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Neurodevelopmental disorders are conditions that affect how a child’s brain and nervous system develop, often leading to challenges in learning, behavior, or social skills (Neurodevelopmental Disorders). They usually appear in early childhood and can impact a child’s ability to function at home or school. For prospective parents considering IVF, it’s natural to worry about these disorders and how they might affect your future child. The good news is that advances in preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) – especially Orchid’s whole genome screening – can provide valuable insights to help reduce potential risks before pregnancy.

What Are Neurodevelopmental Disorders?

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) encompass a range of conditions caused by atypical brain development (Genetic Testing for Autism, Intellectual Disability, and other Neurodevelopmental Disorders). These disorders include well-known examples such as autism and ADHD, as well as intellectual and learning disabilities (Neurodevelopmental Disorders). NDDs often cannot be detected at birth and only become apparent as a child grows and misses developmental milestones (Genetic Testing for Autism, Intellectual Disability, and other Neurodevelopmental Disorders). They vary in severity but share a common thread: each can affect a child’s ability to learn, communicate, or behave typically. Early diagnosis and support can greatly improve outcomes, but until recently there was no way to predict many of these conditions before a child was conceived.

Most Common Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Among the many NDDs, certain conditions are especially common ( DSM-5 Changes in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Implications for Comorbid Sleep Issues - PMC ). Here are a few that prospective parents often worry about:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A developmental condition characterized by impaired social interaction, communication challenges, and repetitive behaviors (Genetic Testing for Autism, Intellectual Disability, and other Neurodevelopmental Disorders). Children with ASD may have difficulty understanding social cues or adapting to change. Symptoms range widely, hence the term “spectrum.”
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A common neurodevelopmental disorder marked by persistent inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity. Kids with ADHD can have trouble focusing or sitting still, which can affect school and daily activities. It’s one of the most prevalent NDDs in childhood, often continuing into adolescence and adulthood.
• Intellectual Disability: A condition involving significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. Children with intellectual disabilities learn and develop more slowly than peers, needing extra support with daily life skills and education. This diagnosis can range from mild learning challenges to more profound cognitive impairment.

(Other neurodevelopmental disorders include learning disabilities, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy, but the ones above are among the most common.)‍

Each family’s concern may differ, but understanding these conditions is the first step toward proactive planning. Discussing these concerns with clinicians and genetic counselors can often identify families at risk and allow further testing.