This review has attempted to provide an overview of the aetiologies of complex neurodevelopmental disorders. Clearly, many questions remain unanswered with respect to the pathogenesis of such disorders. Nevertheless, it is to be expected that within the next years the tsunami of genetic research will lead to more insights into the susceptibility genes. This new information can then be applied to start new research strategies, including the use of genetically manipulated cells or animal model systems carrying the susceptibility gene for functional studies on the pathways involved. Eventually, the acquired understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying complex disorders may lead to translational research, including the design of gene/pathway-specific drugs and the application of disease-preventing strategies.
