cial engagement disorder. Nevertheless, ev en after placement in normative caregiving
environments, some children show persistent signs of the disorder, at least through ado-
lescence. 
Functional Consequences of 
Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder
Disinhibited social engagement disorder significantly impairs young children’s abilities to
relate interpersonally to adults and peers.
Differential Diagnosis
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Because of social impulsivity that sometimes
accompanies attention-deficit/hyperactivity di sorder (ADHD), it is necessary to differ-
entiate the two disorders. Children with disi nhibited social engagement disorder may be
distinguished from those with ADHD because th e former do not show difficulties with at-
tention or hyperactivity. 
Comorbidity
Limited research has examined the issue of disorders comorbid with disinhibited social
engagement disorder. Conditions associated with neglect, including cognitive delays,
language delays, and stereotypies, may co-occu r with disinhibited social engagement dis-
order. In addition, children may be diagnosed with ADHD and disinhibited social engage-
ment disorder concurrently.