Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Disorders

These disorders affect brain function and development, impacting learning, memory, behavior, social skills, or thinking abilities. Neurodevelopmental Disorders begin in early childhood, while Cognitive Disorders often appear later in life and involve a decline in mental abilities.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

These conditions emerge during the developmental period, typically before school age.

1. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A developmental disorder affecting communication, social interaction, and behavior, often accompanied by restricted and repetitive patterns of activities or interests.

2. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning in multiple settings (e.g., school, home, work).

3. Intellectual Disability

Significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, including reasoning, learning, and problem-solving, evident during the developmental period.

4. Specific Learning Disorders

Difficulties in reading, writing, or mathematics, despite normal intelligence and educational support (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia).

5. Communication Disorders

Includes challenges with speech, language, or social communication (e.g., speech sound disorder, language disorder, stuttering).

6. Developmental Coordination Disorder

Marked impairment in motor coordination affecting activities such as handwriting, dressing, or playing sports.

Cognitive Disorders

These involve a decline in mental functioning, typically due to aging, neurological disease, or brain injury.

1. Delirium

A sudden and severe confusion due to a rapid change in brain function, often reversible and triggered by medical illness, substance use, or surgery.

2. Major Neurocognitive Disorder (Dementia)

Significant decline in memory, reasoning, language, or other cognitive functions that interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause.

3. Mild Neurocognitive Disorder

A mild decline in cognitive abilities that does not yet interfere with independence but may progress to a more severe form.