Where Do Neurodevelopmental Disorders Go? Casting the Eye Away from Childhood towards Adulthood

Abstract

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) encompass a group of complex conditions with onset during the early developmental period. Such disorders are frequently associated with a number of neuropsychiatric features, the most prevalent ones being autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, intellectual disability, communication and specific learning disorders, and motor disorders. These conditions are characterized by wide genetic and clinical variability, and although they were previously conceptualized as childhood-limited disorders, NDDs are progressively being recognized as persistent conditions with a potentially relevant impact on the quality of life and overall functioning during adult life. In addition, emerging evidence seems to point towards the hypothesis of a neurodevelopmental continuum, according to which NNDs could portray different time-dependent outcomes, depending on the severity of the altered brain development. Despite representing lifelong phenotypes, they are often not promptly identified and/or managed in adulthood. In this regard, specific guidelines on clinical and therapeutic approaches for these conditions have not yet been delineated. In this view, future research investigations should be encouraged to broaden available knowledge, characterize the clinical course of NDDs across an individual’s lifespan, and better understand the patterns of aging-related concerns in adults with an NDD diagnosis. Additionally, considering the difficulties many young adults encounter while transitioning from childhood to adult mental health services, new, specific programs should be developed and existing programs should be implemented to improve the transition process and for the management of NDDs in adulthood.

Probiotics as modulators of gut-brain axis for cognitive development

“…Any issue impairing brain function might also potentially result in several neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) ( Dash et al, 2022 ; Wang et al, 2022 ). Several NDDs have been reported, including intellectual development disorder, ADHD, ASD, specific learning disabilities like dyslexia or dyscalculia, conduct disorders, motor disorders (tic disorders, Tourette’s syndrome), and a congenital disorder-cerebral palsy ( Antolini and Colizzi, 2023 ). The people with NDD struggle to operate in social, intellectual, professional, and personal spheres of life.…”

The Physical Health Trajectories of Young People with Neurodevelopmental Conditions: A Protocol for a Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies

“…Specifically, there has been a substantial upsurge in the number of children and adolescents being referred to mental health services for suspected Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism and Tic Disorders (i.e., Transient or Chronic Tic Disorders and Tourette’s Syndrome), without an associated intellectual disability [2,3,4,5,6]. While many of these conditions were previously conceptualized as being limited to childhood, they are now known to be lifelong [7]. As such, an accurate understanding of the future health needs of these young people is essential to informing the development and implementation of services and policies that address these.…”

Editorial: Case reports in autism

“…Another line of research is interested in investigating psychiatric comorbidity and outcomes among autistic children as they grow up ( 8 ). Di Luzio et al.…”