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What is neuro-developmental therapy (NDT)?

NDT is a specialized treatment approach that is used by some occupational, speech and physiotherapists to help children with motor coordination problems. The following is a brief description of movement development and how it can be adversely affected in some children, especially those with cerebral palsy.

NDT is an effective therapeutic approach that aims to inhibit abnormal movement patterns so that normal patterns of movement can be facilitated. This is done through specific handling techniques that provide the child with the experience of normal patterns of movement. The experience of normal movement and the resulting inhibition of abnormal muscle tone enables the child to learn new movement patterns using more efficient muscle tone. Speech, breathing and oral motor control for feeding is facilitated with NDT through correct positioning and specific interventions.

In summary, the NDT approach helps children learn the basic patterns of movement for functional activity. Functional activity includes play. A child’s engagement in play is important for physical, social, intellectual, perceptual and behavioural development.

Who benefits from this approach?

NDT is used for children who have:

• Cerebral palsy
  Cerebral palsy is a disorder of posture and movement due to non progressive brain damage. This causes motor and possibly sensory deficits. The child with cerebral palsy grows and develops but the pattern of growth and development is delayed or arrested at certain stages. Each child has different movement challenges and needs specific intervention to develop appropriately according to his/her ability.
• Developmental coordination disorder
  Even children who have relatively mild motor dysfunction as seen in DCD can benefit from this intervention as it addresses challenges with postural control, coordination and balance.

In NDT, the child is encouraged to reach their full potential and achieve maximum independence within the limits of their physical challenges. This helps the child to develop a sense of self-worth and success.

More information is available at:

www.ndta.org

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