Key Takeaways
- Neurodevelopmental disorders usually start in childhood and affect how the brain works, impacting learning, behavior, and emotions.
- Autism and ADHD are the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, but there are many types like learning disorders and cerebral palsy.
- Although neurodevelopmental disorders have their share of challenges, a person can still live a fulfilling life with effective coping, support, accommodations, and treatment methods.
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 are autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-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 go undiagnosed until adulthood. There are instances in which a child outgrows the symptoms associated with an ND.
Types of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
There are many different types of NDs, below are a few of the most prevalent ones;
- Attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD)
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Cerebral palsy
- Communication disorders
- Conduct disorders
- Intellectual disabilities
- Learning disorders
- Neurodevelopmental motor disorders
Understanding the Neurodiversity Perspective
It’s important to note that while conditions like ADHD and autism are diagnosed as neurodevelopmental disorders, the neurodiversity perspective 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.
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.
Comorbidity is 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 an anxiety 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 a tic 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.
Symptoms of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Symptoms of NDs are dependent on the ND, but general descriptions usually consist of impairments with the following;
To be diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder, these impairments must impact social abilities and limit functioning within society.
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.
Predispositions like genetics and hormones can be triggered by risk factors such as stress, illness, or trauma.
Epigenetics is 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, like trauma, 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 as cognitive-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. For ADHD, 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 of stress can negatively influence the mental health of parents, most commonly mothers. For some couples, the added stress can create strain on the marriages.
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!
