Neurocognitive Disorders
Introduction to Neurocognitive Disorders
Neurocognitive disorders affect how the brain thinks, learns, remembers, and pays attention. In children and teens, problems can follow a medical condition or injury. Signs may include slower thinking, trouble focusing, memory problems, language or planning difficulties, or changes at school. In DSM-5, this group includes delirium and mild or major neurocognitive disorder (cognitive decline from a previous level), which can result from many causes.
Some kids improve over time; others need ongoing supports. A careful evaluation helps find the cause and the right plan.
Safety note:
If your child talks about suicide or has a plan to harm themselves or others, call 911 or go to the nearest ER. In the U.S., you can also call or text 988.
Causes and Risk Factors
There isn’t one cause. Common sources include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): concussion or more severe injury. Severity relates to how much thinking and memory are affected, and problems can persist after severe TBI.
- Infections and inflammation of the brain: e.g., malaria or meningitis/encephalitis, which can leave lasting thinking and attention problems in some children.
- HIV-related effects: some children and adolescents can develop HIV-associated neurocognitive problems, even when other symptoms are mild.
- Other medical conditions: seizures, stroke or lack of oxygen, and some metabolic problems can affect cognition (your clinician screens for these).
Early recognition and treatment of the underlying condition—and school and family supports—improve outcomes.
Treatment and Management
At Texas Pediatric Mental Health Services (Houston), care starts with a comprehensive evaluation: medical history, developmental and school review, and (when helpful) neuropsychological testing. We coordinate with your pediatrician and school.
What helps
- Target the cause (for example, medical care after TBI or infection). Early, coordinated treatment supports recovery.
- Cognitive and academic supports: individualized school plans, extra time, memory/organization strategies.
- Rehabilitation services: occupational, physical, and speech-language therapy to build skills and stamina.
- Behavioral and counseling supports: to manage attention, mood, and adjustment while skills improve.
We set clear goals, track progress, and adjust the plan with you.