Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs) and neurodegenerative diseases represent significant challenges for human health, affecting individuals across their lifespan, from early development into old age. NDDs typically originate in childhood and often persist in adulthood, while neurodegenerative diseases involve the progressive deterioration of neural structures and functions. At the core of these conditions is the temporal dimension, which frames brain maturation and degeneration and reveals how symptoms emerge and progress. Studies elucidate the interplay of genetic, molecular, and environmental factors that disrupt neural and genetic pathways during pivotal developmental stages, with a particular emphasis on how symptoms manifest later in time. Despite advances, challenges remain, including the understanding of why certain manifestations, like in pediatric epilepsy syndromes, are so strictly age-correlated, as well as the precise identification of developmental trajectories, differentiating between transient dysfunctions and pathological signs, and the blurred boundaries between various neurological disorders. Furthermore, there is a pressing need to strengthen the bridge between neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative studies, as recent evidence suggests that insights from one field could profoundly enhance the understanding of the other.

This Research Topic aims to elucidate the critical role of the temporal dimension in NDDs. By focusing on the timescale's influence, we seek to uncover insights about the physiological and pathological aspects of brain function, ranging from molecular mechanisms to symptom development. Our objective is to bring forth studies that explore how time informs our understanding of these disorders' etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. By investigating these temporal dynamics, we aim to bridge the gap between neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative research, fostering collaborative exploration of shared pathways and developmental processes across the lifespan.

To gather further insights into the realm of temporal influence on neurodevelopmental disorders, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Relevance of time scale in understanding biological mechanisms involved in NDDs

o Molecular mechanisms underlying age-specific presentations of NDDs and related neurological conditions

o Significance of temporal evolution of symptoms for diagnosing childhood neurological disorders

o Bridging gaps and overlaps between basic and clinical research in NDDs, focusing on methodological challenges of retrospective and prospective studies

o Examining the time-window between symptom onset and diagnosis, highlighting diagnostic algorithms and the perception of time delay by patients and clinicians

We welcome submissions including original research, reviews, and theoretical articles.

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Deciphering the role of time in neurodevelopmental disorders: advancing research, diagnosis, and treatment practices