WHAT ARE NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
Neurodevelopmental disorders are a group of conditions that have a neuro-biological basis and arise from differences in the neurophysiological development of the central nervous system. The aetiology is considered to be multifactorial, resulting from many different genetic and environmental factors that influence the development of the brain.
The symptoms are manifested as delays/deviations in the developmental milestones of the child and normally occur during early childhood or when the social demands exceed the limited mental capacity of the child.
Neurodevelopmental disorders included in DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association) are Communication Disorders, Specific Learning Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Motor Disorders.
APPROACH
The Centre for Neurodevelopmental Difficulties will primarily focus on autism spectrum disorder.
Typical diagnostic criteria for autism according to DSM-V include characteristics such as:
1. Persistent deficits in social interaction.
2. Persistent deficits in social communication.
3. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities, as well as hyper- or hypo-reactivity
to sensory input.
Early diagnosis and intervention are extremely important as they can prevent the manifestations of such deficits and disorders or even provide effective treatment, leading to the overall improvement of the child’s functioning and development.
ASSESSMENT AND
TREATMENT
The diagnostic assessment and treatment of children with Neurodevelopmental disorders will be handled by our interdisciplinary scientific team, which consists of child psychiatrists with extensive experience in neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as specially trained psychologists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and mental health nurses. The Centre will accept referrals from paediatricians and other specialised physicians.
Each Child is treated in a personalised manner within our framework of diagnostic and treatment procedures in coordination with the child’s parents/carers.
