Early Signs of Neurodevelopmental Disorders: What Every Parent Should Know
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs) affect how a child’s brain develops. They often show up in the early years and can impact how kids move, speak, learn, or behave.
Spotting the signs early can change everything. With the right support, children can build skills, feel more confident, and thrive.
Why Early Signs Matter
The brain grows fast in early childhood. That’s why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends developmental screenings at 9, 18, and 30 months — and autism-specific screenings at 18 and 24 months.
Parents often notice the first signs. You know your child best. If something feels “off,” it’s worth checking.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Signs often appear by 18 months. Early behaviors may include:
Limited eye contact
No response to name
Few gestures like waving or pointing
Delayed talking
Repetitive behaviors (rocking, spinning, lining up toys)
According to the Child Mind Institute, early detection and therapy can greatly improve communication and social skills.
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
Every child gets distracted. But with ADHD, it goes further. Look for:
Short attention span
Impulsive actions (blurting, grabbing)
Restlessness (fidgeting, leaving seats often)
Trouble following instructions
According to CDC, if these behaviors happen in multiple settings (home, school, etc.), it may be time to talk to your pediatrician.
Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)
Dyspraxia affects physical coordination. Kids may:
Be late to crawl, walk, or sit up
Seem clumsy or bump into things
Struggle with buttons, crayons, or utensils
Avoid activities like running or jumping
Our blog has a helpful guide for families managing dyspraxia. Support and simple exercises can make a big difference.
Communication Disorders
Watch for:
Late talking
Trouble understanding directions
Unclear or hard-to-understand speech
Limited vocabulary for age
Children who don’t speak in short sentences by age 2 may benefit from a speech-language evaluation according to Understood.org
Specific Learning Disorders
These signs often show up in school:
Reading struggles (dyslexia): Trouble with letters, sounds, or recognizing common words
Math challenges (dyscalculia): Difficulty counting, understanding numbers, or solving basic problems
Writing issues (dysgraphia): Poor handwriting, spacing, or spelling
LD Online states that these challenges are not about intelligence. They often persist despite good teaching.
Tic Disorders
The Tourette Association of America reports that tics are sudden movements or sounds. Signs include:
Eye blinking, shoulder shrugging
Grunting or sniffing
Tics that come and go, often worse with stress
Most tics appear around age 6. Many fade, but some persist and may need support.
Source: Tourette Association of America
What Parents Can Do
Trust your instincts
Write down what you notice
Ask your pediatrician for a screening
Use milestone checklists like those from the CDC's Learn the Signs. Act Early. program
Early action leads to better outcomes. Don't wait for school to raise a flag.
Final Thoughts
Neurodevelopmental disorders don’t follow a single path. Every child grows differently. But if your child seems to be missing milestones, acting in unusual ways, or struggling in multiple areas — you don’t have to guess.
Help is out there. Early detection, expert support, and patient encouragement can all work together to give your child the best start possible.