As if overnight, he stopped verbalizing and acquired a strangely vacant stare. He continued to desire to be held at times, but he was off in a world of his own that was not accessible through normal social contact. Toilet training could not be accomplished. He would not respond to verbal commands, though hearing seems intact. A. has one older brother who is developmentally normal.
Maternal family is positive for schizophrenia and manic-depressive disorders.
He has been seen by neurologists and pscyhologists in this area who have no further treatment ideas. His parents have engaged a novel form of cognitive and behavioral therapy. He can select from a group of pictures to indicate a particular need. Toilet training has not been completed. He has regained some social contact, and will jump into the arms of parents' friends and seeks warmth and containment.