Neuro-Developmental Treatment

Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) is an advanced therapeutic approach practiced by Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and Speech and Language Pathologists. This hands-on approach is used with people who have central nervous system insults that create difficulty controlling movement.

Therapists using NDT may have completed introductory to advanced training in the approach. The major goal is to help the individual be as functional and as independent as possible according to age and ability. There is a distinct blending of quality and function so as to prevent secondary deformities as the client grows and changes physically and physiologically.

NDT trained therapists must work collaboratively with the client, their family and/or caregivers, teachers, and the medical team to develop comprehensive treatment programs based on the principles of human neurology and physiology as well as the most current principles of movement science. Individuals who have minimal to severe and profound sensory-motor difficulties can benefit from the Neuro-Developmental Treatment Approach.

The Neuro-Developmental Treatment/Bobath philosophy was developed by Dr. Karel and Mrs. Berta Bobath during the 1940's in England. It was originally developed for use with clients who presented with neurological impairments such as children with cerebral palsy and adults with cerebral-vascular accidents. Mrs. Bobath would perform a treatment strategy with a client and Dr. Bobath would then go to the library and research why it worked with that client. Until the 1970's, the accepted theory of motor control was the vertical hierarchy model presented by John Hughlings Jackson in the 1880's.

Charles Sherrington furthered this research in the early 1900's. Today, the articles and books of Dr. Bobath are considered historical in nature as movement science has continued to evolve beyond the research available when he was writing.

Janet M. Howle, PT, MSCT has edited Neuro-Developmental Treatment Approach: Theoretical Foundations and Principles of Clinical Practice in collaboration with the Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association's Theory Committee. This book presents the most current philosophy and principles of the NDT approach as understood using current movement science theories. It blends the beauty of the Bobath's treatment strategies with current science for the client's best long term functional outcome.

To order the book, log onto: www.NDTA.org

Please consider becoming a member of the Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association. You will receive a journal, electronically, six times a year. The website offers the opportunity to ask the Coordinator Instructors questions and receive replies. There is an active Regions organization so that you might find support in your local area as well. There are many more reasons to become a member of the Association and gain from all that is offered through the Association. Go to: www.ndta.org to join and take advantage of the special offer to pay your membership for two years.