Neurodevelopmental Disorders

A collection of vocabulary flashcards summarizing key concepts related to neurodevelopmental disorders.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

A category of disorders diagnosed first in infancy, childhood, or adolescence, including ADHD, autism, and intellectual disability.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Associated with numerous impairments (i.e., behavioral, cognitive, social, and academic issues). Symptoms usually arise around the age of 3 or 4. Half of those diagnosed continue to have difficulties into adulthood. impulsivity decreases but inattention often persists.

Biological Contributions of ADHD

Genetic contributions: ADHD is heritable and tends to run in families, partially explained by copy number variants (ex. extra or missing copies of genes on chromosomes, DAT1-dopamine transporter genes), Norepinephrine, GABA, and serotonin have also been implicated.

Environmental factors, such as prenatal exposure to toxins (i.e., food additives, dyes pesticides) and maternal smoking, may also play a role.

Neurobiological Contributions of ADHD

Smaller brain volume, inactivity of the frontal cortex and basal ganglia, abnormal frontal development and functioning, possible endophenotype (effecting inhibitory control).

Specific Learning Disorder

A disorder marked by academic problems in reading, mathematics, and/or writing.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

A pervasive developmental disorder affecting language, socialization, and cognition. The two main areas of impairment are communication and social interaction. Characterized by restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.

Joint attention

The ability to communicate interest in an external stimulus and another person at the same time.

Intellectual Disability

A range of conditions characterized by below-average intellectual and adaptive functioning.

Developmental Psychopathology

The study of how disorders arise and change over time in relation to child development.

Internalizing Disorders

Disorders that involve inward-directed problems (i.e., anxiety, selective, depression, enuresis, encopresis, sleepwalking, tourette’s, ASD).

Externalizing Disorders

Disorders characterized by outward-directed behaviors such as aggression, rule violations, and hyperactivity.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

A childhood disorder marked by defiance, disobedience, and hostility toward authority. Is a precursor to Conduct Disorder. However, not all with this disorder develop into Conduct Disorder.

Conduct Disorder

A severe behavioral disorder in children and adolescents characterized by a repetitive pattern of violating societal norms. ODD is a precursor to this disorder.

Anxiety Disorders

Mental health disorders characterized by significant anxiety or fear.

Selective Mutism

A complex anxiety disorder characterized by a child's inability to speak in certain social situations.

Enuresis

Involuntary urination, often used to characterize bedwetting in children.

Encopresis

Involuntary defecation in children who are past the age of toilet training.

Tourette's Syndrome

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic. Similar ritualistic and compulsive behavior to OCD.

ODD —> CD —>ASPD

Oppositional Defiant Disorder —> Conduct Disorder —> Antisocial Personality Disorder.

These disorders represent a continuum of behavioral issues, starting with mild oppositional behaviors in ODD, escalating to more severe rule-breaking and antisocial behaviors in CD, and culminating in persistent patterns of disregard for others' rights in ASPD.

Prevalence of ADHD

Approximately 5% of school-aged children are diagnosed with ADHD globally.

Behavioral Treatment of ADHD

Interventions aimed at increasing appropriate behaviors and reducing inappropriate ones.

Psychosocial Factors of ADHD

Children with ADHD are often viewed negatively by peers and adults which can lead to social isolation and low self-esteem.

What is the goal of biological treatment of ADHD

Reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and improve attention.

Medication for ADHD

Stimulant medications like Ritalin and Adderall used to treat symptoms of ADHD. Prescribed to about 3.5% of US children. May increase risk for later substance abuse.

Specific Learning Disorder Categories

Types based on impairment areas: reading, written expression, and mathematics.

Dyslexia

A specific learning disorder that affects reading and writing skills.

Prevalence of Learning Disorders

Occurs in 5 to 15% of children across varying cultures and socio-economic statuses.

Communication Disorders

Conditions that affect an individual's ability to communicate effectively.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

A form of therapy that addresses dysfunctional emotions and behavior through a goal-oriented approach.

Mild Intellectual Disability

An intellectual disability characterized by mild impairments in cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior.

Severe Intellectual Disability

An intellectual disability defined by significant impairments in cognitive functioning with substantial support needed.

Down Syndrome

A genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra 21st chromosome, leading to intellectual disability.

Fragile X Syndrome

A genetic condition causing intellectual disability, particularly in males, associated with developmental delays.

Environmental Causes of Intellectual Disability

Factors such as neglect or exposure to toxins that can lead to lower IQ.

Psychosocial Contributions are

Social influences that may exacerbate or relate to the severity of intellectual or learning disabilities.

Head Start Program

An early intervention program providing educational, medical, and social support for at-risk children.

What are two efforts with future direction of prevention for neurodevelopmental disorders?

Genetic Screening:

Detection & Correction

Prenatal Gene Therapy

Prenatal Gene Therapy

Techniques aimed at correcting genetic disorders before birth to prevent neurodevelopmental disorders.

Genetic Screening

Tests designed to detect genetic disorders before the onset of symptoms or conditions.

Intellectual Disability Statistics

1-3% prevalence in the general population, often chronic and varies widely among individuals.

Treatment Goals for Intellectual Disability

To help individuals participate in community life, benefit from education, and build meaningful relationships.