Have you ever heard of ADHD? And autism? These are very well-known terms that refer to conditions that develop during childhood. What they have in common is that both are neurodevelopmental disorders. But do you know what makes a disorder fall into this category? And do you know which conditions are part of this class of disorders? Well, that’s what we are going to look at throughout this article! 
What is the origin of these disorders?
Neurodevelopmental disorders are associated with changes in the functioning of the brain. These changes begin as early as the gestational period or during childhood and are characterized by deficits that will impact various areas of life, such as social, academic, and later, professional performance. These disorders can have a genetic origin, or be related to environmental changes or factors during pregnancy, such as exposure to stress, toxins, medications, etc. The onset of symptoms usually occurs during childhood and persists throughout the developmental phase.
What are the main disorders?
The most well-known neurodevelopmental disorders are:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): characterized by difficulties in controlling attention and impulsivity. It is estimated that about 5% of children already attending school have ADHD.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder: characterized by impairments in communication and social interaction, and may also involve repetitive behaviors and stereotyped movements.
- Learning Disorders: characterized by difficulties in reading, writing, or mathematics skills. Dyslexia, for example, is one of the most well-known learning disorders.
For a proper diagnosis of such conditions, monitoring with a professional in the field is necessary, such as neuropsychologists and/or other doctors, for example, so that the best treatment for the child’s conditions can also be identified. School is fundamental for the correct diagnosis of any disorder a child may have, as it is in this environment that they interact and spend most of their time. It is also at school that teachers notice the child’s difficulties with school-related issues (reading, writing, etc.). Therefore, the partnership between school and parents is essential so the child can receive the correct treatment for their diagnosis. Early identification will provide the child with a better quality of life, giving them a better chance of coping with their condition. See also: Separation Anxiety: What To Do When Your Baby Is In This Phase
