ASD affects how people communicate and interact with others. It is a developmental disorder that impacts social interaction, communication skills, and behavior. Early intervention and therapies like speech and Sensory integration can help individuals lead a better life.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. It is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that interfere with daily functioning.

Symptoms:

• Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.
• Frequent careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities.
• Excessive talking and difficulty waiting for turns.
• Acting without thinking and interrupting conversations.

Treatment & Management:

ADHD can be managed with behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications like structured routines and exercise.

Global Developmental Delay (GDD) is a condition in young children where they experience delays in multiple areas of development, including motor skills, speech, cognitive abilities, and social interactions.

Common Symptoms:

• Delayed sitting, crawling, or walking.
• Difficulty with speech and understanding language.
• Struggles with problem-solving and memory.
• Challenges in social interaction and emotional regulation.

Treatment & Support:

GDD can be managed through early intervention therapies, including physical therapy, speech therapy, and Sensory integration. Individualized education plans (IEPs) and family support play a crucial role in development.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a behavioral disorder in children and adolescents, marked by persistent patterns of anger, defiance, and hostility towards authority figures such as parents, teachers, and caregivers.

Common Symptoms:

• Frequent temper tantrums or anger outbursts.
• Arguing with adults and refusing to follow rules.
• Blaming others for their mistakes or misbehavior.
• Deliberately annoying or upsetting people.

Treatment & Support:

ODD can be managed through behavioral therapy, parent training programs, and counseling. A structured environment with positive reinforcement and emotional regulation techniques helps improve behavior.

Behavioural inflexibility refers to difficulty in adjusting to new situations, changes in routines, or unexpected challenges. It is commonly observed in neurodivergent individuals, such as those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Anxiety Disorders.

Common Signs:

• Difficulty coping with transitions or sudden changes.
• Strong preference for routines and predictability.
• Repetitive behaviors or rituals.
• Emotional distress when faced with uncertainty.

Management Strategies:

Supporting individuals with behavioral inflexibility involves gradual exposure to changes, using visual schedules, practicing coping strategies, and providing a structured, reassuring environment.

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of disorders affecting movement, muscle tone, and posture. It is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain before, during, or shortly after birth.

Common Signs:

• Difficulty with coordination and muscle control.
• Delayed motor milestones (e.g., sitting, walking).
• Muscle stiffness or floppiness.
• Involuntary movements or tremors.

Management & Treatment:

treatments like physical therapy, speech modulation, medications, and assistive devices can help improve mobility and quality of life.

Down's Syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. It affects cognitive abilities, physical growth, and distinctive facial features.

Common Signs:

• Flattened facial features and almond-shaped eyes.
• Delayed development in speech and motor skills.
• Poor muscle tone (hypotonia).
• Increased risk of heart defects and other health conditions.

Management & Support:

specialized education, speech modulation, occupational therapy, and medical care can significantly improve quality of life.

PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified) is a condition where individuals show delays in social interaction, communication, and behavior but do not fully meet the criteria for autism.

Common Signs:

• Difficulty with social interactions.
• Delayed language development.
• Repetitive behaviors or restricted interests.
• Unusual sensitivity to sensory stimuli.

Management & Support:

Early intervention therapies, including speech modulation, Sensory integration, and behavioral therapy, can help improve communication and social skills.

Specific Learning Disability (SLD) is a neurological disorder that affects a child's ability to read, write, or perform mathematical calculations, despite having normal intelligence and motivation.

Common Types of SLD:

• Dyslexia: Difficulty in reading and spelling.
• Dysgraphia: Trouble with writing and handwriting.
• Dyscalculia: Difficulty in understanding numbers and math.

Support & Management:

Children with SLD benefit from individualized learning plans (IEPs), specialized teaching strategies, and assistive technologies to improve their academic performance.

Twice Exceptional (2E) individuals possess both exceptional strengths in one or more areas and challenges such as ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or other learning disabilities.

Characteristics of 2E Learners:

• Highly creative and intellectually gifted.
• Struggle with executive functioning or social skills.
• Uneven academic performance (strong in one area, weak in another).

Support & Management:

2E students benefit from individualized learning approaches, mentorship programs, and emotional support to balance their strengths and challenges effectively.