DCC are physical diagnoses based solely on an anatomical reality – an abnormality or absence in the corpus callosum. This does not mean that DCC do not have behavioral syndromes, they clearly do. However, DCC is not a “behavioral” diagnosis such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Non-Verbal Learning Disability, Autism, or Asperger’s Syndrome. In contrast to DCC, these syndromes are diagnosed strictly based on unusual or abnormal behaviors. Although much research has been done, it is not clear what, if anything, is structurally wrong with the brain in most of these disorders. On the other hand, the diagnosis of DCC is clear and unambiguous. Once an embryo passes the 16th week, if the corpus callosum isn’t there, the diagnosis is permanent. At this point, the absence of the corpus callosum is visibly evident on brain scans.
The presence of a known brain abnormality does not preclude the assignment of a behavioral diagnosis. At this point, there is limited research regarding best treatment strategies for DCC, so it is most sensible to pursue validated treatments for an individual’s behavior pattern (regardless of whether DCC has been diagnosed or not).