Neurodevelopmental Disorder

A neurodevelopmental disorder, or disorder of neural development, is an impairment of the growth and development of the brain or central nervous system. A narrower use of the term refers to a disorder of brain function that affects emotion, learning ability and memory and that unfolds as the individual grows. The term is sometimes erroneously used as an exclusive synonym for autism and autism spectrum disorders.

Disorders considered neurodevelopmental in origin, or that have neurodevelopmental consequences when they occur in infancy and childhood include:

• Autism and autism spectrum disorders such as Asperger syndrome
• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
• Traumatic brain injury, (including congenital injuries such as those that cause cerebral palsy)
• Communication, speech and language disorders
• Genetic disorders, such as fragile-X syndrome
• Down syndrome.

Neurodevelopmental disorders are associated with widely varying degrees of mental, emotional, physical, and economic burden to individuals, families and society in general.