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Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders are a group of complex medical conditions that impact how a person learns, behaves, communicates or moves. There are many different types of neurodevelopmental disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, and learning disorders.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that affects your ability to control your attention and impulses. It is a brain difference, not a deficiency. ADHD often shows up in childhood but can continue into adulthood.
Symptoms and types of ADHD

Effects of ADHD

People with ADHD may struggle to focus, stay organized, follow instructions, sit still, or begin tasks. But it can also cause hyperfocus, where you are “in the zone,” entirely focused on a task. These challenges can make school, work, and daily tasks more difficult. In college, symptoms may lead to trouble managing time, completing assignments, or keeping track of details.

Common symptoms

ADHD manifests in everyone differently. All of the symptoms can be experienced on a spectrum, and their impact on your daily life can range from mild to severe. Here are some common symptoms to watch for.

Inattention symptoms:

  • Difficulty paying attention to details or frequently making careless mistakes
  • Difficulty sustaining attention during activities
  • Difficulty following through on instructions or failing to finish activities (e.g., school work or chores)
  • Difficulty organizing tasks and activities
  • Dislike of activities that require sustained attention or focus
  • Frequently losing things
  • Becoming easily distracted
  • Experiencing forgetfulness

Hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms:

  • Frequently fidgeting or squirming with hands or feet
  • Difficulty sitting still
  • Feeling restless
  • Difficulty doing things quietly
  • Feeling constantly “on the go”
  • Talking too much
  • Frequently frustrated when having to wait
  • Frequently interrupting others
  • Failing to think things through before acting

Types of ADHD

  • Predominantly Inattentive Type is a form of ADHD in which the person mainly has difficulty with attention and has fewer symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity.
  • Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type is a form of ADHD in which the person mainly has difficulty with hyperactivity and/or impulsivity and has less difficulty with attention.
  • Combined Type is a form of ADHD in which the person has major difficulties with both attention and hyperactivity or impulsivity.

While there is no cure for ADHD, there are treatments and strategies that can help manage your symptoms.

Online resources

Want to learn more about ADHD? Try these resources:

National Resource Center on ADHD: Provides comprehensive information and resources about ADHD, diagnosis and treatment, dealing with systems, educational issues and living with ADHD.

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: This site, specifically targeted to children and adolescents, offers a specific section called “Facts for Families” containing articles on topics such as the transition to college with a mental disorder, ADHD, Autism, depression, eating disorders, and advocacy; a medical professional finder, and more.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that causes differences in how you socialize, communicate and behave. It is considered a spectrum disorder because symptoms vary widely in both type and severity across individuals. Signs of autism usually appear before the age of three, and this disorder continues through adulthood.
Signs and symptoms of ASD

Symptoms of ASD may include:

  • Social interactions and relationship challenges
  • Problems developing non-verbal communication skills, such as eye contact, facial expressions and body posture
    • Failure to establish and maintain friendships
    • Lack of interest in sharing enjoyment and interests with others
    • Lack of empathy
  • Verbal and nonverbal communication struggles
  • Problems taking steps to start a conversation or maintain a conversation
    • Stereotyped and repetitive use of language, such as repeating phrases over and over again
    • Difficulty understanding others’ perspectives, such as understanding humor, sarcasm and irony
  • Limited interest in activities and play
  • Stereotyped behaviors such as body rocking or hand flapping
    • Need for sameness and routines
    • Preoccupation with stereotyped patterns of interest, abnormal in intensity or focus
    • Preoccupation with parts or objects

If you are looking for support, some strategies can help you build on your strengths and work on more challenging areas.

Online resources

Want to learn more about ASD? Try these resources:

Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN): Run by and for autistic people, ASAN promotes acceptance and neurodiversity.

Autism Society of America: Provides information on autism, life with autism, research, programs, community resources, and more.

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: This site, specifically targeted to children and adolescents, offers a specific section called “Facts for Families” containing articles on topics such as the transition to college with a mental disorder, ADHD, Autism, depression, eating disorders, and advocacy; a medical professional finder, and more.

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: Provides health and human development information, research, funding for research and training, and news and media reports.

Learning disorders

Learning disorders are neurological differences that affect how you process, understand or express information. These differences affect skills such as reading, writing, math, and problem-solving. Learning disorders are not an indication of low intelligence. In fact, many brilliant and influential people struggle with learning disorders.
Types of learning disorders

Learning disorders can manifest themselves in different ways. Here are some common learning disorders:

  • Dyslexia (reading disorder): A learning difference that affects reading and language processing. People with dyslexia may struggle with decoding words, spelling or reading fluently, despite often possessing strong cognitive skills.
  • Dyscalculia (mathematics disorder): A learning difference that impacts the ability to understand numbers and math concepts. This can make tasks like calculating, measuring, or recognizing patterns challenging.
  • Dysgraphia (writing disorder): A learning difference that affects writing skills. It can cause difficulties with handwriting, spelling, or organizing thoughts on paper, even if the person understands the material.
Online resources

Want to find out more about learning disorders? Try the following resources:

Finding treatment

To explore mental health treatment and support options, visit our treatment services or support resource sections.