Summary
Highlights
Neurodevelopmental disorders are neurologically-based developmental disorders. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by inattention, disorganization, forgetfulness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It is influenced by genetic mutations called copy number variants and specific receptor genes.
Specific learning disorders involve unexpected underachievement in academic performance. Examples include childhood onset fluency disorder (stuttering), language disorder (limited speech), and reading disorders (dyslexia, fluency disorder, comprehension disorder). Tourette's disorder, an involuntary motor and vocal tic disorder, is also mentioned.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting perception and socialization. Individuals with ASD often have issues with joint attention, exhibit restricted and repetitive behaviors, and maintain sameness in routines. Unusually communicative patterns are also common. Treatments focus on enhancing communication, daily living skills, and reducing problem behaviors.
Rett disorder is a genetic condition primarily affecting women with ASD, linked to the MECP2 gene mutation. Social or pragmatic communication disorder involves difficulties in the social aspects of verbal and nonverbal communication. Naturalistic teaching strategies, which involve arranging the environment to spark the interest of individuals with ASD, are used as teaching opportunities.
Intellectual disability is marked by significant below-average intellect and adaptive functioning, leading to difficulties in daily living and conceptual, social, and practical issues. Conditions like Phenylketonuria (PKU), Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, and Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) are linked to intellectual disability. Amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling are methods for detecting Down syndrome.
Fragile X syndrome is a severe learning disorder in men caused by a disordered X chromosome, characterized by intellectual disability. Women are typically unaffected due to an extra X chromosome. Cultural familial intellectual disability refers to intellectual disability influenced by environmental factors like neglect, social deprivation, and abuse. There is no biological treatment for intellectual disability; focus is on teaching life skills.