Neurodevelopmental disorders: An innovative perspective via the response to intervention model

Abstract

Neurodevelopmental disorders are a group of conditions classified together by the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders which include intellectual disability, communication disorders, autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, specific learning disorder (SLD), and motor disorders. SLD is present in many students, who exhibit significant difficulties in the acquisition of reading, written expression, and mathematics, mostly due to problems with executive functions (EF). The present study is a review of the current situation of neurodevelopmental disorders and SLD focusing on the benefits of the response to intervention model (RtI), which allows the combination of evaluation and intervention processes. It also addresses the key role of EF. The importance of adapting RtI to new possibilities such as the use of virtual reality is discussed and a theoretical framework for carrying that out is provided.

Keywords: Neurodevelopmental disorders; Specific learning disorder; Response to intervention model; Virtual reality

Core Tip: The present study aims to look deeply into detection of and intervention for students with neurodevelopmental disorders. It includes a description of the current situation of neurodevelopmental disorders focusing on specific learning disorder and executive functions as key aspects in students with problems in reading, writing, and mathematics. The study also presents the evaluation and intervention of neurodevelopmental disorders using an approach via the Response to Intervention model and provides a novel avenue for implementation related to the use of virtual reality.