Neurodevelopmental disorders: concept, types and treatment

In a significant percentage of cases, the manifestations of the disorder persist throughout the individual’s lifetime, although the most recent research suggests that there are reasons for optimism regarding the treatment of some neurodevelopmental disorders in adulthood.

What are neurodevelopmental disorders? Definition

Neurodevelopmental disorders are “a group of heterogeneous conditions characterized by delay or disturbance in the acquisition of skills in a variety of developmental domains, including motor, social, language, and cognition” (Thapar, Cooper & Rutter, 2016).

The great diversity of neurodevelopmental disorders is reflected in the fact that some of those affected show specific deficits (e.g., difficulty maintaining focus) that do not prevent them from having an independent and fulfilling life. Others, however, will need lifelong assistance with basic living skills necessary for independent living, such as the ability to walk and feed oneself.

What causes neurodevelopmental disorders?

Although the aetiology remains unknown in many cases, various factors can affect normal brain development. Causes can be classified as follows:

• Genetic causes: for example, genetic mutations and metabolic conditions at conception.
• Prenatal causes: such as nutritional deficiencies and maternal infections during pregnancy.
• Perinatal causes: for example, those due to complications that arise during labor, typically a lack of oxygen (hypoxia).
• Postnatal causes: refer to factors such as traumatic brain injury, infections like meningitis or exposure to environmental toxins after birth.

Types of neurodevelopmental disorders

The category of neurodevelopmental disorders, as set out in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), includes:

Intellectual Disability

Intellectual disability is characterized by impaired general cognitive functioning to such an extent that it prevents the individual from achieving the skills necessary to perform the tasks expected for his or her age, for example, an adequate command of language or executive functions.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

ASD is characterized by difficulties in social communication and unusually restricted, repetitive behavior and interests.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Some prevalencestudies show that ADHD affects 3% to 7% of school-aged children and 4.4% of working-age adults (Michielsen et al, 2012). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is characterized by difficulty sustaining attention and/or hyperactivity—impulsivity.

Other neurodevelopmental disorders included in the DSM-5:

• Specific learning disorders
• Communication disorders
• Global developmental delay
• Unspecified intellectual disability
• Other neurodevelopmental disorders

Treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders