CED Psychological Disorders Practice Test 2026 – Complete Exam Prep

Neurodevelopmental disorders are conditions that begin during the developmental period and involve impairments in learning, communication, social interaction, or behavior due to atypical brain development. ADHD and autism spectrum disorder fit this category because they typically emerge in childhood and produce persistent difficulties across multiple areas of functioning. Other DSM-5 categories focus on different primary patterns: mood disorders revolve around disturbances in mood, anxiety disorders around excessive fear or worry, and personality disorders reflect enduring patterns of personality. These are not defined by early developmental onset in the same way, which is why ADHD and ASD are placed under neurodevelopmental disorders.