What is a Neurodevelopmental Disorder?
You might be wondering what this means….
Neurodevelopmental disorders encompass a group of disabilities that involve delays, deficiencies or problems that begin during childhood or adolescence (and can persist into adulthood). A range of skills or behaviors can be affected:
- Speech Sounds, Language, Communication Skills
- Intellectual Functioning
- Adaptive Functioning (i.e., functional independence in everyday life)
- Fine or Gross Motor Skills
- Attention and Concentration
- Behavioral Regulation (i.e., controlling behavior and activity level)
- Social Skills
- Reading, Handwriting/Written Expression, and Math
- Repetitive and Inflexible Behavior
- Motor or Vocal Tics
Based on what science has learned from typically developing healthy children, we know the developmental stage and manner that these abilities “should” come online. And when an unusual or problem behavior arises, it “should” resolve. When delays, deficiencies, or problem behaviors significantly impact the child’s life at home, school, and/or the community, your child needs more support.
Why use the word “disability”?
Families and communities that work with children who have neurodevelopmental disorders also see their gifts and resiliency. As children grow into adulthood, we want them to recognize their gifts.
Unfortunately, the systems that support children with neurodevelopmental disorders primarily respond when there are problems. This includes school systems, insurance companies, and the healthcare system. As a result, describing only your child’s strengths and minimizing concerns can make it more difficult to advocate for your child.
What is included in the category of neurodevelopmental disorders?
- Global Developmental Delay
- Intellectual Disability
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Language, Speech Sound Disorder, and Stuttering
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Social Communication Disorder
- Specific Learning Disorders in Reading (Dyslexia), Writing (Dysgraphia) and Math (Dyscalculia)
- Developmental Coordination Disorder, Stereotypic Movement Disorder, and Tic Disorders
Although these diagnoses are considered categories, the symptoms exist on a continuum from mild to severe. This is why examples from television or media may not be helpful, as they can be more extreme examples. Some diagnoses tend to co-occur, or they are diagnosed together. For example, ADHD tends to co-occur with specific learning disorder. Autism tends to co-occur with an intellectual disability.
What is the cause of neurodevelopmental disorders?
There are a number of known risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders, falling into the broad categories of genetics, environment, or both. When one or more of these risk factors exists, it increases the likelihood of a neurodevelopmental disorder.
Neurodevelopmental disorders can be highly genetic or heritable. They can occur when gene mutations or variants occur. They can also be inherited from biological family. To learn more about this, read about “Genetics and Neurodevelopmental Disorders”.
Environmental factors during pregnancy include exposures to substances or maternal medical conditions that affect the developing fetus (e.g., drugs, alcohol, prescription medications, diabetes, placental pathology, etc). Other environmental risks include exposure to pollution, pesticides, poor nutrition, toxins such as lead, and others. When brain development is disrupted because the child has a medical condition or injury to the brain, the risk for a neurodevelopmental disorder also increases.
If a child has never had brain imaging or genetic testing, it can be difficult to know the risk factors. If your child has a medical condition, you may want to read “Is Your Child with Medical Condition Misunderstood?”
For a child with multiple risk factors who is presenting with problematic behaviors, developmental delays or struggles, an evaluation can help you understand what to do. Sometimes the evaluation will allow you to see early signs of a concern and you can prevent worsening of symptoms. Other times, an evaluation will help you focus and prioritize interventions.
Talk with your child’s teacher(s) or medical team about your concerns. Contact us to learn more about how we can help.
