Derek Staubs, 7, was diagnosed with the disorder five years ago. He is the son of Rick and Joann Staubs of Shawneeland.

Doctors first diagnosed SSADH in 1981. It is a rare, genetic disorder that impairs inner-brain communication.

It often is misdiagnosed as autism because of similar symptoms, including impaired language and motor skills and low muscle tone.

“At one time, I could have taken an autism symptoms list and checked every one,” Joann Staubs said.

The chemical gamma hydroxy butrate (GHB) acts in the brain as a stopping mechanism.

“It inhibits the brain from too much excitement,” said Dr. Philip Pearl, associate professor of pediatrics and neurology at Children's National Medical Center. He is one of the doctors who has treated Derek.

SSADH patients lack the chemical that breaks down GHB, resulting in a GHB overload.

“It’s almost like the brakes are always on and you just can’t go,” Pearl said.

But it is important to understand that those brakes stop activity in the brain, not activity in the person as a whole.

Like Derek, most children and adults with SSADH are extremely hyperactive and have difficulty concentrating.

The oldest known person to have SSADH is a 21-year-old man.

Parents of young children with SSADH have no idea what to expect. The 21-year-old actually was diagnosed after Derek.

“We’re the guinea pigs of this disorder,” Rick Staubs said.

SSADH shows up in children with two parents who carry the abnormal gene. It was first diagnosed in Middle Eastern countries where marriage between first cousins is common.

It is possible that with extra work, SSADH children could lead self-sufficient lives.

Derek has progressed during the past year with education and extra help from his parents.