What are Neurodevelopmental Disorders?
Neurodevelopmental disorders are disorder groups that occur when there is a hindrance or damage to the development of the nervous system. This usually occurs during important brain development periods like when a child grows in the womb or the first two years of their life.
Although the rate of neurodevelopmental disorders is rising, there are limited effective treatments. What’s more, it is difficult to diagnose these disorders at an early stage.
Typically, there are several types of neurodevelopmental disorders. They include:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Seizures
- Intellectual disability
- Learning disabilities like dyslexia
- Motor disability like cerebral palsy
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Children suffering from neurodevelopmental disorders get several symptoms such as:
- Impacted learning ability
- Reduced emotional regulation
- Social integration problems
- Low muscle control
Our Aim
Children Neurodevelopmental Disorders Network aims to use a multidisciplinary approach to get a better understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders.
We bring together Melbourne Children’s Campus expertise to understand, diagnose, and treat these disorders.
Children Neurodevelopmental Disorders Network believes that by understanding the mechanism, we will be able to improve the treatments.
Our Vision
To develop customized and targeted treatments that enhance the quality of life of children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Our Current Findings
Currently, we are working on a project called “Pathways to autism,” which is intended to offer insight into the causes of neurodevelopmental disorders.
We are using this study to understand better early brain development disorders like intellectual disability and Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Our team uses an innovative and genomic-focused approach that focuses on collecting unique data and resources in diagnostics, genetics, and neuroscience.
Apart from autism, we will also use the findings from this research to come up with a template for studying other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Why Children Neurodevelopmental Disorders Network?
To achieve our goal, we work closely with the following experts;
- Developmental and behavioral pediatrics
- Neurology clinicians
- Psychologists
- Practitioners that work with laboratory, genetic, and neuroimaging scientists