{"id":1326,"date":"2025-07-07T11:37:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-07T15:37:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/guide.cophan.org\/?post_type=fiche&p=1326"},"modified":"2025-10-23T10:31:25","modified_gmt":"2025-10-23T14:31:25","slug":"troubles-neurodeveloppementaux","status":"publish","type":"fiche","link":"https:\/\/guide.cophan.org\/en\/thematic-fact-sheets\/troubles-neurodeveloppementaux\/","title":{"rendered":"Neurodevelopmental disorders"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n\r\n
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What is a neurodevelopmental disorder?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs) are behavioural and cognitive disorders that arise during the development period. They involve significant difficulties in the acquisition and execution of specific intellectual, motor, language, or social functions.[1]<\/sup><\/a> These disorders, which affect various aspects of development, manifest themselves to varying degrees, ranging from specific limitations to more general alterations.

Neurodevelopment<\/em> refers to the development of the brain and the neural connections to ensure its proper functioning. These disorders have significant impacts on many aspects of life, such as learning, emotions, memory, attention and socialization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NDs result from genetic and biological predispositions, but also from external factors (socio-cultural, emotional and environmental). They usually begin in early childhood or even during pregnancy and persist into adulthood. Disorders can also coexist (comorbidity), meaning that one person may have multiple disorders at the same time. In addition, health or mental health problems such as sleep disorders, digestive problems, anxiety or depression are frequently associated with NDs. These disorders, often diagnosed in childhood, can still be identified later in life. A comprehensive approach is therefore essential to consider all dimensions of NDs and their interaction with other health issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Main neurodevelopmental disorders according to the DMS-5<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DMS-5) is a global reference used to diagnose and classify mental disorders. It provides detailed diagnostic criteria that are essential for mental health professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The list below shows the main NDs and their characteristics. However, it is crucial to remember that each individual is unique, and the combination and intensity of symptoms vary considerably from person to person.<\/p>\n\n\n\r\n

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\r\n Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) <\/a>\r\n <\/h3>\r\n\r\n
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Permanent neurodevelopmental difference, where people perceive, think and interact in unique ways. This disorder can affect sensory integration, social communication, emotional and behavioural regulation, and the performance of certain tasks.[2]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n

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\r\n Attention deficit\/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)<\/a>\r\n <\/h3>\r\n\r\n
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Persistent difficulties managing attention: lapses in attention, difficulty maintaining sustained attention, resisting distractions, or organizing and completing tasks. Frequent forgetfulness, a tendency to lose objects, and difficulty in controlling movements, behaviours and emotions are often observed.[3]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n

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\r\n Specific learning disorders<\/a>\r\n <\/h3>\r\n\r\n
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Including dys<\/em> disorders:<\/p>\n