Neurodevelopmental disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders are a group of conditions which have three things in common: the symptoms first appear in infancy or early childhood, the person’s brain development is interrupted, and the symptoms do not show signs of getting worse or better. Common neurodevelopmental disorders include autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

These symptoms can include learning or speaking difficulties. The person may not communicate verbally; they might be sensitive to certain sensory experiences, such as strong smells; or they might have trouble using their motor functions (like hand-eye coordination or walking).

It is common for people with neurodevelopmental disorders to also experience mental ill-health.