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Table of Contents
Types
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Symptoms
Causes
Treatments
Impact
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Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs) are types of disorders that influence how the brain functions and alter neurological development, causing difficulties in social, cognitive, and emotional functioning. The most common NDs areautism spectrum disorder (ASD)andattention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD).Many NDs are not as well known or widely studied.
NDs usually onset during stages of development. This means that they usually first appear in toddlers, children, and adolescents. However, they continue to persist into adulthood or may goundiagnosed until adulthood.There are instances in which a child outgrows the symptoms associated with an ND.
At a GlanceNeurodevelopmental disorders emerge in childhood (although some may not be diagnosed until adulthood) and affect a person’s development. Autism and ADHD are the most common NDs, but these conditions also include intellectual disabilities, learning disorders, and cerebral palsy, among others. While such conditions can affect memory, language, behavior, learning, emotions, and motor skills, people can effectively manage their challenges with the right interventions, support, and accommodations.
At a Glance
Neurodevelopmental disorders emerge in childhood (although some may not be diagnosed until adulthood) and affect a person’s development. Autism and ADHD are the most common NDs, but these conditions also include intellectual disabilities, learning disorders, and cerebral palsy, among others. While such conditions can affect memory, language, behavior, learning, emotions, and motor skills, people can effectively manage their challenges with the right interventions, support, and accommodations.
Developmental Disabilities: Types, Causes, Coping
Types of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
There are many different types of NDs, below are a few of the most prevalent ones;
Understanding the Neurodiversity PerspectiveIt’s important to note that while conditions like ADHD and autism are diagnosed as neurodevelopmental disorders, theneurodiversityperspective suggests that these conditions are variations rather than disorders. According to this perspective, they are neurotypes representing natural variations in cognitive function and behavior. This perspective emphasizes the importance of acceptance, accommodation, and support. Rather than pathologizing neurodivergent traits, it encourages people to appreciate their own strengths and find support to help them manage the challenges that stem from living in a world designed for the neurotypical experience.
Understanding the Neurodiversity Perspective
It’s important to note that while conditions like ADHD and autism are diagnosed as neurodevelopmental disorders, theneurodiversityperspective suggests that these conditions are variations rather than disorders. According to this perspective, they are neurotypes representing natural variations in cognitive function and behavior. This perspective emphasizes the importance of acceptance, accommodation, and support. Rather than pathologizing neurodivergent traits, it encourages people to appreciate their own strengths and find support to help them manage the challenges that stem from living in a world designed for the neurotypical experience.
What Does It Mean to Be Neurodivergent?
How Prevalent Are Neurodevelopmental Disorders?
NDs are more prevalent in males than females.This gender difference may be due to genetics, biology, and risk factors. Although NDs, like ASD, are more present in males, researchers determined not much of a gender difference in symptoms.
Comorbidityis very common among people with neurodevelopmental disorders. This means that they are more likely also to have another mental health condition.
It is also common for an individual to be diagnosed with multiple NDs. In one study of children between 7 and 12 who had mental health conditions, 55% had a neurodevelopmental disorder.
Of the 181 participants with ADHD, almost 40% did not have a comorbid condition, 26% did however have ananxiety disorder, while others had a variety of other conditions. There appeared to be only 18 children with ASD, and of these boys and girls, 36% also had ADHD, 44% had atic disorder (TD), 36% had an anxiety disorder, and the others had a variety of other conditions or no comorbidity.
Although more boy participants were diagnosed with an ND, a greater number of girls with an ND had additional comorbid disorders. This study does have its limitations, a large one being that the only measure of the evaluation was parental interviews, which only consisted of just one interview.
ADHD in Women: Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Symptoms of NDs are dependent on the ND, but general descriptions usually consist ofimpairmentswith the following;
To be diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder, these impairments must impact social abilities and limit functioning within society.
What’s It Like to be Diagnosed With Autism as an Adult? New Research Takes a Closer Look
What Causes Neurodevelopmental Disorders?
Neurodevelopmental disorders do not have a clear cause.There are various possible reasons for the onset of NDs. From the research that does exist on the cause of NDs, it is clear that both biology and environment play a role.
Epigeneticsis an important factor in the development of conditions like NDs. Epigenetics is when an individual’s environment and behavior can alter DNA and how genes operate within the body. Early childhood experiences, liketrauma, neglect, or toxic environments, have recently been acknowledged as a prime risk factor in developing certain disorders, including NDs.
