If you or someone you love is living with a neurodevelopmental disorder, now is the time to reach out for support. In recent years, research and resources for these conditions have expanded significantly, driven by a growing need for understanding and effective care. Still, misconceptions remain common—and many people know little about neurodevelopmental disorders, despite how frequently they occur.
At Aliya Mental Health, we provide compassionate, comprehensive care for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and co-occurring conditions. Our team is here to guide you through the specialized programming we offer to support lasting recovery and improved quality of life.
What Are Neurodevelopmental Disorders?
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are common disabilities that impact one’s nervous system development, causing brain and neurological challenges. For example, individuals commonly struggle with memory, focus, behavior, social skills, and communication. In short, people with neurodevelopmental disorders have brains that function differently than their neurotypical peers, presenting new challenges and also a unique way of operating.
Causes of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
When a person is diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD), it’s normal to wonder, why me? What caused this? As with any condition affecting neurochemistry (including mental health disorders), there are numerous factors involved. These factors must combine in a certain way to create a diagnosis, and similarly, the same disorder can present differently in other people. Notably, it is an intricate combination of genetic and environmental factors that lead to the development of an NDD. Genetically, early-onset NDDs affect over 10 percent of children. Some of the genetic causes are metabolic diseases, infections, immune disorders, nutrient deficiencies, exposure to toxins, and premature birth. Additionally, neurodevelopmental disorders can be caused by gene mutations passed down in DNA, or genetic mutations.
Some of the environmental risk factors are exposure to toxins during pregnancy, physical trauma and injuries, and low socialization as a child.
Types of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Neurodevelopmental disorders are diverse conditions with the same root in brain development, but can present quite differently. However, at the same time, diagnosing them can be a lengthy process because of the way conditions may overlap in symptoms. NDDs share risk factors but complex processes cause certain disorders to develop and not others.
You can think of neurodevelopmental disorders as a scale with variations rather than trying to place disorders into boxes. While symptoms do overlap, each individual’s experience is unique to them. Essentially, NDDs generally cause sensory issues, low emotional functioning, learning challenges, social challenges, and problems with attention and behavior.
Some neurodevelopmental disorders are:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Neurodevelopmental motor disorders (including cerebral palsy, Tourette syndrome, developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and stereotypic movement disorder)
- Intellectual disabilities (including intellectual development disorder (IDD) and Down syndrome)
- Communication disorders (including central auditory processing disorder, and aphasia)
- Specific learning disorders (including dyslexia and nonverbal learning disability)
- Conduct disorders
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD for short, is diagnosed in an estimated 15.5 million adults in the USA and 6.5 million children. This makes it one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders. However, these numbers don’t account for the people who are undiagnosed and untreated. ADHD can range in severity in individuals, and can also change as one ages. For instance, different symptoms can seem more troublesome in adulthood as responsibilities shift.
Symptoms of ADHD
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder’s symptoms align with its name. Commonly, symptoms are centered around inattention and hyperactivity. Individuals can struggle with the following challenges:
- Poor self-control
- Impulsivity
- Trouble focusing or concentrating
- Low attention to detail
- Inability to stay still or spend time alone
- Fidgeting
- Forgetfulness
- Distraction during conversations or tasks
- Talkativeness
- Disorganization
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder, ASD, is also referred to as autism, a spectrum that individuals’ symptoms exist on. It also encompasses Asperger’s syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder.
Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
People with autism spectrum disorder typically struggle with socialization and communication, as they process and function differently than neurotypical peers. They may not pick up on social cues, making relationships challenging. Here are some symptoms individuals with ASD may experience:
- Trouble with emotional regulation
- Needing to follow a set routine
- Inability to understand or relate to others
- Trouble picking up on social cues
- Blunt communication
- Difficulty with vulnerability
- Sensory sensitivity
- Hyperattention to detail
- Having great interest in particular topics
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with intense mood and behavioral symptoms. DMDD only became an official diagnosis in the DSM-5 in 2013, whereas before, it was misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder.
Symptoms of Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Individuals with disruptive mood dysregulation disorder usually receive a diagnosis as children because their symptoms tend to be attention-grabbing. In fact, individuals must be diagnosed before the age of 18 because symptoms can change into ones more relevant to other conditions, such as depressive disorders. Yet, some of the common symptoms of DMDD are:
- Daily or near-daily angry mood
- Temper outbursts that far exceed the reality of the situation
- Constant irritability for one year or longer
How Are Neurodevelopmental Disorders Diagnosed?
Neurodevelopmental disorders affect social, cognitive, and emotional functioning. As a result, individuals usually feel a sense of otherness based on their inherent challenges that others seem to accomplish easily. Additionally, they likely notice they process the world around them in different ways than other people they know. By the time a person seeks a diagnosis, they have likely already suspected a difference in them compared to neurotypical others. Similarly, parents often pursue diagnoses in their children now that there is greater information and awareness about NDDs. In fact, many neurodevelopmental disorders are evaluated and diagnosed during childhood, meaning most adults entering NDD treatment are already aware of their diagnosis. However, research about NDDs has only really been conducted in the last 50 years, meaning many people have gone un-diagnosed.
