Neuro-developmental Treatment
The Neuro-developmental Treatment approach (NDT) was developed by a British Doctor and his physiotherapist wife in the 50’s. The Bobath’s approach was initially developed for treatment of infants and children with Cerebral Palsy. Today the NDT approach is used throughout the world to treat a broad range of physical and cognitive developmental delays and Neuro-developmental problems.
Medical Support Services has NDT trained and NDT certified therapists who can provide this specialized form of therapy.
The NDT Approach
NDT addresses the failure of the central nervous system of the child to develop normally. In normal development, infant reflexes reduce as the child grows older. If the normal pattern reduction does not occur, these reflexes will interfere with other developmental steps. NDT involves inhibiting these abnormal reflexes, while facilitating normal movement patterns in an ordered sequence.
The therapists at Medical Support Services teach parents how they can facilitate their own child’s normal development and inhibit abnormal movement patterns. The therapists help adapt home baby equipment and provide splints or inhibitive casting to promote proper positioning and normal growth.
Candidates for Referral
Children with diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy or Down Syndrome benefit from early NDT intervention. Other candidates for this type of intervention display:
- Delayed motor development
- Awkward movement or unusual patterns
- Abnormal muscle tone
- Poor coordination
- Sucking or other feeding problems