Pat is two and a half years old. Although he has been developing normally, he is beginning to lose control of his bladder and bowels. Upon examination, his pediatrician finds no medical
Causes. By his third birthday, Pat's understanding of language begins to deteriorate and his
Social skills are becoming impaired. Pat has features of ______.
A) childhood disintegrative disorder
B) Rett's disorder
C) autism
D) Asperger's disorder

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pat's symptoms of normal development followed by loss of previously acquired skills, including language and social skills, suggest childhood disintegrative disorder. The loss of bladder and bowel control may also be a symptom of this disorder. Rett's disorder is characterized by normal development for the first few months of life, followed by regression in abilities, particularly in the areas of communication and motor skills. Autistic disorder and Asperger's disorder share symptoms of social impairment and difficulty with language and communication, but do not typically involve regression in skills.

Pat Is Two and a Half Years Old