Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association

Concepts and Treatment

Began Over 60 Years Ago

Mrs. Berta Bobath, Physiotherapist and Dr. Karel Bobath

From Bobath Approach to “NDT”
“The Bobath Approach”,
the original approach,
began in England, 1940’s.

NDT is not a method,

but an evolving, “living
concept” in management.

“Give life, not exercise.”

Berta Bobath
From Bobath Approach to “NDT”
In the 1960’s, the Bobath's renamed their concept
“NeuroDevelopmental Treatment”.

Mary Quinton, physiotherapist, and Dr. Elsbeth Köng,

pediatrician, were acknowledged by the Bobath's to
teach Bobath courses. They expanded and further
developed “NeuroDevelopmental Treatment” as applied
to the problems of infants with a suspected diagnosis
of cerebral palsy.
 What is the NDT Approach?
The NDT Approach is used for
management and treatment
of individuals with CNS
pathophysiology.
The individual’s strengths and
impairments are identified
and addressed in relation to
functional abilities and
limitations.
What is the NDT Approach?
The NDT Approach continues
to evolve with the emergence
of new theories, models,
research, and information in
the movement sciences.
 What is the NDT Approach?
NDT is a hands-on, problem
solving approach.
Intervention involves direct
handling and guidance to
optimize function.
Approach is guided by the
client’s reactions
throughout every treatment
session.
 Collaboration in NDT
An NDT-trained therapist’s
education in neurology,
physiology, and current
research is translated into daily
practice. They work
collaboratively with patients,
families caregivers, and other
healthcare professionals to
develop individualized
comprehensive treatment
programs based on NDT theory
and philosophy.
What is NDTA?

The Neuro-Developmental
Treatment Association
is a non-profit organization
comprised of members who are PT’s,
OT’s, SLP’s, as well as clients and
families who are all dedicated to
promoting the theory and principles
of the NDT approach.
 Mission of the NDTA
The purpose of the Association is to
promote the NDT Approach by:
 Providing specialized clinical training to health care
professionals
 Offering educational services to the membership,
clients and families and community
 Supporting clinical research
 Offering opportunities for clients and families to
access information and resources
 NDTA Supports Continuing Education

NDTA has designed post graduate continuing education

courses for physical therapists, occupational therapists,
and speech- language pathologists.
 NDTA Courses Emphasize
Philosophies and Principles
Therapists who are
NDT-Trained have
completed
advanced, hands-on
training
with highly skilled and
knowledgeable instructors.
 NDTA Courses Emphasize
Philosophies and Principles
NDT Approach focuses on
an in-depth understanding of
causes of impairments and
development of abnormal
movement patterns.
Then it addresses quality of
movement utilizing principles
of movement science.
 NDTA Courses Emphasize
Analytical Skills
Course participants are
taught to break down
“step-by-step”:
 Patterns of typical and atypical
movement
 Alignment and postural
development
 Biomechanical components
 Sensory and movement
experiences
 NDTA Courses Emphasize
Problem-Solving Skills
The NDT Approach is intended
to maximize function,
minimize impairments,
and prevent disabilities
while enhancing quality of life
throughout the lifespan.
 NDTA Courses Emphasize
Interaction Towards Independence

The NDT Approach involves

individuals, caregivers and
families, and the
interdisciplinary team in
assessment, planning, and
treatment application to
optimize function and
independence.
NDTA Approved Courses

 NDTA approved adult

pediatric certificate courses
 NDTA Approved Advanced
training courses
 NDTA Approved Seminars
 NDTA-sponsored National and
Specialty Conferences
 NDTA Approved Courses
NDTA approved courses are
taught by NDT Coordinator
Instructors and OT, PT, and
SLP Instructors.
To date, courses have been
held in the USA, Canada,
Mexico, Columbia, China,
Argentina, Singapore,
Ireland, Brazil, and Peru.
 NDTA Approved Courses
Course Topics Include:
Adult Head Trauma
Infant and Baby Courses
Hand Function and Fine
Motor Control
Facilitating Movement During
Functional Activity
Gait Courses
Handling and Problem Solving
Treatment Strategies for
Respiratory Function
 Phonatory Function
 Oral Motor Function
Trunk Control
Upper and Lower Extremity
Courses
 NDTA Approved Certificate Courses
“NDTA/Bobath Certificate Course in the
Management and Treatment of Adults
With Hemiplegia”

“NDTA/Bobath Certificate Course in the

Management and Treatment of
Individuals With Cerebral Palsy”
 NDTA Approved Certificate Courses
To become an NDT-Trained therapist, you must
successfully complete either the 8-week pediatric or
the 3-week adult course.
Criteria for acceptance into the courses has been
jointly established by NDTA, Inc. and course faculty to
ensure high standards for continuing education.
Course acceptance is determined through the
application process which examines professional
experience and current licensure/registration.
NDTA Approved Certificate
Courses

