The Role of SDD in Classification Systems: Historical Overview and Current Status

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Categories of specific developmental disorders (SDD) are part of current classification systems such as ICD and DSM. The term SDD refers to impairments in three domains of development, namely language and speech (communication), scholastic skills, and motor coordination, that cannot be explained in terms of intellectual retardation, physical handicap, or adverse environmental conditions. The categories all share the same pattern of diagnostic criteria: A: The disturbance interferes significantly with academic achievement or activities of daily living that require language, speech, scholastic or motor ability. B: Performance in the developmental domain is substantially below what could be expected, given the person’s chronological age, measured intelligence, and (in case of learning disorders) age-appropriate education. In other words, there is a discrepancy between the observed and the expected performance. C: In the case of language difficulties, the disorder does not meet criteria for a pervasive developmental disorder. In the case of motor coordination problems, criteria for a pervasive developmental disorder are also not met, and the problems are not due to a general medical condition. D: In the case of learning difficulties: if a sensory deficit is present, the difficulties in learning are in excess of those usually associated with a sensory deficit. In the case of language disorders: if mental retardation, a speech-motor or sensory deficit, or environmentally deprivation is present, the language difficulties are in excess of those usually associated with these problems. In the case of motor disorders: if mental retardation is present, the motor difficulties are in excess of those usually associated with mental retardation. Furthermore, the disturbance is not due to a general medical condition and does not meet the criteria for a pervasive developmental disorder.