Regression in autism

Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs), also known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that include autistic disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, PDDnot otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) and Rett’s syndrome. PDDs involve delay and disorder in the development of communication and language skills, social interaction with others and restricted and stereotyped patterns of play and behaviour. Regression in the developmental course ASDs is not new. In 1966, Lotter described developmental setback, including loss of speech in 31% of a group of children diagnosed with autism. This factsheet gives an overview of regression in ASDs based on some recent published articles but I would recommend further reading for a fuller understanding of this topic.