In 2015, a group of researchers at Duke University described a group of 11 children and adolescents with history of new-onset or worsening autistic characteristics. The symptoms these patients experienced varied but included cognitive decline and new-onset insomnia. The average age of regression was ~11 years old in this study. These researchers coined the term "Down syndrome disintegrative disorder" as an umbrella term to describe the decline seen in these patients. Today, the condition is commonly referred to as Down syndrome regression disorder (DSRD).

DSRD has gained increased awareness from the medical community in the last decade. New research studies are being performed to better understand what the features of DSRD, what causes DSRD, and treatment options.

Photo from National Society of Down Syndrome: https://www.ndss.org/?gclid=CjwKCAjwxZqSBhAHEiwASr9n9DPg4-4hWuMhgzMsXNcxH5uZ2miK5PnScHWAM5khSF3jfjOkr_5uhRoCXLkQAvD_BwE