Neurodevelopmental

Neurodevelopmental describes anything to do with how the brain develops through childhood. Autism Autism Autism is a difference in how the brain develops. It shapes how an autistic child sees and experiences the world, how they communicate, and how they respond to things like noise, light and touch. Read the full definition of Autism , ADHD ADHD ADHD is a difference in the way a child's brain works. It affects how they pay attention, how much energy they have, and how easily they act on impulse. Read the full definition of ADHD , developmental language disorder, dyspraxia and tic disorders are all called neurodevelopmental conditions, which is why one referral often covers more than one question: a neurodevelopmental assessment looks at the whole picture, and a neurodevelopmental team, or pathway, is the NHS service that carries it out.

It is not the same word as neurodivergent Neurodivergent Neurodivergent means a brain that works in its own way, not the way most people expect. Autistic people, and people with ADHD or dyslexia, are all neurodivergent. Read the full definition of Neurodivergent , although they look alike. Neurodevelopmental is the clinical adjective for the conditions and the services. Neurodivergent describes a person whose mind works differently from what is typical, and it is a word of identity, not a diagnosis. Your referral referral When a professional passes your child on to a specialist team for assessment or treatment. A GP, school or health visitor can usually make one. Read the full definition of referral letter will say neurodevelopmental; your child, later, might say neurodivergent.