IMEs Explained
| FAQs | Neurodevelopmental Disorders IME | Movement Disorders IME |
|---|---|---|
| What are they? | Neurodevelopmental Disorders IMEs are assessments conducted to evaluate and diagnose developmental conditions that affect the nervous system and brain function. | Movement Disorders IMEs are assessments conducted to evaluate and diagnose conditions that affect a person’s ability to control their movements. |
| Examples of disorders | Autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intellectual disability | Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, essential tremor |
| Focus of evaluation | Assesses cognitive, social, and behavioral functions, as well as developmental delays and impairments. | Assesses motor control, coordination, and involuntary movements. |
| Common symptoms | Delayed speech and language development, repetitive behaviors, difficulties with social interactions | Tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, involuntary movements |
| Treatment options | Therapies (speech, occupational, behavioral), medication management, educational interventions | Medications, deep brain stimulation, physical therapy, rehabilitation |
| Impact on daily life | Affects learning abilities, communication skills, social interactions, and overall development. | Affects mobility, coordination, balance, and fine motor skills. |
| Cause | Often related to genetic or environmental factors affecting brain development. | Various causes including genetics, medication side effects, brain injury, or neurodegenerative conditions. |
| Age of onset | Usually diagnosed in early childhood or infancy. | Can occur at any age, depending on the specific disorder. |
| Assessment process | May involve interviews, questionnaires, cognitive tests, and observations of behavior and social interactions. | May involve physical examinations, neurological tests, imaging studies, and evaluation of motor skills and reflexes. |
| Specialist involvement | Psychologists, psychiatrists, developmental pediatricians, speech therapists | Neurologists, movement disorder specialists, physical therapists, occupational therapists |