Research also determined an association between prenatal events and the development of medical conditions. Maternal diet can influence whether an individual grows up to develop metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes. Researchers believe that prenatal events, such as diet, could have similar influences on the development of NDs.
Treatments for Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders depend on the nature of the condition. There are a variety of effective interventions, and the right type of support depends on the level of support that a person needs.Although there is no cure for NDs, there are methods that help with managing and coping with symptoms.
Behavioral Therapy
Different types of therapy may be helpful, such ascognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), speech therapy, and developmental therapy. CBT is an intervention that helps people learn to identify thoughts and change maladaptive ones. This can be helpful for managing certain aspects of some conditions.
Applied behavioral analysis (ABA)is an approach that has often been used to treat some neurodevelopmental conditions. While ABA may help some people with certain behaviors, many neurodiversity advocates suggest that this approach is dehumanizing.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)is a stimulation therapy that is commonly used for depression, but research trials have found prospects for rTMS to offer benefits for those with NDs.In a review of multiple studies, rTMS didn’t appear to have any severe adverse effects for children and adolescents with NDs.
rTMS treatment improved social functioning and behaviors for some participants with ASD. There were also benefits in those with tic disorders, in which treatment helped lessen tics.
Unfortunately, rTMS did not show prospects for those with ADHD; it caused some irritation, hyperactivity, and inattentiveness in some individuals. Overall, rTMS has the potential to be an acknowledged treatment method for a few NDs.
Overall, rTMS has the potential to be an acknowledged treatment method for a few NDs.
Medication
Medication is sometimes prescribed to both children and adults with NDs. ForADHD, specifically, physicians may prescribe medication to help in managing characteristics like hyperactivity, agitation, inattentiveness, etc. Medication may consist of stimulants, antidepressants, or other pharmaceuticals suited to enhance cognition.
Conventional and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
Nutrition,physical exercise, and recreational activities can also play a role in managing symptoms of NDs. It is important to develop healthy lifestyle habits for children and adults with NDs.
Complementary and alternative (CAM)medicines like supplements and mind/body practices, such as acupuncture, yoga, etc., are other options that can be used alongside other evidence-based treatments.
Family Impact
A child being diagnosed with an ND can be a significant adjustment for parents and loved ones. It can take some adjustments, which can create some strain for a family as they adapt to these changes.
The fact is that it can be a really stressful experience. Research has found that parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders report feeling a greater amount of stress than those with children without an ND.
Researchers found that this form ofstresscan negatively influence the mental health of parents, most commonly mothers. For some couples, the added stress can create strain on themarriages.
Parents who are caring for a child with a neurodevelopmental disorder need to practice good self-care. Managing stress, staying healthy, and finding ways to relax are essential!
Strategies likemindfulness stress-reducing practices,marriage counseling, andmeditationcan be very beneficial. Such interventions can be effective inreducing stressand strengthening relationships.
Takeaways
Neurodevelopmental disorders are often conditions that persist throughout an individual’s life—and symptoms can be challenging to relationships, productivity,social skills, andcommunication. They can create limitations for a person and impact their abilities to function within society.
Although NDs have their share of challenges, a person can still live a fulfilling life with effective coping, support, accommodations, and treatment methods. Support of loved ones and caretakers can also play an important part in a person’s quality of life.
If you suspect that your child may present symptoms of an ND, speak to your healthcare provider, who can refer you to a specialist and provide answers that you and your child need. If you think you may have an undiagnosed ND, consult your physician and consider reaching out to a specialist.
Who Can Diagnose ADHD?