Respected in Continuing Education:

Over the past decade over 4000 therapists
have been trained in the NDT Approach!
 NDTA Approved Certificate
Courses
"During the course, I felt that I
wasn't just learning some "extra
information" that would assist me
in my treatment sessions, but that
I was building a foundation on
which to stand as a therapist. The
course gave me the tools to
thoroughly evaluate my clients,
looking not only at their limitations,
but their abilities. "
Bickham J. When I Grow Up I Want to Be an NDT-Trained PT.
NDTA Network. 2009; 16(1): 1-15
NDTA Approved Certificate
Courses
“I highly recommend this course to
any PT, OT, or SLP who wants to
strengthen their evaluation skills
and ability to develop functional
outcome treatment sessions. After
30 years of being a PT, this course
has re-oriented my thinking and my
focus regarding both of these
things.”
- ET, Harris, NY NDT 2007
 NDT Certified Status - C/NDT
 All individuals who have successfully
completed an NDTA Approved Certificate
Course may apply for NDT certification.
 Recognition for the knowledge acquired
& the continuous process of updating
information that is involved in being NDT
therapists.
 Integrate current NDT Theory & Practice.
 Prestige in NDT Certification
accomplishments.
 Advanced level certification courses are
at times required by employers or state &
local agencies.
The Vision of NDTA Membership:

NDTA fosters development of

this treatment approach
through:
 Continuing Education
 Educational Services to the
Community
 Support for Clinical Research
 Client and Family Advocacy
 NDTA’s Membership
Look How Far We’ve Come!

NDTA Is Internationally
Recognized.

NDTAmembers are
represented in all 50 states,
Canada, Mexico, and in 34
other countries.
Membership Has Its Benefits
Research opportunities and
resources for evidence-based
practice: Includes research
articles, resources, text,
abstracts, poster presentations,
and annotated bibliographies.
NDTA Small Grant Awards are
available and allocated
annually to fund on-going
research.
 Membership Has Its Benefits
Evidence-Based Research and Practice
 Focusing on effects of specific handling or positioning
techniques on functional outcomes
 Integrating the NDT Approach with other treatment approaches
on specific functional outcomes
 Developing appropriate assessment strategies for
measurement of treatment outcomes
 Contributing to the theoretical basis of the NDT Approach
Membership Has Its Benefits
Access to the lending library &
discounts on NDTA publications:
Including the Theory Book
“Neuro-Developmental Treatment
Approach: Theoretical
Foundations and Principles of
Clinical Practice” Janet M. Howle
as well as the Study Guide that
accompanies this textbook.
 Membership Has Its Benefits
Regional activities, local
representation, quarterly region
updates, and leadership opportunities:
Contact Committee & Regional Chairs,
find members and become involved!

Stay connected through professional

networking with local study groups,
hosting and attending courses and
conferences, and referring clients to
your NDT-trained and certified
colleagues.
 Membership Has Its Benefits
NDTA’s bi-monthly newsletter
for Case Studies, Clinician’s
Corner, Family Perspectives,
Continuing NDT Education and
Association News. Back issues
are archived on the website
for easy access.
Available in PDF format
through E-News and online at
www.ndta.org members can
print copies of any of the
articles from their own
personal computers.
 Membership Has Its Benefits
WWW. .ORG
Additional ‘Member Only’
Website Benefits Include:
Members-Only Message Boards
E-news Monthly updates and
news from NDTA
headquarters, committee
chairs & Board of Directors
Up-To-Date NDT Information
and Links for parents, families,
and caregivers across the globe.
Online Mentoring via Instructor
Q&A Post a therapeutic question
to an NDT instructor. Answers
are posted on the website and
archived questions can also be
accessed.
 Membership Has Its Benefits
Supporting Continuing Education: An ever-growing,
changing, and updated selection of courses throughout North
America and Internationally will offer you the opportunity to stay
informed in your discipline.

Discounts are provided to NDTA members for post-graduate

continuing education courses, seminars, and conferences
sponsored by the NDTA.
 Membership Has Its Benefits
Become an Active Member With NDTA
Opportunities available for committee chairs and members:
Regions and Local Representatives, Membership, Marketing,
Education, Website, National Conference Planning, Publications,
Research, and Public Relations.
Volunteer with other members at conferences and courses, host a
course, provide local in-services to area facilities, or become a key
contact in your area.
 NDTA Membership Categories
Join Today! 1 & 2 year membership options available.
▪ Therapist and Assistant Therapist Practitioners
(OT, PT, SLP disciplines)
▪ Other Healthcare Practitioners
▪ Retired Therapist Practitioners
▪ Students (Pursuing entry-level degrees)
▪ Students (Pursuing post-professional degrees)
▪ NDT Consumers (patients, clients, families, caregivers)
▪ Corporate Members
Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association

WWW.NDTA.org
info@NDTA.org
1-800-869-9295