The Importance of Early Intervention in Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders describe variations or delays in functions typically associated with the development of the central nervous system (CNS). These variations or delays hinder the central nervous system’s ability to properly receive, process, store and respond to stimuli. Common neurodevelopmental disorders include autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy and intellectual disability, though there are several others.

Signs of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Until recently, it was difficult to tell whether a child had a neurodevelopmental disorder until he or she was of school age, at which point intervention was futile. Today, however, thanks to the development of “clinical milestones,” healthcare providers can identify significant delays and make recommendations for early intervention, which many agree is key to helping a child grow into a functioning, independent and thriving adult. Your child may exhibit signs of a neurodevelopmental disorder if he or she:

• Fail to meet certain developmental milestones, such as sitting up, crawling, holding things or even throwing tantrums
• Does not respond to outside stimuli
• Does not make eye contact/has eyes crossed most of the time/cannot control direction of the eyes
• Does not reach for, grasp or hold objects
• Does not smile, wave, reach or point
• Does not follow simple instructions
• Does not imitate actions or words

Because every child is different, and because every neurodevelopmental issue presents itself in a unique way, it is difficult to provide an exhaustive list of signs of any one disorder, whether it be autism spectrum, a learning disability or down syndrome. However, for most disorders, signs are present early in a child’s life, and early treatment is key to correcting symptoms.

What Is Early Intervention?

Just like the signs and symptoms of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders vary from child to child, so do treatment methods. However, intervention specialists commonly recommend the following treatments:

• Speech and language therapy
• Physical therapy to enhance physical capabilities, such as jumping, walking, balancing and holding objects
• Occupational therapy to enhance a child’s ability to utilize the fine motor skills needed for daily living (eating, dressing, bathing, etc.)
• Behavior therapy to correct and minimize negative behaviors such as throwing tantrums, hitting and refusing to interact socially

Early care requires the assistance of family members, caregivers, teachers, school administrators and other members of the community. Whatever the proposed treatment plan, it must be acted upon on a cohesive level, as opposed to just at home, or at school.

The Benefits of Early Intervention

Early treatment is critical to enhancing the quality of life for any child who presents the signs and symptoms of neurodevelopmental delay. Research shows that the first two years of a child’s life are fundamental to his or her development, as it is in this stage that the nervous tissues grow and mature. Because of the brain’s plasticity during these years, it is also at this time that a child responds most to therapies and stimuli from his or her environment. Therapy up through the age of six is still considered “interventive,” but beyond that, it becomes more managerial than anything else.

If you’re concerned about your child’s development, talk to your doctor today regarding diagnosis and possible treatment. Your early action may be key to helping your child overcome the effects of their disorder into adulthood.

 

 

Sources:

“Recognizing Developmental Delays in Children.” WebMD.

https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/recognizing-developmental-delays-birth-age-2#5

“Early Care in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders.” Jacqueline Ponce-Meza

https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1139353.pdf

Seth J. Coynor, DO specializes in pediatrics and has extra training in neurodevelopmental disorders. He is trained to meet a variety of children’s health needs from birth through adolescence and aims to provide families with the tools and resources they need to raise happy, healthy children.