Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Neurodevelopmental Disorders that appears early in life disrupt the normal course of development. Interrupting or preventing the development of one skill impedes mastery of the skill that is normally acquired next. Knowing what skills are disrupted by a particular disorder is essential to developing appropriate intervention Strategies.

Childhood is considered particularly important, because the brain changes significantly for several years after birth; this is also when critical developments occur in social, emotional, cognitive and other important competency areas. These changes mostly follow pattern: The child develops one skill before acquiring the next. Although this pattern of change is only one aspect of development, it is an important concept at this point because it implies that any disruption in the development of early skills will, by the very nature of this sequential process, disrupt the development of later skills. This disorder is mostly considered as childhood Disorders.

About Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder:

One of the most common reasons children are referred for mental health services is ADHD. The primary characteristics of such people include a pattern of inattention, such as being disorganized or forgetful about school or work related tasks, or of hyperactivity and impulsivity. These deficits can significantly disrupt academic efforts, as well as social relationships.

SYMPTOMS

1. In attention

?        Overlooks or misses the details of the work, work is inaccurate.

?        Sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.

?        Mind seems elsewhere when spoken to directly.

?        Starts tasks but quickly loses focus and is easily side tracked.

?        Difficulty managing sequential tasks; difficulty keeping materials and belongings in order; messy, disorganized work; has poor time management, fails to meet deadlines.

?        Avoids or dislikes - Schoolwork or home work; for older adolescents and adults it is preparing reports, completing forms, reviewing lengthy papers.

?        Often loses things necessary for tasks such as school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, Keys, paperwork, eyeglasses or mobile phones.

?        Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli like unrelated thoughts, for older adolescents and adults.

?        Often forgetful in daily activities.

2. Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

?        Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet or squirms in seat.

?        Leaves place in the classroom, in the office or other workplace, or in other situations that require remaining in place.

?        Feeling restless.

?        Often unable to play or engage in leisure activities quietly.

?        Is often "on the go" acting as if “driver by a motor”.

?        Often talk excessively.

?        Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed.

?        Often has difficulty waiting in line for the turn.

?        Often interrupts or intrudes on others.

CAUSES

?        Research suggests hereditary factor.

?        Abnormal neurology.

?        Possible link with maternal smoking.

?        Negative responses by others create low Self- Esteem.

TREATMENTS

• Biological [medication]

     - Improves Compliance.

     - decreases negative behaviors.

     - effects not long team.

Psychological [Behavioral]

    - Goal setting and reinforcement.

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REFERENCE