What Is Dyslexia Therapy?

Here at the centre we use Neuro-Developmental Delay Therapy (NDT). It is a unique, drug-free approach to addressing the physical factors that can lead to symptoms such as :-

dyslexia

dyspraxia

ADD/ADHD

balance & coordination problems

emotional disorders

The Institute of Neuro-Physiological Psychology, established in 1975, has developed procedures to diagnose and correct aberrant reflexes that can impede normal functioning of the central nervous system.

Neuro-developmental delay is defined as "the omission or arrest of a stage in early development."

At birth we possess a set of reflexes that help us during birth, in early survival, and with motor development. Trained by these reflexes, the infant starts to gain conscious control over movement. This lays the foundation for the motor skills vital to academic learning.

After the first year these reflexes should no longer be active: if they persist, the child may be impeded from winning conscious control over some aspects of movement and behaviour.

Research in the UK, Germany, and Sweden has shown that retained reflexes may affect :-

behaviour

motor control

sensory perception

eye-hand coordination

cognition

All of these could be a factor in learning difficulties.

How Can It Help?

The brain is given a second chance to "wire itself up" correctly. Exercises help to develop balance, coordination, and eye functioning. Once these connections have been established, additional exercises consolidate the improvements.

NDT should be regarded as "one piece in the jigsaw" of treatment. It is not a miracle cure. Recipients will be encouraged to seek advice on nutrition and on specialist educators.

What Happens During Treatment?

Once it is determined that NDT is an appropriate treatment, a full diagnostic test is done to assesses his or her balance, coordination, spatial awareness, visual perception, and reflex profile. This helps the therapist to determine whether specific developmental movements were omitted.

The therapist then devises a "home programme" designed to replicate the developmental movements that were missed the first time. These are simple movements that usually take 5-10 minutes each day.

The therapist reviews the recipient's progress at 6-8 week intervals, making modifications to the programme of exercises as needed.

What Are The Qualifications And Codes Of Practice?

The therapist at the Centre has completed a one-year training course at The Institute of Neuro-Physiological Psychology and is qualified as a Neuro-Devolpmental Delay Therapist.

This course covers developmental disorders, specific learning difficulty therapies, reflex inhibition programmes, and neurology relating to sensory and motor systems pathology.

Where Can I Learn More?

Please visit The Institute of Neuro-Physiological Psychology.