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Nothing in all creation can compare to the amazing capacity and adaptability of the human brain. Traditional thinking has believed there are limits to the brains capacity. Research into neural plasticity of the brain (the brains ability to change and adapt) is greatly changing how we work with brain injuries, learning inefficiencies, sensory problems, and genetic syndromes. It can also help guide all of our children, or ourselves, to our fullest potential. While traditional thinking is “catching up” with neural plasticity, it is something that neurodevelopmentalists have been working with since it’s pioneering days in the 1940’s.
The neurodevelopmental approach is a “wholistic” approach. Rather than looking at each area of development individually, it looks at all the pieces in relationship to the entire picture. The neurodevelopmental assessment evaluates where an individual is functioning compared with a developmental profile. The developmental profile shows the normal progression of development as it relates to tactility, auditory, visual, language, manual, and mobility. The neurodevelopmental assessment evaluates short and long term memory, processing skills, the organization of the central nervous system, and academic function (where applicable). The assessment results are combined with parental information regarding the individual’s history, health, diet, and any other parental concerns. Finally, an individualized program, or plan of action, is designed based on all the information.
There is hope for your child. Whether your child has received a label of Brain Injured, Autistic, Down Syndrome, PDD, Asperger’s, Cerebral Palsy, William’s Syndrome, ACC, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Learning Disabled, Dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, or any other of the myriad of labels abounding, there is hope. Most labels come with specific lists of what to expect and what the future holds. Don’t believe them. What the future holds is not something that can be predetermined or preset. What the future holds is based upon the opportunities that are presented to the individual.
Labels are nothing but symptomatic identification. The role of the neurodevelopmentalist is to identify and target the underlying neurological inefficiencies. By effectively treating at the root level, the symptomatic concerns can be improved and/or eliminated.
Modalities Assessed
Auditory competence
Visual competence
Tactility and Proprioception
Gross Motor and Mobility
Fine Motor and Manual competence
Vestibular function and Coordination
Language and Communication
Long term memory
Short term memory
Auditory sequential processing
Auditory tonal processing
Visual sequential processing
Central Nervous System organization
Academic function
Criteria of Assessment
Developmental Profile
Comprehensive History Form
Functional Analysis
Standardized academic testing
An individualized “plan of action” is designed based on the assessment findings and parental interview. Parents receive training in implementation of the INP. Additional materials (relatively inexpensive) may be needed to complete the Individualized Neurodevelopmental Plan.
Reassessments occur on a Triannual basis, and are paramount to the success of the Neurodevelopmental Approach. Families should be willing to make a minimum one year commitment.
For a more detailed description of the Neurodeveopmental Approach, Click Here.
For further reading on the Neurodevelopment Approach, Click Here.