A Hierarchical Dimensional Model of Neurodevelopmental and Mental Health Traits Predicts Adaptive Functioning and Quality of Life in Youth

Emerging dimensional models of neurodevelopmental traits and mental health have the potential to more accurately characterise individual profiles in children and adolescents, addressing the limitations of categorical diagnoses. Here, we generated the first hierarchical, dimensional model of neurodevelopmental traits and mental health problems, derived from caregiver-reported measures, in a predominantly neurodivergent (71%) sample of N = 372 children and adolescents aged 7-13 years. We evaluated the criterion validity and utility of this model for predicting adaptive functioning and quality of life (QoL) outcomes compared with categorical diagnoses. Regression analyses identified five data-driven dimensions that significantly outperformed traditional diagnostic categories in predicting adaptive functioning and QoL outcomes. Our model offers an innovative framework for understanding neurodevelopmental and mental health profiles within neurodiverse youth. The model has the potential to advance the identification of multidisciplinary supports that could be tailored to every child’s individualised needs, regardless of diagnosis.