NDs usually onset during stages of development.

This means that they usually first appear in toddlers, children, and adolescents.

According to this perspective, they are neurotypes representing natural variations in cognitive function and behavior.

Little boy in child occupational therapy session doing sensory playful exercises with his therapist

RainStar / Getty Images

This perspective emphasizes the importance of acceptance, accommodation, and support.

How Prevalent Are Neurodevelopmental Disorders?

Comorbidityis very common among people with neurodevelopmental disorders.

This means that they are more likely also to have another mental health condition.

It is also common for an individual to be diagnosed with multiple NDs.

What Causes Neurodevelopmental Disorders?

Neurodevelopmental disorders do not have a clear cause.There are various possible reasons for the onset of NDs.

Predispositions like genetics and hormones can be triggered by risk factors such asstress, illness, or trauma.

Epigeneticsis an important factor in the development of conditions like NDs.

Epigenetics is when an individuals environment and behavior can alter DNA and how genes operate within the body.

Research also determined an association between prenatal events and the development of medical conditions.

Maternal diet can influence whether an individual grows up to develop metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes.

Researchers believe that prenatal events, such as diet, could have similar influences on the development of NDs.

Treatments for Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders depend on the nature of the condition.

CBT is an intervention that helps people learn to identify thoughts and change maladaptive ones.

This can be helpful for managing certain aspects of some conditions.

Applied behavioral analysis (ABA)is an approach that has often been used to treat some neurodevelopmental conditions.

While ABA may help some people with certain behaviors, many neurodiversity advocates suggest that this approach is dehumanizing.

rTMS treatment improved social functioning and behaviors for some participants with ASD.

There were also benefits in those with tic disorders, in which treatment helped lessen tics.

Overall, rTMS has the potential to be an acknowledged treatment method for a few NDs.

Overall, rTMS has the potential to be an acknowledged treatment method for a few NDs.

Medication

Medication is sometimes prescribed to both children and adults with NDs.

Medication may consist of stimulants, antidepressants, or other pharmaceuticals suited to enhance cognition.

It is important to develop healthy lifestyle habits for children and adults with NDs.

The fact is that it can be a really stressful experience.

Researchers found that this form ofstresscan negatively influence the mental health of parents, most commonly mothers.

For some couples, the added stress can create strain on themarriages.

Parents who are caring for a child with a neurodevelopmental disorder need to practice good self-care.

Managing stress, staying healthy, and finding ways to relax are essential!

Strategies likemindfulness stress-reducing practices,marriage counseling, andmeditationcan be very beneficial.

Such interventions can be effective inreducing stressand strengthening relationships.

They can create limitations for a person and impact their abilities to function within society.

Support of loved ones and caretakers can also play an important part in a person’s quality of life.

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