Neurological disorders

Children and adolescents with a neurological condition may face challenges related to learning and development. For example, they may have difficulties with reading, concentration, or memory. It is still relatively unknown that there can be a link between a neurological disease or condition and learning performance and behavior. This is not only true for parents and other family members, but also for healthcare providers and educators who need information and advice.

It is important to identify the strengths and weaknesses in learning and behavior development in a child with a neurological condition early on. This helps prevent learning performance or development from falling behind the child’s true potential.

If there is a suspicion that a child’s learning or developmental disorder is related to their neurological condition, or if this has already been established, the Center for Neurological Learning and Developmental Disorders provides deeper insight into these issues. The center is unique in its field and offers highly specialized expertise in the areas of the brain, learning, and development.

The fields of pediatric neurology, clinical neuropsychology, and neurodidactics are integrated within the center. There is also the option to involve the educational expertise center De Berkenschutse, which is affiliated with Kempenhaeghe, for additional perspectives. This also facilitates easier coordination with the child’s school, whether it is a regular school or a special education institution. This approach provides the child with a better opportunity to feel well and perform better at school. We focus on what a child can do.

In our center, we see children with very different neurological conditions, including: abnormalities or infections of the nervous system, traumatic brain injury, neurological disorders resulting from birth complications or heredity, as well as muscular diseases and neurofibromatosis type 1. Specific care programs have been established for this last group.

In a muscular disease such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, and myotonic dystrophy, something goes wrong with the regulation of the muscles. Certain proteins play a role in this process. It has only recently been discovered that these proteins also serve a function in the brain, particularly in regions related to memory, reading, arithmetic, and behavior.

Thanks to improved medical care and technology, the quality of life and life expectancy of children with muscular diseases have significantly improved. Studying, working, and living independently are now possible. This makes it even more important to identify and investigate learning or behavioral problems early on. This way, optimal treatment or guidance can be provided for the child.