Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Neurodevelopmental disorders encompass a group of conditions that arise during
the developmental period, typically manifesting before a child starts school. These
disorders primarily affect the brain's personal, social, academic, or occupational
functioning. Often characterized by developmental deficits, these disorders can
impact various domains, such as personal, social, and academic capabilities.
Major Categories of Neurodevelopmental Disorders:
Intellectual Disabilities (ID):
● Formerly referred to as mental retardation, ID is characterized by
limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. It
originates before the age of 18 and affects areas like conceptual,
social, and practical skills.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD):
● A complex neurobehavioral condition, ASD includes impairments in
social interaction and developmental language and communication
skills, combined with rigid, repetitive behaviors.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):
● A well-known disorder marked by ongoing patterns of inattention,
hyperactivity, or impulsivity that interfere with functioning or
development.
Specific Learning Disorders (SLD):
● These are a group of disorders where individuals have difficulty
learning and using academic skills. Common SLDs include dyslexia
(reading), dyscalculia (math), and dysgraphia (writing).
Motor Disorders:
● Conditions such as Developmental Coordination Disorder, Stereotypic
Movement Disorder, and Tic Disorders (including Tourette's Syndrome)
fall into this category. They relate to problems with movement and
coordination.
Communication Disorders:
● These disorders are characterized by persistent difficulties in the
acquisition and use of language and speech. Examples are
Childhood-Onset Fluency Disorder (stuttering) and Language Disorder.
Causes and Risk Factors:
While the exact causes of many neurodevelopmental disorders remain unknown, a
combination of genetics, brain injury, exposure to toxins, and certain infections
during pivotal developmental times can contribute.
Neurodevelopmental disorders encompass a group of conditions that arise during
the developmental period, typically manifesting before a child starts school. These
disorders primarily affect the brain's personal, social, academic, or occupational
functioning. Often characterized by developmental deficits, these disorders can
impact various domains, such as personal, social, and academic capabilities.
Major Categories of Neurodevelopmental Disorders:
Intellectual Disabilities (ID):
● Formerly referred to as mental retardation, ID is characterized by
limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. It
originates before the age of 18 and affects areas like conceptual,
social, and practical skills.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD):
● A complex neurobehavioral condition, ASD includes impairments in
social interaction and developmental language and communication
skills, combined with rigid, repetitive behaviors.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):
● A well-known disorder marked by ongoing patterns of inattention,
hyperactivity, or impulsivity that interfere with functioning or
development.
Specific Learning Disorders (SLD):
● These are a group of disorders where individuals have difficulty
learning and using academic skills. Common SLDs include dyslexia
(reading), dyscalculia (math), and dysgraphia (writing).
Motor Disorders:
● Conditions such as Developmental Coordination Disorder, Stereotypic
Movement Disorder, and Tic Disorders (including Tourette's Syndrome)
fall into this category. They relate to problems with movement and
coordination.
Communication Disorders:
● These disorders are characterized by persistent difficulties in the
acquisition and use of language and speech. Examples are
Childhood-Onset Fluency Disorder (stuttering) and Language Disorder.
Causes and Risk Factors:
While the exact causes of many neurodevelopmental disorders remain unknown, a
combination of genetics, brain injury, exposure to toxins, and certain infections
during pivotal developmental times can contribute.
