Neurodevelopmental disorders are clinical conditions that share abnormalities in neurobiological (e.g., dopamine system) and neuropsychological development (e.g., time planning), resulting in possible impairments in functioning (e.g., academic learning).
Neurodevelopmental disorders are characterized by impairments of the growth and development of the central nervous system. These disorders typically manifest early in development, as early as first 6 months prenatally, and can affect various aspects of neurological functioning, cognition, behavior, motor skills, communication, and social interaction. The onset of these disorders is often during the developmental period, which includes infancy, childhood, and adolescence.
More importantly neurodevelopmental disorders may go undetected for some period of time, possibly years, resulting in distress for both person inflicted and family members.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth edition (DSM-5) references the following neurodevelopmental disorders:
ASD is characterized by;
(1) persistent deficits in social communication across multiple contexts (school and home)
(2) restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.
Note that the severity and presentation of symptoms can vary widely among individuals and thus why this is classified as a spectrum disorder.
ADHD is characterized by:
(1) persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that may impact daily functioning and development.
ADHD often begins in childhood and can continue into adolescence and adulthood.
Intellectual disability is characterized by deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning. These deficits manifest during the developmental period and significantly impair everyday functioning. Severity is categorized as mild, moderate, severe, or profound.
This disorder involves:
(1) difficulties in learning and using academic skills.
(2) reading difficulties (dyslexia),
(3) writing (dysgraphia),
(4) or mathematics (dyscalculia).
Despite these difficulties, individuals with specific learning disorders may have average or above-average intelligence
What is common in all these disorders in early childhood is difficulties in learning, memory and being flexible and sustaining attention.
Diagnosing and managing neurodevelopmental disorders often involve a multidisciplinary approach, including input from psychologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and educators.
Early identification throughs specialized testing and assessments are crucial for optimizing outcomes and supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders in reaching their full potential.
