The Neurodevelopmental Approach to Development -- The Neurodevelopmental Approach is like no other approach to human development. It is unique in its approach of looking at the the whole individual, not the separate pieces. Taking the individual pieces, without an understanding of how they interrelate, will severely impede the success you have working with individuals.
How Neurodevelopmental Programs Can Improve Function -- Neurodevelopmentalists consider function to be reflective of neurological organization. They believe that the function or lack of function which we observe in people who have been "labeled" is rooted in the development of the brain and nervous system, neurodevelopment. When there are developmental inefficiencies we see a lack of function, a symptom. These symptoms reflect neurological disorganization. As neurological organization improves, development progresses, and we see an improvement in function. So if we can cause development to progress we will see a change in function, an improvement in the symptoms.
The Neurodevelopmental Approach to Developmental Delays -- There is much hope for the child with developmental delay. This hope lies in the very nature of the brain and the central nervous system. A review of scientific literature reveals that the human brain displays plasticity, meaning that with specific stimulation, function, structure and even chemistry of the brain and central nervous system changes when impacted specifically by stimulation. This tells us that human function, which is controlled by the central nervous system and more specifically the brain, is changeable. If we can evaluate what is causing problems in development and if we are wise enough to find the specific stimulation that can impact that development, we can accelerate the development and help improve function.
ADD: A Neurodevelopmental Approach -- Attention Deficit Disorder is a common diagnosis of school age children. With the prevalence of this diagnosis, approximately 5 to 10% of the school-aged children according to the Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, it is important that parents understand exactly what this label is, what it means, how it is determined and alternatives that are available for their children.
Sensory Play -- Sensory play, self-stimulating behavior, or “stimming” are all terms used to describe a group of behaviors seen in many delayed children. It is repetitive, it often appears compulsive, and it can occur using any of the senses. Parents usually describe it as something that doesn’t seem quite right.
An Approach To Remediation -- Several times over the last year, I have been asked to explain the general approach that I use as a neurodevelopmentalist. I have written several articles on different aspects of my approach but have not given an overall picture of it. This month I will attempt to do so.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrom: A Neurodevelopmental Approach -- There is much hope for the individual affected by alcohol in utero. Although identification and diagnosis has its place, your job as a parent is to find out how to best help your children reach their God-given potential. Parents need to know what is really causing the troublesome symptoms, and how they can help to remediate the problems. Do not let negative predictions limit the potential you see in your child. Individuals have defied labels for years and years by remediating the causes in very specific ways.
Success With Individual Neurodevelopmental Plans -- Here are some answers to frequently asked questions and suggestions from experienced parents and neurodevelopmentalists which may make the daily implementation of your INP more consistent and thus more successful.