Our brain cells are formed even before birth, meaning most neurodevelopmental disorders that occur due to improper brain functioning are present at the time of birth. Some children experience mental, physical, and emotional problems due to these neurodevelopmental disorders, like intellectual disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In these issues, the child suffers from challenges related to proper speech, expression of emotions, and learning.
A few MAPS doctors have helped explain the five most common neurodevelopment disorders.
What are Neurodevelopmental Disorders?
Neurodevelopment disorders cause developmental challenges related to learning difficulties, physical disability, language problems, improper memory functions, poor motor skills, and emotional outbursts. This causes various disorders like dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, down syndrome, hearing loss, speech impairment, vision loss, cerebral palsy, etc.
While neurodevelopmental disorders can be difficult to detect for MAPS doctors, there are a few common symptoms experienced in most of the disorders discussed in this article:
- Coordination problem
- Restlessness
- Mood swings, anxiety, frustration, irritability, emotional issues
- Improper facial expressions and eye contact
- Poor response mechanism
- Language and speech disability
- Challenges in writing and reading
- Procrastination
- Difficulty in identifying instructions
- Repetitive behaviors
- Inability to prioritize
- Attention issues
- Challenges in coordination
5 Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children that Need Support from MAPS Doctor
Neurodevelopment disorders, though have some common features, are categorized in different ways according to the brain health of the child. Here are five common neurodevelopment disorders listed by MAPS doctors.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder is the first type of neurodevelopment issue that causes challenges in communication, social skills, sensory phenomena, repetitive behaviors, and other problems. The exact reason behind this disorder is still unknown by MAPS doctors, and there is no concrete treatment to cure the ailment fully. Therefore, MAPS doctors always utilize symptomatic therapies and treatments to soothe and ease the symptoms of the child.
Usually, MAPS doctors don’t conduct imaging studies or blood investigations to detect autism spectrum disorder in children. It is a combination of issues that qualify for the disease. This means that even when the child is facing some secondary challenges like uncontrollable seizures, hearing loss, vision loss, or William syndrome, they may be categorized as ASD. It is possible that resolving these symptoms may resolve autistic features. However, given that, there’s no treatment for poor eye contact, response difficulties, and behavioral issues. These may be treated using different therapies, like speech, occupational, and behavioral therapies.
- Cerebral Palsy
The second neurodevelopmental disorder on the list is cerebral palsy which impacts the motor skills of your child in the developmental stage. This disorder occurs during or before birth when there’s any type of brain damage in the child.
In cerebral palsy, the child may experience a range of challenging symptoms related to basic coordination, learning, movement, standing, bladder control, talking, and eating.
It is believed that the symptoms present in childhood at the time of diagnosis don’t grow with age. Additionally, there’s no definitive cause of this neurodevelopmental disorder, and it may happen during pregnancy if you suffer a trauma or the fetus doesn’t fully grow.
Similar to ASD, there’s no concrete treatment as confirmed by MAPS doctors. Only symptom-based therapies, medications, and treatments are offered to the child.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) presents symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity. This means that your child may get aggressive on small issues, show severe signs of impulsivity, run around on his toes, and experience other similar issues. There are many other common symptoms, like the inability to sit patiently in a place, boredom, poor concentration, and aversion to exploring new things. While these symptoms may occur in every child of the developmental age at some point, it is when these behaviors are extremely prominent that you should be worried.
There is another type of ADHD, which causes long hours of inattention spans. For example, unable to focus in class for long periods and focusing on any weird or small issue.
- Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a common type of neurodevelopmental disorder caused in children, due to which these children are unable to read, write, or spell correctly. Similar to other issues in the list, the prime cause of this disorder is unknown to MAPS doctors.
The treatment of dyslexia can be received in the form of specialized teaching and training that help children understand, learn, speak, and write better. However, early diagnoses may play a major role in proper symptomatic treatment with the appropriate teaching method.
- Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia may be unknown to many, but it is a common problem or neurodevelopmental issue that causes coordination problems. These children have difficulty holding the right balance and posture.
Since every individual has different nerve cell chemistry during birth, it may cause dyspraxia.
When diagnosed on time, children with this neurodevelopmental disorder can receive proper treatment, such as occupational therapy to resolve the issue.
Conclusion
According to MAPS doctors, children experiencing any of these neurodevelopmental disorders may require appropriate support in the early stages. These early therapies and treatments may help reduce symptoms and ongoing challenges. When you observe prominent symptoms in your child, don’t hesitate and consult your physician at the earliest.
