New Frontier: The First Year of an Adult Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Clinic

Abstract

Background: As patients with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) transition from pediatric to adult health care systems, they often have difficulty finding physicians to address their NDD-related needs. In response to this care gap, we established a new consultation clinic within a behavioral neurology clinic in an adult neurology department to address the neurodevelopmental concerns of these adult patients. Objective: To characterize the population of adult patients with NDDs seen in the adult NDD clinic in its first year. Method: Data were obtained by a retrospective chart review of all patients with NDDs seen in the adult NDD clinic from September 2020 through December 2021. Results: Of the 86 patients who were seen in the adult NDD clinic, the average age was 34 years (SD = 15, range = 18–74 years). Developmental diagnoses included intellectual disability (63%), autism spectrum disorder (47%), Down syndrome (15%), cerebral palsy (9%), and other genetic disorders (26%). Comorbidities addressed included behavioral concerns (34%), anxiety (29%), seizure disorders (22%), and depression (15%). Behavioral and/or mental health concerns prompted 65% of the initial clinic visits. The most common recommendation made was to begin or increase exercise (59%), followed by facilitating connection to community, social, and employment resources. Conclusion: Adults with NDDs have diagnoses, comorbidities, and concerns that are similar to, but also distinct from, those addressed in other adult neurology clinics. This study addresses the need for, and feasibility of, caring for the diverse population of adults with NDDs in an adult neurology setting.