Breaking down your other specified neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosis

Imagine working on a puzzle, but you only have six out of the eight pieces. You can nearly see the full picture, but you’re missing the final pieces to complete it. That’s sort of what the diagnostic process can feel like for people with other specified neurodevelopmental disorder. 

Other specified neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) is a type of neurodevelopmental disorder. Mental health providers use the other specified NDD diagnosis when a person shows signs of a neurodevelopmental condition but doesn’t meet the full criteria for a specific diagnosis. 

You may feel like other specified NDD doesn’t fully represent your experience, but this diagnosis can still help you learn to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Examples of other specified neurodevelopmental disorder symptoms

To be diagnosed with other specified NDD, a person must show neurodevelopmental symptoms that are severe enough to impact their daily functioning but don’t meet the diagnostic criteria for a specific neurodevelopmental disorder. As part of this diagnosis, providers should include the reason why a person’s symptoms don’t match a specific NDD. 

Other specified NDD looks a little different for each person, and symptoms can change over time. Like other neurodevelopmental disorders, it can affect behavior, speech, memory, learning, and other neurological functions. 

Some common signs of neurodevelopmental disorders in adults include:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms:

• Feeling anxious in new social situations
• Trouble expressing feelings and emotions
• Misunderstanding social cues 
• Noticing details that other people miss or overlook
• Finding it difficult to make friends 

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms:

• Restlessness or irritability
• Trouble prioritizing tasks
• Problems with organization
• Lack of attention to detail that can seem like carelessness
• Impulsive or risky behavior

Learning disability symptoms: 

• Poor memory 
• Trouble paying attention 
• Trouble staying organized 
• Clumsiness
• Problems with reading, writing, or math

Intellectual disability symptoms:

• Limited problem-solving skills
• Trouble understanding social cues
• Poor communication skills
• Learning challenges
• Impaired judgment 

What’s the difference between “other specified” and “unspecified” NDDs?

Other specified neurodevelopmental disorder and unspecified neurodevelopmental disorder are both used to recognize neurodevelopmental symptoms that don’t meet the full criteria for a specific diagnosis. The main difference between the two diagnoses is that other specified NDD explains why a person’s symptoms aren’t the right match for another NDD. 

Here’s an example: A child is struggling with attention, focus, and impulsive behaviors, but they don’t meet the full criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. In this case, their provider might diagnose them with other specified NDD while noting the ADHD similarities. 

Managing an other specified NDD diagnosis

Receiving a diagnosis is never easy, but many people find comfort in knowing what’s causing their symptoms and how to manage them. With other specified NDD, the experience isn’t as clear cut. You know that you find certain things challenging, but you don’t have the satisfaction or relief of fully understanding your symptoms. 

If this sounds familiar, know that other specified NDD isn’t any less real or distressing than other neurodevelopmental disorders. Children, teens, and adults who receive other specified diagnoses are often eligible for the same treatment as people with specific conditions. And, in some cases, a person’s diagnosis will change over time. 

Neurodevelopmental disorders can affect your relationships, career, and daily functioning. They can also impact your self-esteem, ability to manage your emotions, and chances of developing a mental health condition. But with the right resources and support, it’s possible to cope with symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Managing neurodevelopmental disorders, including other specified NDD, typically involves some combination of talk therapy, medication, group programs, occupational support, and other resources. You can also take control of your diagnosis by making time to:

• Research your symptoms. If you’re showing signs of a specific condition, make a point to learn more about it. Even without a diagnosis, you can still find ways to address certain symptoms. 
• Monitor your condition. Symptoms often evolve over time, so be mindful of those changes. Some people with other specified NDD will eventually be diagnosed with a specific condition that requires a different approach to care.
• Connect with others. Consider group therapy or joining a support group to meet other people with similar experiences. Social support can also be beneficial for parents and caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Find care with Rula

An other specified neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosis can feel frustrating, but remember that it’s just one step on your journey toward better health. Neurodevelopmental disorders are typically lifelong conditions, and symptoms — and diagnoses — can change over time.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a neurodevelopmental disorder, help is available. Rula’s therapist-matching program makes it easier to find a mental health provider who understands neurodevelopmental disorders, takes your insurance, and is accepting new clients. With Rula, you can get access to personalized, collaborative care as soon as tomorrow.

Get started with Rula today