All you need to know about Neurodevelopmental Disorders

A Quick Guide

According to research, neurodevelopmental disorders are more prevalent in males than females. This may be due to many factors such as genes, biology, and risk factors which we will be discussing ahead. Researchers have found little evidence of a gender difference in symptoms, even though Neurodevelopmental Disorders, like ASD, are more prevalent among boys. In this article, we will go over what neurodevelopmental disorders are, their causes, common types, symptoms and treatment options.

What are Neurodevelopmental disorders?

The term “Neurodevelopmental Disorders” refers to a group of conditions that affect neurological development and the way the brain works, impairing social, cognitive, and emotional functioning. The most prevalent in such disorders are Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD. 

The majority of people with Neurodevelopmental Disorders are children, and adolescents because they typically start during developmental stages, however, they can also persist into maturity or go untreated until an individual is an adult. There are cases where a child outgrows the signs and symptoms of a Neurodevelopmental Disorder.

What causes Neurodevelopmental Disorders?

The nervous system’s development is precisely controlled and timed; it is impacted by both genetic information and the environment. Any considerable variation from the early life developmental trajectory can cause missing or altered neural connections. 

There are numerous potential causes of neurodevelopmental disorders that may impact various regions of the nervous system at various times and ages due to the temporal and geographical complexity of the developmental trajectory. 

Social deprivation, metabolic and genetic diseases, immunological disorders, infectious diseases, dietary issues, physical trauma, and toxic and environmental causes are a few of these. 

Autism and other pervasive developmental disorders are examples of such disorders that are classified as multifactorial syndromes, meaning that they contain a variety of underlying causes that all lead to a single, more specific neurological manifestation.

Dietary issues

Neurodevelopmental problems may result from poor nutrition or nutritional deficiencies.

Genetic disorders

Down syndrome is a well-known example of a neurodevelopmental condition that is genetically determined. In most cases, this illness is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, but it can also be caused by other chromosomal abnormalities, like translocation of the genetic material. It is marked by small stature, folds in the eyelids, atypical palms and fingerprints, heart problems, weak muscles (delayed neurological development), and intellectual disabilities.

Immunological disorders

Immune responses both in the mother and the developing child during pregnancy have the potential to cause neurodevelopmental problems. PANDAS, or Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infection, is a common immunological reaction in newborns and children.

Infectious diseases

Systemic infections in humans can have an impact on neurodevelopment when they happen in infancy and childhood, but they are not considered to be the main cause of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Metabolic disorders

Neurodevelopmental problems can result from metabolic issues in either the mother or the fetus. The multifactorial disorder diabetes mellitus and the condition phenylketonuria  (an inborn error of metabolism) serve as two examples. Numerous such genetic disorders may have an immediate impact on a child’s metabolic and neural growth.

Physical trauma

Neurodevelopmental disorders in developing humans are frequently caused by brain damage. Physical Trauma can be separated into two main groups: congenital injury (which includes injury caused by an uncomplicated premature birth) and injury sustained during infancy or adolescence. Asphyxia (tracheal blockage), hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the brain), and the physical trauma of childbirth itself are common causes of congenital damage.

Social deprivation

Brain and cognitive development are severely delayed when social and emotional needs are not met.

Common types of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

The following neurodevelopmental disorders are listed in the DSM-5:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD
• Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD
• Certain Learning Disabilities, such as Dyslexia or Dyscalculia
• Disorders of Speech, Language, or Communication
• DLD – Developmental Language Disorder (formerly known as SLI- Specific Language Impairment)
• Even though Fetal Alchohol Spectrum Disorder FASD, which affects an estimated 1 in 20 people, is thought to be caused by fetal alcohol exposure, and might show a mix of the aforementioned symptoms, most frequently ADHD, FASD is frequently underdiagnosed
• Global Developmental Delay and Intellectual Disabilities IDs
• Motor Disorders including Developmental Coordination Disorder, Stereotypic Movement Disorder, Tic Disorders (such as Tourette’s Syndrome), and CAS – Apraxia of Speech
• Neurogenetic Disorders such as Rett Syndrome, Down Syndrome, and Fragile X Syndrome
• Traumatic Brain Injury (including congenital injuries that lead to Cerebral Palsy) and disorders caused by neurotoxicants, such as Minamata Disease brought on by mercury, behavioral disorders, such as Conduct Disorder, caused by other heavy metals, like lead, chromium, platinum, etc

Common Symptoms 

Although symptoms vary depending on the specific Neurodevelopmental Disorder, broad descriptions typically include deficits with the following characteristics;

• Behavior
• Emotions
• Language
• Learning
• Memory
• Motor abilities
• Social skills
• Speech

These disabilities must affect social skills and hinder functioning in society. Learn more about Speech And Language Delay In Children

Treatment options

For those with Neurodevelopmental Disorders, there aren’t many therapy alternatives, although research has identified some efficient approaches. There are ways to manage and cope with symptoms even if there is no known cure for such disorders.

Behavioral Therapy

It has been demonstrated that treatments including Applied Behavioral Analysis ABA, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT, Speech Therapy, and Developmental Therapy are all helpful for Neurodevelopmental Disorder symptoms. Adults with Neurodevelopmental Disorders like ADHD can benefit from CBT, psychotherapy, and other behavioral interventions. Especially for children with ASD and ADHD, Applied Behavioral Analysis ABA has a substantial effect on their behavior.

Medication

Both children and adults with Neurodevelopmental Disorders are occasionally prescribed medication. Doctors may recommend medicine, particularly for ADHD to assist manage symptoms including hyperactivity, agitation, inattentiveness, etc. Drugs designed to improve cognition include stimulants, antidepressants, and other medications.

However, medication shouldn’t be used as a first option to treat Neurodevelopmental Disorders like ASD and ADHD. Before using the medicine, experts recommend attempting therapy and other approaches. Before including medicine in treatment plans for pediatric patients, researchers advise neurodevelopmental therapy and parenting education.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Although repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), a type of stimulation therapy, is frequently used to treat depression, studies have shown that people with Neurodevelopmental Disorders may also benefit from rTMS. An analysis of numerous studies revealed that rTMS didn’t seem to have any serious negative impacts on kids and teenagers with Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

For several people with ASD, rTMS treatment improved social functioning and behaviors. Additionally, those who had tic disorders benefited from the treatment’s ability to reduce tics. Sadly, rTMS did not improve the lives of people with ADHD; instead, it made some people irritable, hyperactive, and inattentive. In general, rTMS has the potential to be accepted as a treatment for some Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

Conventional and Alternative Medicine CAM

In managing Neurodevelopmental Disorder symptoms, nutrition, exercise, and recreational activities can all be helpful. For children and adults, it’s crucial to cultivate good lifestyle patterns.

Supplements and mind-body techniques like acupuncture, yoga, and other such complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies are additional possibilities that are investigated before seeking medication or are used in conjunction with medication. The majority of adults with Neurodevelopmental Disorders seek out these kinds of interventions.

Outlook

The symptoms of Neurodevelopmental Disorders can be difficult for relationships, productivity, social skills, and communication. Such disorders are often chronic conditions that last a person their entire life. They may restrict an individual and affect their capacity to contribute to society.

A person with Neurodevelopmental Disorders can still lead a fulfilling life if they use efficient coping mechanisms and treatment strategies. Another aspect of the quality of life for those with such disorders is the support of family and carers.

We hope you found this article useful in learning more about Neurodevelopmental disorders.