Kanorau ā-roro: Neurodevelopmental conditions in children and young people in Aotearoa

Neurodevelopmental conditions (Kanorau ā-roro — a te reo Māori term meaning the many faces of the mind) are behavioural and cognitive conditions that arise during the developmental period. For children and young people, these conditions affect educational achievement, peer relationships, and mental health, often leading to reduced participation in school and community life. Without timely and equitable supports, the long-term costs — to individuals, whānau, and the wider economy — are magnified by school disengagement, mental health difficulties, unemployment, and increased involvement with social and justice systems.

This report, the first of its kind, uses linked administrative and health datasets from the Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) to paint a picture of neurodevelopmental conditions among children and young people in Aotearoa. It also reviews the evidence for best practice to support those with these conditions. The report covers Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), communication or language disorders (CLD), specific learning disorders, and motor disorders.