What is a neurodevelopmental condition?

Neurodevelopmental conditions are differences in brain development that appear in childhood and have a lasting influence on how a person perceives, learns, communicates or organises themselves. They include:

  • attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD);
  • autism spectrum disorder (ASD);
  • specific learning disorders: dyslexia, dysorthographia, dyscalculia;
  • developmental coordination disorder (dyspraxia);
  • language disorders, tics and intellectual developmental disorder.

These conditions are not caused by a lack of effort or by upbringing. They vary widely from one person to another, often occur together, and also come with particular strengths and talents.

ADHD in teenagers and adults

ADHD combines, to varying degrees, difficulties with attention (concentrating, getting organised, finishing what you start, not losing things), hyperactivity (restlessness, needing to move, difficulty staying still) and impulsivity (interrupting, acting without thinking, difficulty waiting). Difficulty regulating emotions is also very common.

ADHD is often identified in childhood, but not always. In some people, particularly many girls and women, it goes unnoticed for years, compensated for at great effort, and only becomes visible in adolescence or adulthood as demands increase: secondary school, university, a first job, the arrival of a child, or a move abroad that disrupts familiar routines. It then shows up as chronic fatigue, a sense of constant disorganisation, procrastination, forgetfulness, anxiety or low self-esteem.

When to consider a neurodevelopmental condition

It may be worth asking the question when:

  • difficulties with attention, organisation or impulsivity have existed since childhood and appear in several settings (school, work, home);
  • school or work results do not reflect your abilities, despite a great deal of effort;
  • social relationships are a source of misunderstanding, exhaustion or isolation;
  • you have felt “different” for a long time, without knowing why;
  • a relative or a child in the family has been diagnosed and you recognise yourself in the description;
  • anxiety, depression or emotional difficulties persist despite support.

These signs are not enough to make a diagnosis: many of them can also be linked to anxiety, depression, stress, lack of sleep or other causes. That is the whole point of a careful evaluation.

From identification to assessment

Trained to identify mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions, including ADHD, and in neuropsychology, I help you take stock of the difficulties you face, their history and their impact. This conversation helps you better understand what is happening, identify what may relate to a neurodevelopmental condition or to something else, and be referred for a full assessment when necessary.

Diagnosing a neurodevelopmental condition requires a specialist evaluation, which, depending on the case, involves a doctor (psychiatrist, child psychiatrist or paediatric neurologist) and additional assessments (neuropsychological, speech and language, psychomotor). I can help you identify the right professionals for your situation in Lyon; if you are planning to return to your home country, it can also be useful to find out how assessments are organised there.

How I can help

Whether or not a diagnosis has been made, psychological support can help you live better with the way you function. It can focus on:

  • understanding how you function: putting words to your difficulties and strengths, moving beyond guilt;
  • practical strategies to get organised, manage your time, reduce forgetfulness and procrastination, using tools drawn from cognitive behavioural approaches;
  • emotional regulation: impatience, frustration, anger, high sensitivity (see managing emotions);
  • self-esteem, often damaged by years of criticism and experiences of failure;
  • associated difficulties: anxiety, low mood, exhaustion;
  • family support: understanding how your child or partner functions, easing tension, adjusting family organisation. I see parents and families together when that helps.

My experience with people with intellectual and psychiatric disabilities has also taught me the importance of adapting the framework and pace of sessions to each person. Sessions last about 50 minutes, at the Brotteaux practice, 134 rue de Sèze in Lyon 6th, or by video, in English, French or Portuguese. For teenagers, see also adolescence.

Frequently asked questions

Can you have ADHD as an adult without knowing it as a child?

ADHD is present from childhood, but it may only be recognised in adulthood, especially when it has been compensated for or masked by other difficulties. Many adults discover their ADHD after their child is diagnosed, or when the demands of their life increase.

Do I need a diagnosis to get support?

No. You can get support for your difficulties whatever the diagnosis. A diagnosis is still useful for understanding yourself better, accessing certain accommodations and, for ADHD, considering treatment with a doctor.

Are online tests reliable?

Online questionnaires can help you ask yourself questions, but they cannot provide a diagnosis. Many difficulties (anxiety, fatigue, depression) produce similar signs. Only a full evaluation can tell them apart.

Useful resources