7 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.May T, Adesina I, McGillivray J, Rinehart NJ.Sex differences in neurodevelopmental disorders.Curr Opin Neurol. 2019;32(4):622-626. doi:10.1097/WCO.0000000000000714Masuda F, Nakajima S, Miyazaki T, et al.Clinical effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders: A systematic review.Autism. 2019;23(7):1614-1629. doi:10.1177/1362361318822502Hansen BH, Oerbeck B, Skirbekk B, Petrovski BÉ, Kristensen H.Neurodevelopmental disorders: prevalence and comorbidity in children referred to mental health services.Nord J Psychiatry. 2018;72(4):285-291. doi:10.1080/08039488.2018.1444087Bale TL, Baram TZ, Brown AS, et al.Early life programming and neurodevelopmental disorders.Biol Psychiatry. 2010;68(4):314-319. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2010.05.028Kim YH.How can pediatricians treat neurodevelopmental disorders.Clin Exp Pediatr. 2021;64(1):1-2. doi:10.3345/cep.2020.00507Levy SE, Hyman SL.Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.Child and adolescent psychiatric clinics of North America. 2015;24(1):117-143. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2014.09.004Dykens EM.Family adjustment and interventions in neurodevelopmental disorders.Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2015;28(2):121-126. doi:10.1097/YCO.0000000000000129
7 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.May T, Adesina I, McGillivray J, Rinehart NJ.Sex differences in neurodevelopmental disorders.Curr Opin Neurol. 2019;32(4):622-626. doi:10.1097/WCO.0000000000000714Masuda F, Nakajima S, Miyazaki T, et al.Clinical effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders: A systematic review.Autism. 2019;23(7):1614-1629. doi:10.1177/1362361318822502Hansen BH, Oerbeck B, Skirbekk B, Petrovski BÉ, Kristensen H.Neurodevelopmental disorders: prevalence and comorbidity in children referred to mental health services.Nord J Psychiatry. 2018;72(4):285-291. doi:10.1080/08039488.2018.1444087Bale TL, Baram TZ, Brown AS, et al.Early life programming and neurodevelopmental disorders.Biol Psychiatry. 2010;68(4):314-319. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2010.05.028Kim YH.How can pediatricians treat neurodevelopmental disorders.Clin Exp Pediatr. 2021;64(1):1-2. doi:10.3345/cep.2020.00507Levy SE, Hyman SL.Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.Child and adolescent psychiatric clinics of North America. 2015;24(1):117-143. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2014.09.004Dykens EM.Family adjustment and interventions in neurodevelopmental disorders.Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2015;28(2):121-126. doi:10.1097/YCO.0000000000000129
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
May T, Adesina I, McGillivray J, Rinehart NJ.Sex differences in neurodevelopmental disorders.Curr Opin Neurol. 2019;32(4):622-626. doi:10.1097/WCO.0000000000000714Masuda F, Nakajima S, Miyazaki T, et al.Clinical effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders: A systematic review.Autism. 2019;23(7):1614-1629. doi:10.1177/1362361318822502Hansen BH, Oerbeck B, Skirbekk B, Petrovski BÉ, Kristensen H.Neurodevelopmental disorders: prevalence and comorbidity in children referred to mental health services.Nord J Psychiatry. 2018;72(4):285-291. doi:10.1080/08039488.2018.1444087Bale TL, Baram TZ, Brown AS, et al.Early life programming and neurodevelopmental disorders.Biol Psychiatry. 2010;68(4):314-319. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2010.05.028Kim YH.How can pediatricians treat neurodevelopmental disorders.Clin Exp Pediatr. 2021;64(1):1-2. doi:10.3345/cep.2020.00507Levy SE, Hyman SL.Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.Child and adolescent psychiatric clinics of North America. 2015;24(1):117-143. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2014.09.004Dykens EM.Family adjustment and interventions in neurodevelopmental disorders.Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2015;28(2):121-126. doi:10.1097/YCO.0000000000000129
May T, Adesina I, McGillivray J, Rinehart NJ.Sex differences in neurodevelopmental disorders.Curr Opin Neurol. 2019;32(4):622-626. doi:10.1097/WCO.0000000000000714
Masuda F, Nakajima S, Miyazaki T, et al.Clinical effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders: A systematic review.Autism. 2019;23(7):1614-1629. doi:10.1177/1362361318822502
Hansen BH, Oerbeck B, Skirbekk B, Petrovski BÉ, Kristensen H.Neurodevelopmental disorders: prevalence and comorbidity in children referred to mental health services.Nord J Psychiatry. 2018;72(4):285-291. doi:10.1080/08039488.2018.1444087
Bale TL, Baram TZ, Brown AS, et al.Early life programming and neurodevelopmental disorders.Biol Psychiatry. 2010;68(4):314-319. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2010.05.028
Kim YH.How can pediatricians treat neurodevelopmental disorders.Clin Exp Pediatr. 2021;64(1):1-2. doi:10.3345/cep.2020.00507
Levy SE, Hyman SL.Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.Child and adolescent psychiatric clinics of North America. 2015;24(1):117-143. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2014.09.004
Dykens EM.Family adjustment and interventions in neurodevelopmental disorders.Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2015;28(2):121-126. doi:10.1097/YCO.0000000000000129
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