Neurodevelopmental Disorders Overview

ADHD can manifest in three ways: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, or combined presentation.

For a diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms must be present before the age of 12 years.

ASD is characterized by persistent deficits in both social communication and social interaction, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.

Individuals with ASD exhibit persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.

Stimulants like Ritalin, Dexedrine, Concerta, Adderall, and Vyvanse increase dopamine levels. Other medication options include non-stimulants (Intuniv, Qelbree) that regulate norepinephrine.

A rare condition where individuals with ASD possess exceptional abilities in specific areas. These talents can be highly specialized, such as extraordinary memory, artistic skills, or mathematical calculations.

A condition caused by multiple genes working together. In ASD, family and twin studies suggest that many genes contribute to its development.

Difficulties with understanding and responding to emotions or intentions of others. Individuals with ASD may struggle with 'reading' social cues and empathizing with others.

A condition characterized by limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, impacting an individual's ability to learn, solve problems, and manage daily life.

Skills needed to meet life's demands, including personal independence, social responsibility, and managing everyday activities.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are medications used to reduce anxiety, repetitive behaviors, and aggression in individuals with ASD.

People with bulimia are more concerned about pleasing others, being attractive, and having relationships, while people with anorexia focus on themselves and their own body image.

Genetic factors, hormonal changes during puberty (especially in girls), imbalances in neurochemicals like serotonin, and dysfunction in areas like the hypothalamus can all play a role.

Bruch believed that poor mother-child interaction leads to ego deficiencies and perceptual disturbances in children, making them vulnerable to developing eating disorders.

These include obsessive thoughts, perfectionism, dissociation, impaired cognitive style, and cognitive biases. Individuals may also struggle with low self-esteem, a need to please others, and all-or-nothing thinking.

People with eating disorders often have difficulty regulating emotions and may use disordered eating as a maladaptive coping strategy to deal with difficult feelings.

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviors, starting in the developmental period. It is characterized by both intellectual and adaptive deficits.

A genetic disorder caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. It is a common cause of intellectual developmental disorder.

A condition caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol. It can lead to intellectual developmental disorder and a range of physical and behavioral problems.

A strategy used in education that integrates children with disabilities into regular classrooms.

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics. These tics are involuntary movements or vocalizations that occur repeatedly.

A document that outlines a child's specific educational needs and goals, including individualized interventions tailored to their specific learning disabilities.

A progressive neurodegenerative disorder leading to dementia. It is characterized by memory loss, confusion, and behavioral changes. It affects the brain's ability to learn and remember.

Twisted strands of protein called tau that accumulate inside neurons, disrupting their function. They're found in Alzheimer's.

Behavior that involves obvious damage or destruction of property or physical harm to others.

Behavior that involves indirect or subtle actions that violate social norms but do not involve physical harm or property damage.

A form of aggression that aims to damage social relationships, often through manipulation, rumors, or social exclusion.

A disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of angry, defiant, and irritable behavior, often directed towards authority figures.

A disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of violating social norms and the rights of others, often involving aggression, deceit, and property destruction.

A genetic variation linked to increased risk of aggression and conduct disorder, particularly when combined with childhood maltreatment.

Individuals with conduct disorder often show abnormal functioning in the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for planning, impulse control, and decision-making.

A type of therapy that aims to change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder.

A personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others.

The theory that individuals with antisocial personality disorder have a reduced capacity for fear and anxiety, which may contribute to their reckless and impulsive behavior.

A disorder characterized by frequent, impulsive, and severe acts of aggression, often verbally or physically, that are out of proportion to the situation. Typically diagnosed in individuals aged 6 or older.

The exact cause of IED is unknown, but it is thought to involve an imbalance in serotonin levels and may be linked to genetic factors and environmental influences, including parenting.

IED can lead to significant difficulties in a person's life, including legal issues, relationship problems, and job loss.

An eating disorder characterized by severe restriction of food intake leading to significantly low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image.

Anorexia nervosa has two main types: restricting and binge-eating/purging. The restricting type involves strict food restriction, while the binge-eating/purging type includes episodes of binge eating followed by purging behaviors like vomiting.

An eating disorder marked by recurrent episodes of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors like vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives to prevent weight gain.

Bulimia nervosa includes a sense of lack of control during binge eating, self-evaluation heavily influenced by body shape and weight, and inappropriate compensatory behaviors happening at least once a week for 3 months.

An eating disorder characterized by persistent eating of non-nutritive, non-food substances, like dirt, paper, or hair, for at least one month, which is inappropriate for the individual's developmental level.

An eating disorder involving the repeated regurgitation of food, often without discomfort, for at least one month, not due to a medical condition.

An eating or feeding disorder where individuals avoid or restrict food based on sensory characteristics (taste, smell, texture) or due to concerns about potential negative consequences, leading to significant nutritional deficiencies.