Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders are a heterogeneous group of conditions with overlapping symptomatology and fluctuating developmental trajectories that transcend current diagnostic categorisation. There is a need for validated screening instruments which dimensionally assess symptomatology from a holistic, transdiagnostic perspective. The primary aim is to co-design a Neurodevelopment Assessment Scale (NAS), a user-friendly transdiagnostic assessment inventory that systematically screens for all signs and symptoms commonly encountered in neurodevelopmental disorders. Our first objective is to undertake development of this tool, utilising co-design principles in partnership with stakeholders, including both those with lived experience of neurodevelopmental disorders and service providers. Our second objective is to evaluate the face validity, as well as the perceived utility, user-friendliness, suitability, and acceptability (i.e., ‘social validity’), of the NAS from the perspective of parents/caregivers and adults with neurodevelopmental disorders, clinicians, and service providers. Our third objective is to ascertain the psychometric properties of the NAS, including content validity and convergent validity. The NAS will provide an efficient transdiagnostic tool for evaluating all relevant signs, symptoms, and the dimensional constructs that underpin neurodevelopmental presentations. It is anticipated that this will maximise outcomes by enabling the delivery of personalised care tailored to an individual’s unique profile in a holistic and efficient manner.
Highlights
Neurodevelopmental disabilities are a heterogeneous group of conditions including intellectual disability, motor, communication and specific learning disorders, tics, and conditions such as the autism spectrum, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, and cerebral palsy
Eligibility criteria for participants taking part in the stakeholder/community consultation component of the study include being (1) 18 years of age or older; (2) a parent/caregiver of a child with a neurodevelopmental disorder; (3) an adult with a neurodevelopmental disorder; or (4) a health professional or clinician working with children with a neurodevelopmental disorder or a representative of a disability service provider
Initial contact with potential participants for the stakeholder/community consultation component (Phases 1a, 2a, and 3a) and Neurodevelopment Assessment Scale (NAS) validation component (Phase 2b) will be made via recruitment invitations circulated on social media and across the services and groups supported by disability service providers and advocacy groups
Summary
Neurodevelopmental disabilities are a heterogeneous group of conditions including intellectual disability, motor, communication and specific learning disorders, tics, and conditions such as the autism spectrum, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, and cerebral palsy. Developmental and mental health disorders affect around 8% of children globally [1] These children may experience a range of difficulties with attention, behaviour, language, learning, motor skills, social relationships, and other neuropsychological functions [2]. Assessment and diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders often occur in “silos” for each domain and symptom in isolation, thereby needing the use of multiple questionnaires, interview schedules, and diagnostic criteria for each primary and comorbid condition. This approach is prone to the omission of important aspects of clinical characterisation or profiles (phenotypes) and may represent a duplication of efforts. Identifying appropriate and timely therapy and interventions for ‘downstream’ symptomatology is impeded and complicated by the current ‘ad hoc’ and ‘one size fits all’ approach to assessment
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