Heller syndrome symptoms, characteristics, causes and treatment

Heller syndrome, also known as Children's disintegrative disorder, It is a rare generalized development disorder that implies an alteration of the ability of language development, social skills and motor capabilities. Unfortunately, today the causes that cause it are unknown.

In this psychology-online article we explain to you 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.

1. Heller syndrome symptoms
2. Heller Syndrome Characteristics
3. Heller Syndrome Causes
4. Heller syndrome treatment

Heller syndrome symptoms

Children affected by heller syndrome or child 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
• Intestine control and vegija
• Game 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 presents these difficulties After at least two years of apparently normal development. This generally occurs when they are between 3 and 4 years old, but generally before turning 10 years.

Heller Syndrome Characteristics

The beginning of Heller syndrome can be abrupt or gradual. This disorder is usually serious enough to Children are aware of the regression in their abilities, which leads them to ask what is happening to them. In general, parents and professionals do not previously notice abnormalities in aspects such as non -verbal language or communication, social relationships or abnormal development, hence the diagnosis is often traumatic.

A typical presentation of Heller syndrome It would be that of a child who is able to communicate in phrases of two or three words and Lose this ability. Eventually he would stop talking completely or would retain only fragments of his previous speech. There may be social and emotional problems, like a child who previously showed joy when he was embraced and suddenly becomes reluctant to physical contact. In addition, some children also describe what could be hallucinations.

Difference between heller and tea syndrome

Heller syndrome has sometimes compared some autistic spectrum disorder variants. In both disorders the child shows social and communication deficits Similar; However, Heller syndrome is distinguished from autism in which in the latter there is no rapid regression after an apparent normality in psychosocial development. It should also be noted that children with Heller syndrome are more likely to show Fear and behavior of stereotypics early.

Children suffering from this serious syndrome Epilepsy suffer more frequently that children with autistic spectrum disorder. In the following article you will ignite more information about epilepsy.

the degree of intellectual disability It seems to be more "uniform" compared to autism, despite the fact that the general degree of disability and its result seems to be similar in both groups.

Heller Syndrome Causes

Initially, the Heller syndrome It was strictly considered a medical disorder and it was believed that it had 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 full syndrome.

At present it is unknown what causes heller syndrome. The results of the investigations suggest that it could be the result of neurobiological alterations In the child's brain. Approximately half of the diagnosed children of this syndrome have an abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG) (EEG measure the brain electrical activity generated by nerve transmission).

Heller syndrome has also sometimes associated with Appearance of seizures, Another indicator that there could be a cerebral neurobiological cause involved at the beginning of this disorder. On the other hand, some researchers consider that the syndrome is really a type of childhood dementia, which suggests that amyloid brain deposits They could be the cause of the disorder, as is the case in Alzheimer's disease. However, this last hypothesis has not been demonstrated and the investigations continue its course.

Heller syndrome treatment

The current treatment for heller syndrome is very similar to the treatment indicated for children with autistic spectrum disorder. The key is to address this disorder through early and intensive educational interventions, since despite the fact that the disorder as such has no cure, it is possible stimulate skills and the child's own capacities, taking into account the limitations and specific needs of each.

Most of the treatment is based on behavior modification techniques that are carried out in highly structured environments. One of the best known and used therapies is the Analysis of applied behavior or ABA. This methodology includes learning principles to modify children's behavior. Together with behavioral therapy, therapy of Sensory enrichment and pharmacological therapy (mainly antipsychotics and serotonin reuptake inhibitors).

Finally, the importance of imply parents throughout the therapeutic process, so that they can also consult the doubts and problems that are found. Sometimes families can feel overwhelmed without knowing how to react to certain situations or in the child's disruptive behaviors, hence it is essential to take into account the indications of health professionals, so that what the child learns in therapy can later move to other areas (school or home).

This article is merely informative, in psychology-online we have no power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to Heller syndrome: symptoms, characteristics, causes and treatment, We recommend that you enter our category of neurological disorders.