A Few Known Causes Of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

The development of the nervous system is by no meager means simple. This process that includes the growth of the brain is genetically encoded, highly regulated, and orchestrated. Even the environment has a huge influence on the process.

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With this in mind, it’s to be expected that any deviation from the development process may result in a disorder, specifically, a neurodevelopmental disorder. There are many major factors, such as the timing of these deviations. But as for the known causes, scientists and researchers alike have found a few that include deprivation, genetic and metabolic diseases, immune system malfunction, physical trauma, and as mentioned earlier, environmental factors.

Take for instance deprivation from social, mental, and emotional care. This causes delays when it comes to brain and cognitive development. More often than not these delays are severe, especially when deprivation occurs during infancy and early childhood.

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Genetics though, is a bit different since it cannot be controlled. The best example of genetics playing a part in a neurodevelopmental disorder can be seen in children with Down syndrome. Immune dysfunction is also like genetics in the sense that it cannot be controlled. A lot of neurodevelopmental disorders that involve immune dysfunction happen during pregnancy. The disorder known as Sydenham’s chorea, wherein the body moves in an abnormal fashion has been found to be rooted in the body and reaction against Streptococcus bacteria, in which brain tissue is damaged.

Dr. Curtis Cripe is a neuroengineer with a background that includes child neurodevelopment. He is the head of the Research and Development department of NTL group. Learn more about Dr. Cripe’s work by visiting this Facebook page.

Understanding ADHD with These Helpful Facts

Over the past few decades, more and more individuals have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. A lot of speculation and debate has been had over ADHD, its existence and its nature. All the conflicting information has only served to cloud people’s understanding of ADHD. Here are a few facts that may help clarify the disorder.

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It exists.
Forget about people saying that kids don’t have ADHD, that they’re just naturally and easily distracted. Most every medical, psychological, and educational organization in the US has recognized ADHD as a true medical disorder. Medical experts have also deemed it necessary to be treated once diagnosed.
It doesn’t discriminate.
ADHD can affect everyone. It doesn’t matter whether a person is young or old, or male or female, ADHD doesn’t discriminate. Although it has been found that almost one out of every ten children in America are diagnosed with ADHD, and two to three boys are being diagnosed for every girl.
It isn’t easily diagnosed.
ADHD is difficult to diagnose as the process of diagnosis itself is complex. People can’t look at a restless child and simply say that he or she has ADHD. A thorough observation has to be made to look for the various major symptoms. This period needs to go on for a minimum of six months. These symptoms and behaviors happen in almost every setting, which is why the people conducting the diagnostic procedure need to be extra observant at all times.

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Dr. Curtis Cripe is a neuroengineer with a multi-disciplinary background that includes neurodevelopmental disorders in children. At present, he heads of the Research and Development department of NTL group. To find out more about Dr. Cripe’s work, follow this Facebook page.