Epidemiological Profile of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders in a Diagnostic Center in Southern Puerto Rico, 2006-2017.
NDDs can have similar symptoms or overlap in common symptoms of most co-occurrence which are related to cerebral dysfunction and cognitive problems. Also, poor motor abilities can
be present in children with NDD affecting academic achievement. Furthermore, many of these children can present aggressive behaviors and sensory processing problems. Prevalence of NDDs’ in males twice the prevalence in females. The two most prevalent NDDs’ in the United States are autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder.
The NDDs’ can co-ccur11 as well as, these children can suffer from other comorbidities. Other mental and physical diseases can be present, along with NDD. Furthermore, studies found
a higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders in the family history of diseases of children with autism. A study concluded that the psychiatric disorders in parents of children with autism were higher compared to the parents of children without autism. Another study found that bipolar disorder in both parents increased the risk in the offspring. Also, another study in Denmark concluded that the history of any psychiatric disorder increased the risk of autism
and suggested that the cause is a genetic link between schizophrenia and autism.
This study had the purpose of developing an epidemiological profile of children with NDD in southern Puerto Rico. Also, this study sought to identify the clinical characteristics and
family history of disease in close relation to the individuals. Furthermore, to evaluate the association between comorbidities reported and family history of diseases reported with the NDD.
Epidemiol Open J. 2022; 7(1): 3-10. doi: 10.17140/EPOJ-7-127
