Finding the best therapy for neurodevelopmental disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are conditions that affect the brain and neurological system. They can range from mild to severe and impact a child’s ability to achieve typical developmental milestones. Children with NDDs may face challenges with learning, speech and language, motor skills, memory, and more. 

Fortunately, with early detection and ongoing care, it’s possible to manage these conditions. A wide variety of support options are available to people with NDDs. Depending on the person and their symptoms, talk therapy may be recommended as part of an integrated treatment plan. This can help people process their emotions, adopt healthy coping strategies, and manage symptoms of co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety.

What are neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs)?

NDDs affect the way a child’s brain and nervous system develop. People with these conditions may experience challenges in functioning at school, at work, or in social settings.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), there are several different types of developmental disorders: 

• Intellectual disabilities (IDs)
• Communication disorders
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Neurodevelopmental motor disorders, including tic disorders
• Specific learning disorders

Each of these conditions has its own unique diagnostic criteria. But they can all impact cognitive abilities, communication, behavior, motor skills, and/or social skills in various ways. These conditions are typically recognized in infancy, early childhood, or adolescence. But it’s possible to receive a diagnosis as an adult. 

Sometimes, symptoms of these conditions can become less severe as a child gets older. But, in other cases, people with NDDs may require lifelong support. 

Effective therapy approaches for neurodevelopmental disorders

If you have an NDD, you may be more likely to experience co-occuring mental health concerns, like anxiety or depression. While these conditions can affect anyone, people with NDDs may be more likely to have them due to:

• Difficulty reading social cues and developing relationships 
• Feeling misunderstood or not accepted by others 
• Low self-esteem, social isolation, and loneliness 
• Difficulty identifying, understanding, and processing feelings
• An inadequate support system

Therapy can be an effective way for people with NDDs to address these challenges. Some of the most common forms of therapy used for people with NDDs include:

Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) 

ABA uses positive reinforcement to help people change their behavior. The goal is to increase desired behaviors and reduce undesired behaviors using rewards. ABA can help support communication skills, social skills, motor skills, learning skills, and more for people with NDDs.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT encourages people to examine the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This process can help people with NDDs identify and change undesired behaviors. CBT can be especially supportive for people with autism spectrum disorder, communication disorders like Tourette syndrome, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Play therapy

Play therapy can help children identify and express the thoughts and feelings they can’t express verbally. It can also give children with autism spectrum disorder an opportunity to learn social skills, like taking turns, sharing, problem solving, decision making, and cooperating with others. Play therapy has been shown to increase emotional intelligence and improve motor skills.

Family therapy

If a child or another person in your family has an NDD, family therapy can be helpful in several ways. It can enhance understanding, improve communication, support problem solving, and increase the functioning of the family unit as a whole. Family therapy can also provide valuable support for siblings or other family members who’ve been affected by a loved one’s diagnosis.

How to choose the right therapy option for you

Because there are so many different types of NDDs, treatment experiences can vary widely. However, treatment usually includes a combination of talk therapy, home and/or school-based programming, and medication, if needed. Services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, social skills groups, and academic supports can also be helpful, depending on the nature of your symptoms.

As you consider the right therapy option for you, keep in mind that some traditional therapies may not be a fit for people with NDDs. However, many approaches can be modified to reflect your individual strengths and challenges. Know that it’s OK to speak up if something isn’t working for you in therapy. You can always advocate for yourself by requesting some changes. 

For example, you can ask your therapist to:

• Take a more concrete approach. 
• Use visual or written aids.
• Focus on changing behaviors (as opposed to thoughts).
• Avoid metaphors or hypothetical examples.
• Incorporate your interests (if possible).
• Be clear and explicit about expectations and guidelines.  
• Take regular breaks during sessions.
• Involve your parents or other supportive loved ones. 

Find care with Rula

Neurodevelopmental disorders are complex, multifaceted conditions. They can affect a person’s ability to learn, communicate, regulate their behavior, care for themselves, and more. 

If you think you or your child might have one of these conditions, one of the best things you can do is seek a professional evaluation. Receiving an accurate diagnosis will help you better understand your experience and set you on the path to accessing the right care for your needs. Talk therapy can be particularly beneficial, as it provides a supportive space to develop coping strategies, improve communication skills, and enhance self-regulation.

Whether you need mental health support for yourself or a loved one, Rula makes it easy to find affordable, convenient care. You can use our therapist-matching program to find a provider who takes your insurance and offers the specialized care you deserve. In just a few minutes, you can sift through your options, choose a therapist, and make your first appointment for as soon as tomorrow.

Find a therapist with Rula