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
