Guide
Guide | Reference

34  Predominant Neurodevelopmental Prototypes

34.1 Summary

  • Prototypes dominated by longstanding developmental patterns in attention, executive function, or social communication.

34.2 Included Prototypes (Guide exemplars)

  • ADHD Pattern Prototype (exemplar).
  • Autism Pattern Prototype (exemplar).
  • Full catalog appears in the Clean Reference.

34.3 How to Use This Cluster

  • Start with the Atlas entry for attention/executive/neurodevelopmental experiences.
  • Rate Cognitive Control and Executive Function and Social Communication domains.
  • Apply a prototype label only when it improves communication or documentation.

34.4 Boundary Markers

  • What it is: persistent patterns across development and settings.
  • What it is not: acute attention changes due to mood, sleep, or substances.

34.5 Common Overlap

  • Sleep and circadian disruption.
  • Anxiety and threat sensitivity.

34.6 ADHD Pattern Prototype (Exemplar)

34.6.1 Summary

  • A pattern of persistent inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity across settings with functional impairment.

34.6.2 Prototype Features

  • Difficulty sustaining attention or organization.
  • Impulsivity, restlessness, or distractibility.
  • Symptoms present across settings and over time.

34.6.3 Threshold Guidance

  • Use when attention/executive difficulties are longstanding and impairing.

34.6.4 Expected Domain Profile

  • Cognitive Control and Executive Function: moderate to high.
  • Arousal, Sleep, and Circadian Regulation: variable.

34.6.5 Time-Course and Trajectory

  • Early-onset with persistent course.
  • Fluctuates with environmental demands.

34.6.6 Differential and Red Flags

  • Sleep deprivation or circadian disruption.
  • Mood or anxiety-driven inattention.
  • Substance effects.

34.6.7 Specifiers

Specifiers: course + contributors + risk, as relevant; see Reference for full.

34.7 Autism Pattern Prototype (Exemplar)

34.7.1 Summary

  • A pattern of longstanding social communication differences with restricted interests, routines, or sensory sensitivities.

34.7.2 Prototype Features

  • Social reciprocity differences and pragmatic communication shifts.
  • Preference for routines or predictable environments.
  • Sensory sensitivities or focused interests.

34.7.3 Threshold Guidance

  • Use when social communication differences and rigidity/sensory patterns are persistent and impairing or require supports.

34.7.4 Expected Domain Profile

  • Social Communication and Relatedness: moderate to high.
  • Cognitive Control and Executive Function: variable.

34.7.5 Time-Course and Trajectory

  • Early-onset and stable over time.

34.7.6 Differential and Red Flags

  • Social anxiety or trauma-related avoidance.
  • Hearing or language impairments.
  • Intellectual disability or learning disorder overlap.

34.7.7 Specifiers

Specifiers: course + contributors + risk, as relevant; see Reference for full.