What is neurodevelopment?

Neurology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the nervous system, made up of the spinal cord and the brain. Neurodevelopment is the development of neurological pathways in the brain that are responsible for influencing mental functioning, including intellectual ability, reading, social skills, memory, attention and focus skills.

A child’s neurodevelopment is stimulated by learning and interacting with their environment. As they grow, they learn to speak, walk, play and understand social cues. Abnormal brain development may affect children’s memory, emotions and ability to learn, socialise or maintain self-control.

Problems with brain development can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders such as:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
This is a condition that impacts how a child perceives and socialises with others, causing problems with their social interaction and communication. Autism spectrum disorder also involves limited and repetitive patterns of behaviour.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
This medical condition is associated with difficulties maintaining attention, managing energy levels and controlling impulses. Some children may find it hard to sit still.

Intellectual developmental disorders
These are neurodevelopmental disorders that are characterised by deficits in general intellectual functioning like performing daily tasks or struggling to read or speak.

Communication disorders
These are conditions where the child has trouble communicating with others due to incomprehension or lack of ability to speak.