Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders are disabilities caused mainly due to problems in the nervous system and the brain. Some common neurodevelopmental disorders in children are:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism
• Learning disabilities
• Intellectual disability (also known as mental retardation)
• Conduct disorders
• Cerebral palsy 
• Vision and hearing problems 

Neurodevelopmental disabilities in children can affect their language or speech, motor abilities, behaviour, memory, learning, and other neurological functions. 

While the signs and behaviours of neurodevelopmental abnormalities frequently alter as a child gets older, specific disabilities are permanent. These diseases could be difficult to diagnose and treat. 

What are Neurodevelopmental Disorders? 

The National Institute of Mental Health defines neurodevelopmental disorders as:

“A group of heterogeneous conditions that is characterised by delay and disruption in the acquisition of abilities in a range of developmental areas, including motor, social, language, and cognition.” 

Certain people with neurodevelopmental disorders have specific deficiencies (for example, difficulties sustaining focus) that do not preclude them from leading a useful but independent life. In contrast, others may require lifelong support with fundamental living skills, including the capacity to walk and feed oneself.

What Factors Contribute to Neurodevelopmental Disorders?

Various factors can impair average brain growth, even though the cause is unknown in many circumstances. The following are the different types of reasons:

Genetic causes: Genetic mutations and metabolic circumstances at conception can affect the child’s mental abilities.

Prenatal causes: During pregnancy, dietary deficits and maternal infections are common. These factors may lead to neurodevelopmental disorders in children.

Perinatal causes: If the baby suffers from problems during labour, such as a lack of oxygen (hypoxia), it may impact its brain development.

Postnatal causes: These factors include traumatic brain injury, infections such as meningitis, and post-natal exposure to environmental toxins.

Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Treatment

One can treat neurodevelopmental disorders in various ways. Treatment for neurodevelopmental disorders will vary greatly depending on the type of condition each person is experiencing.

Treatment could be of two types: pharmaceutical and non-pharmacological therapies, with the latter having the most alternatives at the moment.

Behavioural therapy, psychosocial support, and neuropsychological rehabilitation are some examples of non-pharmacological interventions. They promote abilities that the kid has not developed enough while also providing adequate support to live a meaningful life.

Types of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Here are some common types of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disruptive behaviour disorder defined by symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity. These signs occur frequently and more severely than is expected for other people at the same developmental stage. 

ADHD may cause havoc on family and peer relationships and academic performance or occupational success. 

Many children with ADHD have a combination of inattention plus hyperactivity/impulsivity tendencies. However, some children showcase exclusively hyperactive behaviours, while others primarily have inattentive behaviours. 

A person’s primary ADHD symptoms may change over time. According to parents, roughly half of the children with ADHD have a learning disability; almost one in four have a conduct disorder.

Intellectual Disability 

In the disability sector, “intellectual disability” is preferable for this condition. However, the term “mental retardation” is still used in legal and policy settings when evaluating state and federal programmes. 

Researchers are now aware of several causes of intellectual disability, involving hereditary abnormalities, traumatic injuries, or prenatal events like mother infection and alcohol exposure. In 30–50% of instances, however, the causes of intellectual disability are unclear. 

It is easy to identify the causes of severe retardation (IQ less than 50). In contrast, the causes of mild retardation (IQ between 50 and 70) are unknown in more than 75% of instances. 

The range of environmental pollutants may play a role in mild retardation where the origin is unknown. Research links high lead or mercury levels in the environment to intellectual disability.

Autism Spectrum Disorders

ASDs are a category of developmental issues characterised by substantial social, communicative, and behavioural deficits. 

The phrase “spectrum disorders” refers to the fact that the indications vary among people. While persons with ASDs share numerous common symptoms,  a few may exhibit minor signs, and others have severe symptoms. 

The autism spectrum covers the following disorders:

• Autistic disorder and its less extreme conditions
• Asperger’s syndrome
• Pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)

Children with ASDs might show little interest in others, have difficulty expressing and communicating their feelings, and avoid or resist physical touch. Children with ASDs have a wide variety of communication difficulties: some speak well, while others do not communicate. 

Restrictive and repetitive hobbies or behaviours, including lining up toys, flapping hands, rocking their body, and running around in circles are another unique characteristic of ASDs.

Conclusion

There are no treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders. However, there are successful therapy options that, based on the illness, may help regulate some signs or symptoms. Some medications can help with anxiety, agitation, tics, or hyperactivity. 

Several neurodevelopmental disorders have a vital genetic component; some problems, including intellectual disability, have been linked to specific genes. Therefore, rather than a single unambiguous cause, most neurodevelopmental difficulties are complicated and have numerous contributors. 

A combination of genetic, biochemical, psychological, and environmental risk factors contribute to these illnesses.