Neurodevelopmental Disorders Overview

Jun 12, 2025

Overview

This lecture introduces neurodevelopmental disorders as described in DSM-5, emphasizing classification, diagnosis, key features (especially autism spectrum disorder), red flags, and principles of intervention.

Classification of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDD) in DSM-5

  • DSM-5 groups NDDs together for the first time in one chapter.
  • Main categories: intellectual disabilities, communication disorders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, specific learning disorders, motor disorders, and others.
  • NDDs are disorders of brain development, manifesting during the developmental period (childhood through early adulthood).
  • Prevalence is high: about 1 in 6 children globally have an NDD.
  • NDDs lead to impairment in social, academic, occupational, and overall quality of life.
  • Symptoms may include developmental delays or atypical behaviors.

Key Types of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

  • Intellectual Disability (ID): Impaired intellectual and adaptive functioning, IQ below 70, must show deficits in adaptive behavior.
  • Global Developmental Delay: Provisional diagnosis for children under 5 with delayed milestones when full assessment isn't possible.
  • Communication Disorders: Impairments in language (receptive/expressive), speech sound, fluency (stuttering), and social pragmatics.
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors.
  • ADHD: Inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity; can be inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, or combined.
  • Specific Learning Disorders: Difficulties in reading (dyslexia), writing, or mathematics.
  • Motor Disorders: Issues with coordination (developmental coordination disorder), stereotypic movements, or tic disorders (including Tourette’s).

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

  • Prevalence: At least 1–2% of the population; more common in boys.
  • DSM-5 combines autism, Asperger’s, and related conditions under ASD.
  • Diagnosis requires:
    • Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction (3 subdomains: socio-emotional reciprocity, nonverbal communication, relationships).
    • Restricted/repetitive behaviors (need 2 of 4: repetitive movements, insistence on sameness, fixated interests, sensory sensitivities).
    • Symptoms present in early childhood, causing functional impairment.
  • Severity and profile described using specifiers (e.g., with/without ID, language disorder, etc.).

The Vicious Cycle of NDDs

  • NDDs often co-occur with each other and increase risk for other psychiatric and physical health problems.
  • ID increases risk for autism, ADHD, tic disorders, anxiety, psychosis, conduct disorder, and physical issues (e.g., epilepsy).
  • Environmental challenges (poverty, family stress, maternal health issues) are more common in families with NDDs.

Red Flags for Autism

  • No response to name by 12 months.
  • No pointing to show interest by 14 months.
  • No pretend play by 18 months.
  • Avoids eye contact, prefers to be alone, trouble understanding feelings, delayed speech, echolalia, unrelated answers, distress at minor changes, obsessional interests, repetitive movements, unusual sensory reactions.

Principles of Intervention for Autism (and NDDs)

  • Comprehensive, individualized assessment and intervention.
  • No single intervention fits all; needs are varied.
  • Accommodate and build skills, support families, treat co-occurring conditions.
  • Early intervention is critical; use naturalistic, evidence-based approaches.
  • Parent education and involvement are essential for effective outcomes.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Neurodevelopmental Disorder (NDD) — Brain-based conditions with developmental onset leading to impairment in multiple domains.
  • Intellectual Disability (ID) — Deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning, IQ < 70.
  • ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) — Persistent deficits in social communication and interaction plus restricted, repetitive behaviors.
  • Global Developmental Delay — Temporary diagnosis for under-5s with widespread developmental delays.
  • ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) — Inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity affecting function.
  • Dyslexia — Specific learning disorder affecting reading.
  • Tic Disorder — Sudden, repetitive motor movements or sounds.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Review DSM-5 criteria for each NDD.
  • Study autism's diagnostic criteria and red flags.
  • Read assigned textbook chapters and explore recommended online resources (e.g., IACAPAP e-textbook, Autism Navigator, CDC website).
  • Reflect on how NDDs may present and be recognized in different settings.

Full transcript