Neurodevelopmental Treatment Clinical Practice Model’s Role in the Management of Children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

The neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) approach to clinical practice with individuals with cerebral palsy and other neuromotor disorders is a holistic approach to their examination and treatment towards functional shifts in their lives. The client, their caregivers/parents, and team members work together to identify those functional goals that will allow and encourage them to participate with their family and community to the greatest extent possible. The child’s areas of strength and need are categorized according to the ICF model and using task analysis of the goal, the identified components of the goal are synthesized with the child’s ability to reach their functional goals. In this manner, well-sequenced treatment strategies help to develop a more efficient and effective treatment session. Therapeutic handling is used to aid the child’s movement, to redirect unwanted and ineffective movements, and to assist the child in learning patterns of movement that are more efficient and will lead to improved function. NDTshould be playful and collaborative with shared control of the sessions between the client and the clinician. The NDT approach is functional, fun, efficient, effective, and collaborative with positive effects noted through the ages. While recognizing their personal improvements, clients enjoy their sessions and willingly return to improve their function and participation in life.