Paediatric Workshops

Paediatric Workshops facilitate and provide post-graduate training in Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT US) and Sensory Integration Therapy (SI).

Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) is an advanced therapeutic approach practised by experienced Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists and Speech-Language Pathologists. More about NDT

"Sensory Integration Therapy was developed to help children who have problems in motor, cognitive, and socio-emotional development which are related to inadequate sensory processing" (Blanche et al, 1995). Treatment involves controlled and graded sensory input in a physically & emotionally safe and 'rich' sensory treatment environment.

Our workshops have been developed for OTs, PTs, and SLPs who treat children with neuromotor and sensory processing impairments. The workshops are taught by experienced, qualified therapists and combine theory and 'hands-on' experience.

Our overriding goal is to facilitate improved functional outcomes for children who have developmental disabilities, enabling them to participate more fully in daily life activities. We promote a holistic and family-centred approach to therapy.

Blanche E, Botticelli T. and Hallway M. (1995). Combining Neurodevelopmental Treatment and Sensory Integration Principles, an Approach to Paediatric Therapy. Therapy Skill Builders, Tucson , Arizona .

The following information is reproduced from NDT in a Nutshell by Bonnie Boenig with the author's permission.

"The Neuro-Developmental Treatment Approach was originally developed by Dr and Mrs Bobath in the 1940s.

NDT is currently based on theories of movement that support the development or learning of skill as a process that involves the interrelationship between, intrinsically, the systems of the human body, and extrinsically, influences of physical and sensory variables of the environment.

NDT principles of treatment include the use of a multi-disciplinary team approach primarily including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology, and recognition that the emergence or learning of functional skills addressed by one therapy discipline overlaps and can impact another.

The NDT approach involves the analysing of task, problem solving to determine motor behaviours critical to accomplishing the task, and developing of goals and objectives related to individual client abilities and physical and sensory challenges.

NDT relies heavily on precise, graded, handling skills that guide the client to ultimately developing skills in motor behaviours necessary to achieve independence in performing desired functional activities."

From Boenig B. (2005). NDT in a Nutshell.Suggestions for on-the-spot explanations of Neuro-Developmental Treatment.NDTA Network March/April 2005.'

Another useful reference is:

The following articles offer valuable insights for therapists wanting to know more about NDT:

So Is NDT Just Everything, Then? by Marcia Stamer, PT, from NDTA Network on the Net. Download a copy

Who Owns the research? by Marcia Stamer, PT in NDTA Network on the Net 2006. Download a copy.

NDT in the US: Changes in Theory Advance Clinical Practice, by Janet M. Howle, PT, MACT, from NDTA Network March/April 2006. Download a copy

Australia, Eh? NDT Training gives an OT Magic Hands By Krista Fraser, MEd; OT, RegNB, from NDTA Network on the Net 2011. https://www.ndta.org/network/article.php?article_id=453

Teaching "Down Under" By Jane Styer-Acevedo, PT C/NDT, from NDTA Network on the Net 2011.
https://www.ndta.org/network/article.php?article_id=506

NDT Taught an Old Dog More Than New Tricks: How an NDT Workshop Inspired Me to be the Best Practitioner I Can Be. By Tracey Greenwold, PT, from NDTA Network on the Net 2011. https://www.ndta.org/network/article.php?article_id=525

NDT Certificate course 2013. Our NDTA Coordinator Instructor will again be Suzanne Davis, RPT. This will be a split course with the first session scheduled for 7 - 29 January and the second session will be held from 24 June to 12 July. Expressions of interest to cohost one of these sessions are due with us by the end of May. We will call for expressions of interest to register some time in June. See our Courses and allied training page for more information about the certificate course.