NEURO-DEVELOPMENTAL TREATMENT

By:  Christine Cayo O.T.

What is Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT)?

Neuro-developmental treatment is a treatment approach utilized by occupational and physical therapists and speech language pathologists who work with individuals diagnosed with neuromotor challenges such as cerebral palsy, strokes, head injuries, genetic syndromes, mitochrondrial impairments, etc.  NDT utilizes a hands-on approach that is based on knowledge of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, typical and atypical development and functional kinesiology.  Intervention is designed to provide the individual opportunities to develop independence in daily life skills. 

Who are the Children that will benefit from an NDT approach? 

Children who exhibit musculoskeletal, and central nervous system impairments benefit from intervention provided by an NDT trained therapist.  The NDT approach is advantageous for children that are given different diagnoses such hypotonia, hypertonia, dystonia, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries, and down syndrome.  NDT is an appropriate intervention for many children who are diagnosed with genetic disorders. 

Therapist’s Qualifications:

Occupational, physical and speech-language therapists can receive NDT training.  There are many different levels of training that therapists with a background in NDT have.  Some therapists take short courses, typically 3-5 days in length that introduce them to handling, postural control, baby treatment, gait, hand treatment, rib cage work, respiratory work, feeding and swallowing work. 

The 8-week Certificate Course in the Treatment and Management of Individuals with Cerebral Palsy provides a clinician with extensive information regarding the treatment of children diagnosed with neuromotor disorders.  The participants learn about motor development, assessment and treatment from each specialty (OT, PT, and SLP) perspective in order to provide a wholistic approach to the discipline specific treatment strategies. 

There are also many advanced courses such as the 3-week baby course, the advanced upper extremity course, the advanced gait course and the advanced problem solving course that provide clinicians with further training to meet the needs of their clients. 

All of the courses are taught by NDTA instructors who maintain an active status through a yearly certification process administered through the neuro-developmental treatment association. 

At Rehab Resources of Sheboygan we have therapists in each discipline with backgrounds from beginner to expertise using the NDT approach to treatment. 

For further information:  The website for the NDT association is: www.ndta.org

Receiving NDT Therapy:

Rehab Resources of Sheboygan has expert therapists with experience in evaluating and treating the NDT approach.  For more information or a complete evaluation for therapy services please call: Rehab Resources of Sheboygan (920) 208-9648