Aetiology of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Abstract

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.