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Chapter 2 - Aetiology of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

from Section 1 - An Overview: Definitions, Epidemiology and Policy Issues

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 May 2023

By
Jana de Villiers
Edited by
Jane M. McCarthy ,
Regi T. Alexander  and
Eddie Chaplin
Jane M. McCarthy
Affiliation:
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and University of Auckland
Regi T. Alexander
Affiliation:
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust and University of Hertfordshire
Eddie Chaplin
Affiliation:
Institute of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University
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Summary

Neurodevelopmental disorders is an umbrella term that incorporates a range of conditions characterised by some form of disruption to ‘typical’ brain development. These disorders share aetiological pathways that have genetic, social and environmental risk factors. Neurodevelopmental disorders often have core features in common and they frequently co-occur. Long-term impairment is characteristic, although key features may vary over the life span. This chapter covers key aspects of the aetiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, in particular focusing on those found in forensic settings (such as autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder). The impact of genetic, social and environmental risk factors is considered. The chapter considers the aetiology of neurodevelopmental disorders as relevant to forensic settings.

Keywords

aetiologyneurodevelopmental disordersintellectual disabilityautismattention deficit and hyperactivity disorderfetal alcohol disordergeneticenvironmental factorsforensiccriminal justice
Type
Chapter
Information
Forensic Aspects of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
A Clinician's Guide
 , pp. 13 - 23
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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References

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