2024-11-08 10:00:00
Neurodevelopmental disorders include intellectual development disorder, autism spectrum disorders, oral language disorders (comprehension and/or expression), dyspraxia (coordination disorder with motor difficulties, sometimes associated with dysgraphia), attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD), learning disorders known as DYS disorders (dyslexia-dysorthography, dyscalculia) and tics, including tics syndrome. Gilles de la Tourette. These disorders are often associated with each other, in almost two-thirds of cases.
Childhood neurodevelopmental disorders in detail
These specific disorders appear early in childhood. They are characterized by four criteria: a deficit in an area of development (language, motor skills, social skills, etc.), repercussions in the family, school and social contexts, an early appearance of difficulties persisting over time, and the absence of other medical explanations, such as neurological disease or sensory deficit.
The brain of young children is described as plastic, meaning that it evolves, adapts and reorganizes itself, particularly during the first three years of life. This is why early interventions by professionals can improve the developmental trajectory of children with developmental disorders. On condition that we act as soon as possible, which involves identifying these children.
Early detection at 9 months and in the child’s 6th year
According to the bill, of the twenty compulsory medical examinations for all children, none is currently specifically dedicated to identifying neurodevelopmental disorders, even though the prevalence rate is around 17%, with varying degrees of impairment. miscellaneous. The law therefore places emphasis on improving early identification of children presenting these neurodevelopmental disorders. It thus imposes a compulsory examination at 9 months and in the year following the 6th birthday of each child. Based on validated grids, it will be carried out by a trained doctor, then entered in the health record.
The interministerial delegation for the national strategy updated its booklet in spring 2024 intended to help doctors assess development in children under 7 years old. Five areas of development are assessed: gross motor skills, fine motor skills, language, socialization, and, from 48 months, cognition.
These compulsory examinations will be fully covered by Health Insurance. Families will not have to pay up front.
And after?
If in doubt, the doctor, whether general practitioner or otherwise, must refer the child to a coordination and orientation platform (PCO). They provide specialized care by immediately directing children to professionals such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, psychomotor therapists or psychologists, in order to compensate for their difficulties and reduce the need for care in adulthood.
Other measures in the law
In addition to these systematic examinations in children, the text provides, by September 1, 2027, for the creation of a system dedicated to the schooling of students with a neurodevelopmental disorder. This system will be implemented in each academic district for primary school and in each department for secondary school, in collaboration with professionals in the medico-social sector.
The text also provides support for caregivers of children with a neurodevelopmental disorder. It introduces an experiment with a “relay” device. This allows a professional to reside for several consecutive days in the child’s home, thus providing respite for their caregiver.
– Booklet intended for parents: “ Your child has an unusual developmental gap. What support should be put in place? »
– For information (intended for the doctor): Detecting signs of unusual development in children under 7 years old
Source: Senate Social Affairs Committee. From October 30, 2024: Proposed law Improving support for neurodevelopmental disorders; Ameli (accessed 04/11/24); the little law:
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**Interview on Early Detection of Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children**
**Host:** Welcome to our segment today, where we discuss a crucial topic in pediatric health: the early detection of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. Joining us is Dr. PT O’Hara, a leading expert in child development and author of the recent study published in *Family Practice*. Thank you for being here, Dr. O’Hara.
**Dr. O’Hara:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Your research emphasizes the importance of early detection of neurodevelopmental disorders. Can you explain why early identification is so critical?
**Dr. O’Hara:** Certainly. Early detection is vital because it allows for timely interventions that can significantly alter a child’s developmental trajectory. The brain of young children is highly plastic, particularly in the first three years of life, which means that the earliest possible support can lead to better outcomes in areas such as language, motor skills, and social interactions.
**Host:** What types of disorders fall under the umbrella of neurodevelopmental disorders?
**Dr. O’Hara:** Neurodevelopmental disorders include a range of conditions like autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disorders such as dyslexia, and others. Often, multiple disorders can co-occur, which makes early detection even more important.
**Host:** Your study indicates that children should be examined by trained professionals at specific ages. Can you share more about this initiative?
**Dr. O’Hara:** Yes, the new legislation mandates compulsory medical examinations at 9 months and during the year following a child’s 6th birthday. These examinations will be conducted by trained doctors using validated assessment grids covering key areas like motor skills, language, and socialization. Importantly, these exams will be financed by Health Insurance, so families won’t have to bear the cost.
**Host:** That sounds like a significant step forward. After a child is identified as at risk, what happens next?
**Dr. O’Hara:** If a pediatrician or family doctor suspects a disorder, they will refer the child to specialists for further assessment and, if necessary, create an early intervention plan. The goal is to provide the support the child needs as soon as possible.
**Host:** What would you say to parents who are concerned about their child’s development?
**Dr. O’Hara:** I encourage parents to trust their instincts. If they feel their child may be struggling in any developmental area, they should not hesitate to seek an evaluation. Early intervention can make a world of difference, and there are resources available to help them navigate this process.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. O’Hara, for sharing your insights on this vital topic. Early detection truly can set the stage for a brighter future for our children.
**Dr. O’Hara:** Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure.
**Host:** And thank you to our viewers for joining us today. Stay tuned for more discussions on important health issues affecting our communities.
