Multisystem Developmental Disorder

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Multisystem Developmental Disorder, also known as MSDD, is a term coined by Dr. Stanley Greenspan, to diagnose children under the age of 3 who exhibit signs of impaired communication, and/or impaired social skills.

MSDD is a disorder on the Autistic Spectrum. The main difference between MSDD and PDD (pervasive developmental disorder) is that MSDD is assumed to be a secondary impairment, linked to difficulties with sensory integration. MSDD is not listed in DSM-IV or ICD-10, hence the same child, diagnosed by a different practitioner, might very well receive the diagnosis PDD or PDD-NOS.

MSDD is described in the DC:0-3 diagnostic manual. DC:0-3 (1994) was published by Zero to Three (ISBN 0943-657-32-6). It is currently under revision. Little is known about the long term outcomes of children diagnosed is MSDD. The prognosis for children diagnosed with MSDD is considered to be good, "provided they are given proper attention".

As with PDD-NOS, some clinicians use MSDD as a "temporary" diagnosis for children under the age of 3, when for whatever reason there is a reluctance to diagnose autism or PDD. There are several justifications for this: very young children have limited social interaction and communication skills to begin with, therefore it can be tricky to diagnose milder cases in toddlerhood. However, some parents view the MSDD label as no more than a euphemism for autistic spectrum disorders, which makes it more difficult to receive aid for early intervention.

External link

• (dbpeds.org)

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