What is Neurodevelopmental Therapy (NDT)?
Neurodevelopmental Therapy is a simple, drug-free movement and sensory stimulation program. It is also known as Primitive Reflex Integration and is based on neuroplasticity- the brain's ability to mature and reorganise, given the right stimulation.
Who is it for?
We have found that children who are 4 years and older can best participate in NDT. This therapy benefits children who have an immature central nervous system. This is known as Neuromotor Immaturity. Some common characteristics of Neuromotor Immaturity are the presence of retained primitive reflexes and dysfunction between the senses.
Neuromotor Immaturity can look like;
Neuromotor Immaturity can look like;
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"If our body is not sufficiently developed and integrated- instead of supporting learning and functioning, it will interfere."
What are the benefits?
NDT helps children overcome academic, sensory, emotional, behavioural or physical challenges.
It matures the child's central nervous system by inhibiting any retained primitive reflexes, strengthening underdeveloped postural reflexes and developing communication between the senses. NDT gives a child's body and brain more time to organise and build stronger neural pathways. It ensures the foundations in the brain are stable and ready to support higher order functions like learning, memory and emotional regulation.
It matures the child's central nervous system by inhibiting any retained primitive reflexes, strengthening underdeveloped postural reflexes and developing communication between the senses. NDT gives a child's body and brain more time to organise and build stronger neural pathways. It ensures the foundations in the brain are stable and ready to support higher order functions like learning, memory and emotional regulation.
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NDT can improve;
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There is some 40+ years of research investigating the physical factors that underly learning and behavioural problems. Much of this research has been presented by Peter Blythe, Sally Goddard Blythe, Dr Robert Melillo, Dr Harald Blomberg and Moira Dempsey,
Check out some of the books and research in this field.
Check out some of the books and research in this field.
What's involved?
The first step is a Free Screening Questionnaire which gathers information about the developmental history of the child.
Next, is a parent consult. This appointment is a sit-down discussion with the parents/carers of a child. No children attend this consult. The purpose of this meeting is to unpack the developmental history in depth. This consult can be in-person or online.
Once we have a deep understanding of the child's history, we complete an initial assessment. In this appointment we assess for retained primitive reflexes and sensory functioning. We also check balance, coordination, motor patterns, laterality, oculomotor skills and auditory processing.
After the initial assessment, the child attends fortnightly sessions which include primitive reflex integration work and sensory stimulation. Sessions are simple, fun and full of movement! Take-home exercises are given to help consolidate reflex integration. These daily home exercises are also simple and don't take more than 5-10 minutes to do.
Most children need 6 to 12 months of neurodevelopmental therapy but some individuals need a little longer, up to 18 months. It's important to note that this therapy is not a 'quick fix' because we are working with the brain and must give it sufficient time to reorganise and develop.
Next, is a parent consult. This appointment is a sit-down discussion with the parents/carers of a child. No children attend this consult. The purpose of this meeting is to unpack the developmental history in depth. This consult can be in-person or online.
Once we have a deep understanding of the child's history, we complete an initial assessment. In this appointment we assess for retained primitive reflexes and sensory functioning. We also check balance, coordination, motor patterns, laterality, oculomotor skills and auditory processing.
After the initial assessment, the child attends fortnightly sessions which include primitive reflex integration work and sensory stimulation. Sessions are simple, fun and full of movement! Take-home exercises are given to help consolidate reflex integration. These daily home exercises are also simple and don't take more than 5-10 minutes to do.
Most children need 6 to 12 months of neurodevelopmental therapy but some individuals need a little longer, up to 18 months. It's important to note that this therapy is not a 'quick fix' because we are working with the brain and must give it sufficient time to reorganise and develop.
Remote Consults
Kellie's passion is to help as many children as she can. If you don't live nearby, Kellie can facilitate a neurodevelopmental program remotely, via monthly zoom sessions. Get in touch to find out more.
Please note- NDT program fees are not currently claimable on Medicare or private health insurance. They can be covered by your self-managed NDIS fund though.
HELPING Children REACH THEIR FULLEST POTENTIAL
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