Overview of Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT)

Neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) therapy is a highly specialized, client-centered treatment technique that is used to assist children and adults who have suffered from neurologic injuries, genetic conditions or developmental delays. NDT employs hands-on techniques and positioning to improve a patient’s alignment, postural control and movement abilities, and works to make functional movement skills more efficient. NDT treatment comprises whole-person rehabilitation, which includes addressing participation, functional, somatosensory, vestibular and cognitive impairments. NDT helps people with limited repertoires of movement establish new and functional ways to move through space. The techniques employed are highly personalized and adapted to each child’s specific requirements and goals; this is not a cookie cutter approach. NDT therapy is appropriate for children (or adults) of any age and skill level, regardless of the severity of the injury.

The Neurodevelopmental Treatment Association is the governing and accreditation board for certifying therapists. Physical and occupational therapists and speech language pathologists can all be certified in NDT. The NDTA mission states that the purpose of the association is to improve treatment and outcomes for clients with neuromuscular dysfunction by providing advanced therapist education that improves skills in assessment, evaluation and salient functional treatment. The NDTA vision is to advance utilization of the NDT Practice Model through clinical intervention, education and research so that clients with neuromuscular dysfunction can participate in life to their fullest potential.

To find out more information about NDT or to find a therapist that is certified in this method please visit www.ndta.org

Move Pediatric Therapy – copyright 2023