Thus, if you’ve never completed the process to get tested for an NDD, getting a diagnosis is a straightforward process. However, it does take a few steps. To best determine one’s condition, individuals work through a comprehensive evaluation stage to gather all information. You will meet with multiple specialists to assess your specific neurological function, as NDDs can have overlapping symptoms. Notably, the process may include genetic testing, psychological testing, and clinical observation. Your specialist team will consult the DSM-5 in the diagnosis process.
DSM-5 Criteria for Neurodevelopmental Disorders
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) is healthcare providers’ handbook for diagnosing and treating health conditions. It includes mental health disorders, behavioral disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders. In order to provide a diagnosis of any condition, healthcare professionals consult the DSM-5 to weigh individuals’ symptoms against its guidelines. For neurodevelopmental disorders, areas of struggle include motor skills, social interaction, intellectual functioning, and adaptive behavior.
Treatment for Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Commonly, neurodevelopmental disorders co-occur with comorbid psychiatric challenges, yet in the effort to treat NDDS, mental health is often overlooked. A holistic approach that addresses all co-existing challenges in one treatment plan is
the best way to help individuals access healthy futures. Thus, we follow an integrative recovery approach to help guests restore their entire wellbeing and improve their quality of life.
We offer treatment for neurodevelopmental disorders that includes evidence-based psychotherapy, holistic therapy, and optional medication management. Rest assured, each of our guests works through a custom service place that prioritizes their needs, whether they struggle with co-occurring disorders or a singular condition.
Medications
Medications can significantly enhance a person’s quality of life when they are weighed down by neurodevelopmental challenges. Medications work by targeting specific symptoms for an easier experience of everyday tasks. For example, stimulants are commonly prescribed to improve ADHD, as they enhance concentration, clarity, energy, and sociability. Additionally, we can prescribe psychiatric medications to help with co-occurring mental health disorders, like anxiety and depression. Our Medication-Assistance Treatment (MAT) program helps individuals find the right prescriptions for the right timeline.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy for neurodevelopmental disorders helps individuals find and practice healthy coping skills for when triggers and symptoms arise. Additionally, it addresses other areas of mental and emotional unwellness, including negative internal messaging, poor emotional resilience, and low self-esteem. And for guests who have co-occurring mental health disorders, psychotherapy ensures all issues are treated at the same time in one treatment plan. You will work with your clinical counselor to determine the right programming, such as which psychotherapy method you follow. Because treatment is tailored to you, you and your therapist can tweak it as often as needed.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a psychotherapy technique that focuses on one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Anyone can struggle with negativity in these areas, which has lasting impacts on how they respond to the world, view themselves, and handle relationships. Thus, CBT teaches alternative thinking, feeling, and behavior patterns. It is effective for people with neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as mental disorders and co-occurring conditions.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Similarly, applied behavior analysis is a scientific therapy that addresses social behaviors, making it beneficial for those who struggle with social cues and interactions. By reinforcing positive behaviors and considering negative outcomes of unhealthy actions, individuals learn to improve their social skills.
Both therapy methods can be combined in one treatment plan at Aliya Mental Health.
Tips for Coping with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Having a neurodevelopmental disorder means you process differently from neurotypical individuals. As you already know, you face cognitive, emotional, and social challenges as a result of your neurodivergent brain chemistry. Remember to have grace for yourself in these struggles. It can be tempting to compare yourself with your neurotypical peers, but remind yourself you’re dealing with completely different processing.
The best way to support yourself is to utilize resources, assistance, and treatment options that exists for NDDs. There is no shame in seeking help. Instead, accepting support from others means you open yourself to more opportunities, more ease of tasks, and more education on your condition.
Professional Help for Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Neurodevelopmental disorders are highly individual and greatly vary in how the person experiences their diagnosis. For adults who have been living with their condition for years, they may wonder whether they need treatment at all. At Aliya Mental Health, we take into account your background, your goals, your needs, and your unique challenges. Know you are incredibly strong and capable, as evidenced through your long-term symptom management! We offer tailored treatment plans that differ for each of our guests. Thus, our aim is to teach you more about your disorder and offer you tools to best equip you to manage your symptoms.
Additionally, we will look at all aspects of your wellness to help you improve your whole-self health. In your efforts to manage your symptoms alone all these years, you may have never prioritized your mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing.
If you’ll allow us to walk on this journey with you, you’ll become a valued member of the Aliya family. You will receive ongoing care and support for life! Get started with us today by filling out a secure contact form or calling our admissions team.