What is Neuro Developmental therapy?
Neurodevelopmental therapy is a non-invasive programme of movements which aims to promote development of the nervous system and the inhibition of primitive reflexes. By incorporating movements which are used naturally by a baby and a young child, the nervous system is gently encouraged to mature and become more open to learning.
During the Therapy, your child will have a set of specific movements which are performed every day for approximately 5-10 minutes. Both you and your child are guided by your therapist through the full programme and she/he will review progress with you both at regular intervals. A complete programme generally lasts for between 12-18 months. |
The following link highlights a child with developmental delay in a classroom: www.getreadyforschool.co.nz
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These are the children who benefit greatly from this therapy....
Neuro Developmental Therapy can help children with:
> Specific learning difficulties (Dyslexia)
> Co-ordination and balance difficulties (Dyspraxia)
> Behavioural and social difficulties (ADD/ADHD/Aspergers)
> Children who are generally under achieving
> Enuresis (bed wetting) when it is due to developmental delay
Neuro Developmental Therapy can also help some adults with:
> Anxiety and panic disorders
Commonly asked questions about this type of Therapy
How would I know if my child has retained primitive reflexes?
Retention of Primitive Reflexes can lead to a mild neurological delay. A neurological delay can affect a child in a variety of ways…. Some of the more usual are difficulties with balance and coordination (riding bicycles, ball catching etc.), difficulties with reading, handwriting, and transcription. Spatial difficulties, leading to problems with arithmetic. Sequencing difficulties, causing problems with recall of spellings and tables. People with retained primitive reflexes may be very sensitive, quiet and shy, or in other instances ‘inappropriately emotional’, experiencing frequent highs and lows. Think about your child’s early development…. Did they skip any milestones? Did they crawl, bunny hop or head bang? Did they have difficulty learning to speak, walk or toilet train? If you have any concerns and feel your child may have retained primitive reflexes you can get more information on this website about how Neuro Developmental Therapy can help.
Do I need to be referred?
No. While many clients come to us through schools, psychologists, counselors etc… it is possible to contact a Therapist directly if you have concerns. Contact a therapist from the list provided. Alternatively, a list of Neuro developmental therapists in your local area can be had by contacting the Irish Association of Neuro Developmental Therapists by clicking here
What happens when I contact a therapist?
When you contact a therapist, you can chat about your concerns. You will be asked some questions about early childhood development, learning style and character traits. You will be sent a Developmental Questionnaire which you should fill in and bring to your first session. All information will be treated in strict confidence. You can then make an appointment to meet your therapist for an Initial Consultation or a Full Assessment.
What happens at an Initial Consultation?
The Initial Consultation lasts for about an hour. Your therapist will discuss with you the various difficulties you or your child is having. The therapist will then quickly check for the presence of retained primitive reflexes. The assessment is totally non-invasive. Ideally the person to be assessed should wear a t-shirt and shorts/tracksuit bottoms. This information, together with the information on the developmental questionnaire will enable the therapist to decide whether a programme of Neuro Developmental Therapy will be of benefit. In that case an appointment for a full neurological assessment will be made.
What happens at the full assessment?
The full assessment lasts for approx 2 ½ hours. The client is fully assessed for retained primitive reflexes, the number of reflexes retained and the extent to which they are retained. Clients are also assessed for the presence of postural reactions and the extent to which these have developed. Tests for balance, coordination, laterality and eye tracking are also carried out as well as transcription and drawings. An audiogram may also be taken at this time. The assessment is non-invasive, the client once again wearing t-shirt, shorts/tracksuit bottoms and working in bare feet. At the end of the assessment the therapist will choose the movement best suited to inhibit the reflexes in question. She/he will demonstrate and teach the exercise and provide you with a detailed instruction leaflet showing how to do the exercise at home.
How long will the exercises take each day?
It takes 5-10 minutes daily, working with a helper to do the exercise. It is vitally important to carry out the movement exactly as directed by the therapist.
How often is progress reviewed?
All going well you will see your Therapist at regular intervals thereafter for a review. If any difficulties arise between reviews, you can always contact them by telephone.
What happens at a review?
At each review your therapist will assess the client’s reflexes and evolve the programme as required. The client may or may not be moved on to a new exercise at the review depending on the stage of the programme. Clients are never asked to do more than two exercises at any one time.
How long does a programme of Neuro Developmental Therapy take?
On average a programme takes a year to a year and a half to complete. This varies from person to person, depending on such factors as number of reflexes retained, degree of retention and the ability of the individual to do the movements.
Can I do other movement programmes with Neuro Developmental Therapy?
No. It's best to do only one programme at a time. Sometimes Sound Therapy may be incorporated into the programme if necessary
Would dietary supplements help?
Studies show (www.durhamtrial.org) that supplementation with Omega 3 and Omega 6 are beneficial.
Do you have to continue doing the programme for life?
No. Once the primitive reflexes have been inhibited they remain so, available in case of trauma as is the case in normal development. In Neuro Developmental Therapy the gains made are lasting.
Is Neuro Developmental Therapy useful for adults?
Neurodevelopmental Therapy is suitable for any individual who has retained primitive reflexes and the benefits and changes are the same as they are for younger people. However if an adult wants to undertake a programme we suggest that they have a supportive environment as the changes that occur can also free up and release past thought patterns and emotional memories. If you would like more information on an adult programme, feel free to give a therapist a call and she/he will answer any questions you have.
At what age can my child begin a programme of Neuro Developmental Therapy?
This very much depends on the child and their ability to do the exercises. Neuro Developmental Therapists see clients of all ages from children to adult. Younger children may start with sound therapy and later progress to Neuro Developmental Therapy.
How does Neuro Developmental Therapy work?
Neurodevelopmental Therapy works by mimicking what happens in normal human development. It is holistic, natural and non invasive.
Is the Therapy expensive?
The Irish Association of Neuro Developmental Therapists endeavour to offer as reasonably priced a service as possible. Most therapists offer flexible payment options. Many parents compare the cost of N.D.T. with that of grinds and find N.D.T. costs less. For list of fees contact your therapist directly
To find your nearest therapist click here
For more information click here