Neurodevelopmental Disorder ( English ) :

Hey there! Today, we're going to talk about neurodevelopmental disorders. You might have heard this term before, but what does it really mean? These are conditions that show up early in life and can affect how people learn, communicate, and interact with others. Understanding these disorders is important for everyone—whether you’re a student, a parent, or just curious about how the brain works. So, let’s dive in and explore what neurodevelopmental disorders are all about!  

Neurodevelopmental disorder, the first disorder discussed in DSM 5 TR. The first question that arose in my mind while I, was studying neurodevelopmental disorder was what neurodevelopmental means, the answer is here, “Neuro” refers to the nervous system and its components such as neurons, neurotransmitters, and nervous system, etc. and “Developmental” refers to the process of growth and change that occurs in the early developmental period of an individual.

Neurodevelopmental disorders are conditions with onset (onset mean beginning/starting point of something) in the developmental period so it is safe to say that these disorders show their symptoms during developmental periods. There are various developmental stages, starting from Infancy ( age 0-1 years), toddlerhood (age 1-3 years), preschool age ( age 3-5 years), early childhood (5-12 years) and lastly adolescence ( 12-18 years) and neurodevelopmental disorder are usually visible in the early developmental stages often before the child enters school ( assuming before 12 years age). 

The developmental stages that I have mentioned before are the stages where an individual acquires the following skills: motor skills, cognitive skills, and social and learning skills. Neurodevelopmental disorders are categorized by developmental deficits (limitations in various areas of development) or differences in brain processes (that result in limitations/impairments of personal, social, academic, or occupational functioning). Now, these developmental deficits or differences can be of two types. They could either be specific or global. 

Specific means: trouble in one area (such as learning or executive functioning) and Global means: trouble in multiple regions (includes broader challenges such as social and cognitive impairment). Earlier these disorders were considered categorical, meaning either a person had a disorder or they didn’t. Now, we understand that these deficits often lie on a spectrum, meaning there are varying degrees of severity that don’t have a clear dividing line from what’s considered typical development. lying on a spectrum means it has different severity levels, it could be mild, moderate, or severe. 

For a diagnosis to be made , the person must not only show symptoms of a disorder but also experience impaired function—meaning these symptoms disrupt their ability to function in daily life.

Neurodevelopmental disorders often happen together in the same person. For example, many people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) also have intellectual disabilities, and lots of kids with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) struggle with learning. These disorders can also occur with other childhood mental health issues, like anxiety or oppositional defiant disorder. The symptoms of these disorders often include behaviors that are more frequent or intense than what you'd see in typical kids of the same age, along with delays in reaching expected milestones. For instance, to be diagnosed with ASD, a person usually has trouble with social communication and also shows repetitive behaviors, limited interests, and a strong need for routine. 

 Below I will explain briefly all the neurodevelopmental disorders classified in DSM 5 Tr. 

1. Intellectual Disability :
   Intellectual disability means a person has significant problems with thinking and everyday skills. People with this disorder may struggle with reasoning (thinking logically), solving problems, and doing daily tasks like taking care of themselves. They often need support to help them learn new skills and live more independently.
   
   
2. Communication Disorders :
   Communication disorders affect a person’s ability to speak and understand language.
   These disorders can be divided into three types:
   • Language Disorder: This means having trouble understanding or using words. For example, a child might find it hard to follow instructions or express their thoughts.
   • Speech Sound Disorder: This involves difficulty making speech sounds correctly, which can make it hard for others to understand them.
   • Childhood-Onset Fluency Disorder: This is commonly known as stuttering, where a child has trouble with the flow of their speech, repeating words or sounds.
   
   
3.  Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) :
   Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex condition that affects how a person communicates and interacts with others. People with ASD often find it hard to understand social cues (like body language or tone of voice) and may struggle to make friends. They may also have repetitive behaviors, like rocking back and forth or repeating the same phrases. Since ASD affects everyone differently, it’s called a "spectrum," meaning there is a wide range of symptoms and severity.
     
4. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) :
   ADHD is a condition where a person has ongoing problems with paying attention or controlling their impulses (acting without thinking). Individuals with ADHD may find it hard to focus on tasks, sit still, or wait their turn when talking. These behaviors can be more intense than what is normal for their age. Early diagnosis and support can help them manage their symptoms better.
   
   
5. Specific Learning Disorder :
   Specific learning disorder means a person has a significant difficulty learning skills that are important for school and everyday life.
   This disorder includes several types:
   • Dyslexia: This is when someone has trouble reading and understanding text.
   • Dysgraphia: This means a person struggles with writing, making it hard to produce clear and organized text.
   • Dyscalculia: This is when someone has difficulty with numbers and math. Understanding these types of learning difficulties helps teachers and parents provide the right support to help students succeed.
   
   
6. Motor Disorders :
   Motor disorders affect how a person moves and coordinates their body. There are a few types of motor disorders:
   
   • Developmental Coordination Disorder: This means having trouble with coordinating movements, which can make physical activities difficult.
   • Stereotypic Movement Disorder: This involves repetitive movements, like hand-flapping or rocking, that don’t have a purpose.
   • Tic Disorders: These include involuntary movements or sounds, like those seen in Tourette syndrome, where a person makes sudden movements or noises.
   
   
7. Other Specified Neurodevelopmental Disorder :
   This category includes symptoms that cause significant problems but don’t fit into any specific neurodevelopmental disorder.
   For example, a child may have learning difficulties that aren’t explained by existing categories. Recognizing these unique situations is essential for ensuring the right support is provided. 
   
   
8. Unspecified Neurodevelopmental Disorder :
   This term is used when there isn’t enough information to provide a specific diagnosis, but the person shows clear developmental difficulties.
   For instance, a child may show delays in learning or social skills, but the exact issues are unclear. It’s crucial for professionals to keep an eye on these cases to help the child get the support they need.