Neurodevelopmental disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders such as fragile X syndrome and autism, are severe disabling conditions often associated with life-long impairment.

History
These disorders are now recognized to be the result of abnormalities in brain development due to both genetic and environmental/biological causes. In total, these conditions affect approximately 1-3% of the population, frequently resulting in substantial economic, physical and emotional burdens to individuals, families, and society. Therefore, research into the pathogenesis and treatment of these disorders, aimed at the cure and amelioration of their effects on individuals, families, and society, is of considerable importance. Some individuals, such as those found in the Neurodiversity movement, do not desire to be cured and view autism and related conditions as normal variations on human functioning.