Abstract

Neuro Developmental Disorders (NDDs) comprise a range of complex disorders that appear early in development. Such disorders are often associated with various neuropsychiatric features. The most common are Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Communication and Special Learning Disorders, and Movement Disorder. These disorders are characterized by great genetic and clinical variability, and although they were previously conceptualized as disorders confined to childhood, NDD affects quality of life and overall functioning in adulthood. It is increasingly recognized as a persistent disorder with potentially associated consequences. Moreover, new evidence seems to point to the neurodevelopmental continuum hypothesis, suggesting that NNDs may show different time-dependent outcomes depending on the severity of changes in brain development. Although these are lifelong phenotypes, they are often not recognized and/or treated in time for adulthood. In this regard, specific guidelines for clinical and therapeutic approaches to these diseases have yet to be established. In this light, future studies are needed to characterize the clinical course of NDD over an individual’s lifetime and to expand the knowledge available to better understand patterns of age-related problems in adults diagnosed with NDD. Research studies should be encouraged. Furthermore, given that many adolescents face difficulties transitioning from childhood to adulthood mental health care, new specific programs are needed to improve the transition process and management of NDD in adulthood should be developed and implemented in existing programs.