Definition of Developmental Disorders

Developmental disorders are better called neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurodevelopmental disorders are neurologically based conditions that can interfere with the acquisition, retention, or application of specific skills or sets of information. They may involve dysfunction in attention, memory, perception, language, problem-solving, or social interaction. These disorders may be mild and easily manageable with behavioral and educational interventions, or they may be more severe and affected children may require more support.

Neurodevelopmental disorders include

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

• Autism spectrum disorders

• Learning disabilities, such as dyslexia and impairments in other academic areas

• Intellectual disability

• Rett syndrome