Child and Adolescent Disorders

Children and adolescents may present with symptoms of the other diagnostic categories and be diagnosed accordingly, and adults may on occasion be diagnosed with this group of disorders. However, there is a group of disorders generally first diagnosed in infancy, childhood or adolescence and it is this feature which warrants inclusion in this group.

Mental Retardation is characterized by significantly below average intellectual functioning and deficits in adaptive functioning. An IQ of 70 or below is used as the diagnostic indicator. Mental Retardation is classified as

• Mild : IQ level of 50-55 to approximately 70

• Moderate : IQ level of 35-40 to 50-55

• Severe : IQ level of 20-25 to 35-40

• Profound : IQ level below 20-25

Learning Disorders are characterized by academic functioning that is significantly below that expected given the child's age, IQ and educational background. The learning disorders include:

• Reading Disorder

• Mathematics Disorder

• Written Expression Disorder

Developmental Coordination Disorder is characterized by a marked impairment in the development of motor coordination that results in motor skills substantially below those expected for a child of a given age and IQ and significantly interferes with academic achievement or activities of daily living.

Communication Disorders are characterized by difficulties with speech and language and include:

• Expressive Language Disorder

• Mixed-Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder

• Phonological Disorder

• Stuttering

Pervasive Developmental Disorders are characterized by severe deficits and pervasive impairment in multiple areas of development including social interaction, communication and the presence of stereotyped behavior, interests and activities. The Pervasive Developmental Disorders include:

• Autistic Disorder

• Rett's Disorder

• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

• Asperger's Disorder

Attention-Deficit Disorders are characterized by symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity- impulsivity. Disorders in this category include:

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Predominantly Inattentive Type

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Predominantly Hyperactive Type

Disruptive Behavior Disorders are characterized by symptoms of antisocial behavior and/or negative, hostile or defiant behavior. Disorders in this category include:

• Conduct Disorder

• Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Feeding and Eating Disorders of Infancy or Early Childhood

Tic Disorders

Elimination Disorders include inappropriate elimination whether involuntary or intentional.

• Encopresis is the repeated passage of feces into inappropriate places.

• Enuresis is the repeated passage of urine into inappropriate places.

Other Disorders of Infancy, Childhood, or Adolescence includes those not specifically covered in other sections such as:

• Separation Anxiety

• Selective Mutism

• Reactive Attachment Disorder

• Stereotypic Movement Disorder

Child and Adolescent Disorders Articles

Planet Psych Links:

Behavioral Treatment for ADHD a General Overview; David Rabiner, Ph.D.

ADHD Symptoms and Severity are Similar in Boys and Girls

World Wide Web Links:

The National Institute of Mental Health; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

The National Institute of Mental Health; Autism

The National Institute of Mental Health; Learning Disabilities.

 

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