The Process

The first step is to fill out a screening questionnaire and submit it for advice. The quickest and simplest method is to use the online version located at the foot of this page which will be submitted via Google Forms. We will then get in touch to advise you on the next step. Alternatively, you can download and print out a physical copy (PDF) at the link below, if you prefer. You can then get in touch via phone or email to chat about your concerns and arrange an initial consultation, to which you will be asked to bring the completed questionnaire. All information will be handled in the strictest confidence.

The initial consultation lasts for about an hour. We will discuss the various difficulties or presenting problems that you or your child might be having. We will then quickly check for the presence of retained primitive reflexes. The assessment is totally non-invasive and there are no academic or medical tests. We are simply assessing the individual's functioning central nervous system. Ideally, the person to be assessed should wear loose clothing, such as a t-shirt and shorts/tracksuit bottoms. This assessment, together with the information on the screening questionnaire, will enable us to decide whether a programme of Neuro Developmental Therapy will be of benefit. In that case an appointment for a full neurological assessment will be made.

The diagnostic assessment lasts for approximately 2 hours. The client is fully assessed for retained primitive reflexes, the number of reflexes retained and the extent to which they are retained. Clients are also assessed for the presence of postural reactions and the extent to which these have developed. There are tests for balance & co-ordination that most children enjoy very much. Tests of laterality and eye tracking are also carried out, as well as transcription and drawing. An audiogram may also be taken at this time. The assessment is, again, non-invasive. The client should once more be in loose clothing and barefoot. At the end of the assessment, we will discuss a programme of neural stimulation.

Based on the outcome of the diagnostic assessment, we will design an individualised exercise programme to carry out at home under supervision. We will select the exercises (and potentially other treatments, such as skin stimulation or sound therapy) best suited to inhibit the diagnosed retained primitive reflexes. We will demonstrate and teach the exercises and provide you with a detailed and clear instruction leaflet, showing how to follow the programme at home. The exercises take 5-10 minutes daily, working with a helper. It is vitally important to carry out the programme PRECISELY as directed, as key elements are regularity and repetition.

This is merely a follow-up appointment to discuss the findings and educational implications of the diagnostic assessment and can be conducted either in-person, online or over the phone.

Reviews will take place every 6-8 weeks to assess progress and adjust the exercise programme as required. At each review, the gross and fine motor skills, balance, primitive and postural reflexes, eye movements and visual perception will be reassessed. An full audiometric assessment may also be carried out at the first review and a recommendation made for sound therapy, if indicated. The client may or may not be moved on to a new exercise at the review depending on the stage of the programme. Clients are never asked to do more than two exercises at any one time. Should any difficulties arise between reviews, we are always available to discuss them, either online or by phone.

On average, a programme of Neuro Developmental Therapy takes 12-18 months to complete, another key element being duration. This varies from person to person, depending on such factors as number of reflexes retained, degree of retention and the ability of the individual to perform the exercises. We then take a break which enables us to assess the lasting and continued development of the central nervous system. It is sometimes necessary to 'tidy up' any remaining areas of function with specific, targeted programmes following the period after the break from treatment. The aim of the treatment programmes are to take the central nervous system back to the point of any developmental interruption and restart development by mimicking the processes that should have happened at the key early developmental stages. Once the treatment programme is completed, the retained primitive reflexes are inhibited and will remain so, while still being available in cases of trauma, as is the case in normal development. With Neuro Developmental Therapy, the gains made are lasting!