Treatment options for neurodevelopmental disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders are conditions that affect cognitive development. Symptoms typically appear during childhood or adolescence. The most common types of neurodevelopmental disorders are attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, and learning disorders.

These conditions can sometimes impact your ability to live independently or nurture positive relationships.  Although neurodevelopmental disorders aren’t treated in the same sense as mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, there are effective interventions that can help you learn new skills, build confidence, and feel less limited by your condition. 

With support, you can live a fulfilling life with a neurodevelopmental disorder.

How long do neurodevelopmental disorders last?

Neurodevelopmental disorders are chronic and lifelong conditions. This means people live with them from when they first develop symptoms — during childhood or adolescence — for the rest of their lives. There’s no “cure” for neurodevelopmental disorders. In fact, the neurodiversity movement celebrates brain differences and suggests these disorders aren’t illnesses that need to be “cured.” 

However, the symptoms of neurodevelopmental disorders, including ADHD, can change over time. This doesn’t mean that you outgrow the developmental condition, but its symptoms can present differently as you get older. For some people, symptoms of their condition may fade as time goes on. For others, symptoms could become more severe.

This doesn’t mean that living with a neurodevelopmental disorder will negatively impact your life forever. If symptoms currently get in the way of your functioning, many approaches and interventions can help you learn more about living with a neurodevelopmental disorder and limit any negative impact it may have on your life.

What treatment approaches are used for neurodevelopmental disorders?

The growing neurodiversity movement reminds us that neurodevelopmental disorders, like autism and ADHD, aren’t illnesses that need to be cured but simply another form of diversity and variation. The neurodiversity approach celebrates the unique brain differences across the human spectrum.

With this in mind, treatment for neurodevelopmental disorders isn’t about changing how a person’s brain works or molding them into something they’re not. It’s more about helping them cope with the secondary effects of the disorder and setting them up to thrive in a word designed for neurotypical people — or those without neurodevelopmental disorders. Usually, the goal is to help the person be as independent as possible and improve their adaptive functioning skills.

There’s no universal treatment method for all neurodevelopmental disorders because there are many types and each person’s experience is unique. Treatment should be multifaceted and tailored to each person’s symptoms, needs, and level of functioning.

With that said, some of the most common treatment approaches that can support people with neurodevelopmental disorders include:

• Therapy: Therapy can help people with neurodevelopmental disorders cope with some of the secondary mental health effects that can accompany these conditions. For example, many people with ADHD also live with depression. If you have co-occurring ADHD and depression, a therapist could help you untangle the relationship between these conditions and explore new ways of coping.
• Skills training: Skills training classes or groups can help people with neurodevelopmental disorders learn and practice important life skills. This can help them adapt to the world around them and improve their functioning.
• Behavior therapy: Behavior therapy focuses on reinforcing positive behaviors and reducing others that might get in the way of independent living. This approach often helps children and adults alike build skills in a structured way, using behavior reinforcement.
• Lifestyle accommodations: Often, the hardest part of living with a neurodevelopmental disorder is having to fit into a neurotypical world. Lifestyle accommodations, such as school and workplace modifications or flexible schedules, can help people with neurodevelopmental disorders achieve more success in their daily lives. 
• Medication: Medication can be effective in reducing the symptoms of some neurodevelopmental disorders, though not all of them. For example, ADHD is often treated with medication, while medications are generally not used to treat autism. It’s important to work with your provider to determine if medication is right for you. 

Technology is transforming the way we address neurodevelopmental disorders. For example, robots and virtual-reality systems can help people practice life skills in safe, controlled environments. Additionally, yoga and mindfulness strategies have shown to be effective in symptom reduction.

What treatment options are available for children and teens?

Early intervention and treatment for kids with neurodevelopmental disorders can greatly improve their outcomes. When a child is accurately diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder at an early age, they and their caregivers can learn how to manage symptoms.

On the other hand, without early treatment, children may start to internalize and blame themselves for the symptoms of their disorder. They might feel ashamed or insecure about their condition. They might also experience social rejection and educational difficulties which can bring additional mental health challenges.

Many of the treatment approaches used for adults with neurodevelopmental disorders can support children and teens too. The main difference is that caregivers are almost always involved in the treatment process.

Parent management training can be effective for children with behavioral issues related to neurodevelopmental conditions. In parent management training, caregivers learn strategies to reinforce positive behaviors, manage challenging behaviors, and build a more supportive environment for the child.

In addition, lifestyle accommodations are often necessary for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Special education plans, like an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or a 504 plan, can help children succeed at school and set them up for success as adults. All children have the legal right to an education that meets their unique needs.

Find care with Rula

Receiving support for a neurodevelopmental disorder can make a huge difference in your quality of life. By exploring treatment options tailored to your individual needs, you can build meaningful skills and feel supported. 

At Rula, we understand the importance of personalized care, including for neurodevelopmental disorders and co-occurring conditions. We’ve helped connect patients and therapists for millions of therapy sessions. Reach out today to find the right provider who can help you navigate the journey with the compassion and resources you deserve.

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