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Multiplex Developmental Disorder (McDD)
Multiple-complex developmental disorder (McDD) is a specific group within the autism spectrum characterized by symptoms in three areas:
- Regulation of Emotions. Symptoms include intense panic or anxiety, irritability, unusual phobias, episodes of behavior which are markedly immature and may include self-harm, and displaying inappropriate reactions, like laughing in situations that are not funny.
- Social and Behavioral Impairments. The child cannot maintain peer relationships, and usually acts disinterested or avoids peer contact. Often contact is "superficial"; the child will feign friendliness to gain something material, like a toy. Severe lack of empathy and an inability to read others' emotions and react to them.
- Impaired Cognitive Ability. The child struggles with normal thought process, and will dream up illogical or bizarre ideas or conclusions. They are often confused between reality and fantasy. The child can become deluded, paranoid, or over-engaged in fantasy roleplay.
Treatments for McDD are similar to that for autism, but as with autism itself, each symptom or issue needs to be addressed and the proper therapies put in place to help the child function as well as possible in society.