Effects of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

The prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders has been on the rise for the past four decades, according to the third edition of America’s Children and Environment (2011). A neurodevelopmental disorder is defined as a disorder that affects the nervous system. These conditions include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and Fragile X syndrome. Such disorders take more than a physical toll on the diagnosed individual. Neurodevelopmental disorders take a hefty financial, emotional, and mental toll on family members affected throughout the diagnosed individual’s development. Special education, medical, and support services are required for individuals with a diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental disorder. Causes of these disorders are generally accepted as multifactorial—they may be caused by anything related to genetic factors and environmental agents. However, the true causes of the majority of these listed disabilities remain unknown and much debated. These conditions, their causes, and ramifications will be discussed thoroughly throughout this paper.

Most common among childhood brain disorders is the first neurodevelopmental disorder to be discussed, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is commonly abbreviated and referred to as ADHD. Symptoms of severe and persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the best indications of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The maturation pattern in the affected brain seems normal, but hindered by an average of three years. Genetics and prenatal factors appear to contribute the most to the development of ADHD in a child. Research implies that attention defic...

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..., for unexplained reasons. Another medical condition that individuals with Fragile X syndrome are more prone to contracting is ear infections. Ear infections are common to boys with the syndrome. If regular, this may lead to hearing loss. Twenty to twenty-five percent of people with Fragile X Syndrome also have an autism spectrum disorder. Autism typically affects social interaction and communication skills in individuals with Fragile X Syndrome. About half of the male population with Fragile X syndrome has a heart murmur due to an improperly closed valve, a condition called mitral valve prolapse. Seizures, lazy eye, hernias, joint problems, depression, dysplasia, scoliosis, and flat feet are other complications and medical issues that may affect Fragile X individuals. Medical check-ups should be regular, as this can prevent and treat in the most effective of ways.