“Complex neurodevelopmental profile” is a term CDBC recommends assessment professionals use to describe how multiple areas of functional impairment interact and lead to support needs.

The assessment evaluation must incorporate information (as available) from the child’s school, caregivers, and at least two specialists/clinicians. A complex neurodevelopmental profile should be identified when there is evidence for at least two non-overlapping areas of significant functional impairment in the following domains:

1. Social-emotional functioning (including emotional regulation)
2. Communication
3. Physical functioning (gross or fine motor functioning)
4. Self-determination/independence (adaptive functioning)
5. Academic/intellectual functioning (cognition, academic achievement, memory, attention, executive functioning)

CDBC recognizes that not all assessing professionals will use the same terminology. When the above criteria are met, if different terminology is used (e.g., neurodevelopmental disorder, complex neurodevelopmental disorder), it should be considered equivalent. For more information, please see the document: CDBC recommendation – Complex Neurodevelopmental Profile