Which group of disorders focuses on developmental deficits that impact personal and social functioning?

The correct choice, which is neurodevelopmental disorders, pertains to a category of conditions that primarily originate in the developmental period and are characterized by developmental deficits resulting in significant impairments in personal, social, academic, or occupational functioning. These disorders, which include Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Intellectual Disability, manifest during the early years of development, typically before the age of 18. Their effects can be profound, impacting a person's ability to communicate, interact socially, learn, and function in various aspects of life.

Neurodevelopmental disorders specifically emphasize the foundational aspects of development that underlie functioning, covering a range of aspects including cognitive, sensory, emotional, and physical domains. These disorders can hinder social integration and personal development, as individuals often struggle to navigate everyday situations due to the challenges posed by their conditions. This aspect of neurodevelopmental disorders distinguishes them from other groups that might focus on different issues such as emotions, behaviors or cognitive processes separately, which do not necessarily incorporate the developmental angles that are central to neurodevelopmental disorders.