What's a neurodevelopmental disorder, & can it be cured?

Key Takeaways

Neurodevelopmental disorder symptoms show up in childhood and affect the brain and nervous system. They can interrupt daily functioning and impact thinking, communication, learning, movement, and more.
Two of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders are autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, several other conditions also fall into this category.
While there’s no cure for neurodevelopmental conditions, you can manage them with the right support. Early intervention and ongoing care can help people with these conditions lead healthy, balanced lives.

Neurodevelopmental disorders affect the nervous system and brain. They typically present in childhood and can affect things like learning, communication, and motor skills.

Neurodevelopmental disorders range in severity from mild to profound. They can produce delays in intellectual, social, academic, and occupational functioning. Sometimes, these symptoms can change or improve as a child gets older. But many people require ongoing support throughout their lives.

Experts are yet to understand the underlying causes of neurodevelopmental disorders. However, research suggests that there are a variety of genetic, biological, and environmental risk factors. Fortunately, the medical and mental health communities have deepened their understanding of these conditions over the past few decades. With this added insight, providers now have more ways to support people with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Through early intervention and ongoing support, parents, families, and providers can work together to significantly improve outcomes for people living with these conditions.

What types of neurodevelopmental disorders are there?

Some of the most well-known neurodevelopmental disorders include:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): ASD is characterized by challenges with communication and social interaction, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. These symptoms can affect a person’s ability to function at school and work.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Also categorized as a form of neurodiversity, ADHD can impact a person’s ability to pay attention and regulate their behavior. Without support, it can create difficulties at school, at home, and in relationships.
Intellectual disabilities (IDs): IDs affect intellectual and cognitive functioning. These conditions can create challenges with learning, problem solving, communication, judgment, and tasks of daily living.
Learning disabilities (LDs): LDs affect a person’s ability to use spoken or written language, do mathematical calculations, and absorb information. They can also create problems with attention, communication, and coordination.
Motor disorders: These disorders create challenges with movement. A person with a motor disorder might experience involuntary, voluntary, or delayed movement that interrupts their functioning.

How common are neurodevelopmental disorders?

Research shows that neurodevelopmental disorders are relatively common, affecting approximately 5% to 20% of the general population and 15% of children in the U.S.

The most common neurodevelopmental disorders are attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), specific learning disability (SLD), and motor coordination disorder.

Are neurodevelopmental disorders mental health conditions?

Neurodevelopmental disorders aren’t mental health conditions. But there’s been some controversy about the best way to classify them in recent years. Some of the confusion may be because the diagnostic criteria for neurodevelopmental disorders can be found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). This manual is what mental health professionals use to diagnose and categorize mental health conditions.

In addition, many people with neurodevelopmental conditions also have mental health conditions. This is called having co-occurring or comorbid conditions, and it can make it more difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis.

Neurodevelopmental disorders differ from mental health conditions like depression or anxiety in some important ways. While mental health conditions can affect mood, thinking, and behavior, neurodevelopmental disorders have some unique characteristics:

They are lifelong conditions.
They can create impairments in thinking that may be related to reduced cognitive ability.
They always manifest in childhood (even if they’re not detected until later).
They can create significant functional impairments related to communication, self-care, and independent living.

Can neurodevelopmental disorders be cured?

Like many other health conditions, there’s no cure for neurodevelopmental disorders. However, with the right support, they can be effectively managed. Depending on your diagnosis and the severity of your symptoms, you may need varying levels of ongoing care from different providers.

Keep in mind that many people with neurodevelopmental conditions go on to lead full and balanced lives. It’s important to stay connected to your therapist, doctors, and other members of your treatment team.

You can play an active role in maintaining your well-being by:

Learning more about your condition
Going to therapy or other appointments consistently
Taking medication as prescribed by your provider
Engaging with occupational support or other services as needed
Joining a support group for people with neurodevelopmental disorders

If you’re a parent or guardian and you’re concerned that your child might have a neurodevelopmental disorder, one of the best things you can do is make an appointment with your pediatrician.

Your child’s doctor can provide an initial evaluation and determine whether they’re meeting their developmental milestones. They can also listen to your concerns and discuss the symptoms you’re seeing at home, at school, or in other settings.

From there, they may refer your child to other specialists for additional testing and support.

Find care with Rula

Neurodevelopmental disorders affect the brain and nervous system and include autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Typically, these conditions are diagnosed in childhood, and they can create challenges with communication, learning, movement, and more. Neurodevelopmental disorders can be managed with the right support.

With Rula, you can connect with our network of therapists and psychiatric providers to find someone who’s the right fit for you or your child in just a few clicks. Our therapist-matching program makes it easy to find in-network care you can access via convenient virtual appointments.

No matter the mental health concerns you’re facing, you can take the first step toward treatment today. In just a few minutes, you can use our platform to pick a provider and schedule your first appointment for as soon as tomorrow.

About the author

Liz Talago

Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences. In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.

Rula's editorial process

Rula's editorial team is on a mission to make science-backed mental health insights accessible and practical for every person seeking to better understand or improve mental wellness. Rula’s clinical leadership team and other expert providers contribute to all published content, offering guidance on themes and insights based on their firsthand experience in the field. Every piece of content is thoroughly reviewed by a clinician before publishing.