Child psychiatric problems in "autonomous dysfunction".

The Riley-Day syndrome, also known by the name Familial Dysautonomia, is characterized by a marked deficit in autonomic homeostatic function. A review of the literature and a case illustration describe the physical, emotional, social and learning problems. It is new known that sub-normal intelligence is not part of the syndrome. The impact of the symptoms on the child and on the mother-child relationship may aggravate the deficient emotional balance. Since marked improvement of the condition does occur, especially in patients who reach the age of six, a hopeful attitude in the guidance and treatment is justified and highly beneficial.