
• Bladder and bowel control or movement coordination

When to consult? When a child is seen to stop using words or skills they previously mastered, an early evaluation is advisable.

Who treats it? Follow-up usually involves the pediatrician and, very importantly, the speech-language pathologist to support language and communication, along with other neurodevelopment professionals. If you notice a loss of skills in your child, the most sensible thing is to discuss it soon with a professional.