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This rather rare condition was described many years before autism, but has only recently been "officially" recognized.

In this condition children develop a condition which resembles autism but only after a relatively prolonged period (usually 2 to 4 years) of clearly normal development. This condition apparently differs from autism in the pattern of onset, course, and outcome. Although apparently rare the condition probably has frequently been incorrectly diagnosed.

Heller's syndrome, also know as Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD) is another pervasive developmental disorder. CDD occurs more frequently in boys, although both boys and girls can be affected. In CDD, children develop normally in language, social and other skills until between the ages of two and three. A marked period of regression occurs which may be insidious (over a period of months) or more rapid (over a period of weeks.) Previously developed skills are lost, such as bowel and bladder training, language skills and social skills. The child may become essentially mute, lose the ability to play purposefully and develop autistic-like stereotypies. Prior to this period of marked deterioration, the child may exhibit periods of agitation or dysphoria. A child with CDD is often indistinguishable from a child with autism. Diagnosis of CDD as distinct from autism is made based on history of the child's early development.