What Is Neurodevelopment?
Answer…
There are certain steps children grow through as they develop. If any of these steps are skipped, then the brain and pathways do not develop properly. This may cause learning inefficiencies or learning disabilities later on. The good news is that children and adults at any age can go back through the stages of neurodevelopment to improve organization, short-term memory, long-term memory, coordination and academic abilities.
What Is The Neurodevelopmental Approach?
Answer…
The Neurodevelopmental Approach is a methodology of stimulating the brain with specific activities that will bring about an increase in neuro-pathways, resulting in better neuro-efficiency. With better neuro-efficiency one can receive, process, store, and retrieve information more easily. We work with the root causes of learning difficulties, as opposed to medicating and teaching coping and compensating skills.
At What Age Does The ND Approach Work?
Answer…
In the past 40 years, researchers have discovered the amazing plasticity of the brain; therefore, there are no age restrictions. Whether you have an infant born with Down Syndrome, or you are an adult who has been dealing with attention and focusing issues all your life, The Neurodevelopmental Approach can help.
How Do I Get Started With Your Program?
Answer…
There are three things we require to set up the initial evaluation appointment. First, you must either attend one of our seminars we provide each month, or you may purchase our DVD “The Neurodevelopmental Approach”. It is important you understand our approach to working with children. Parents are greatly involved and you need to know what is expected. Second, you will need to supply us with a completed
History Form. You can download the form, fill it in, and fax it to us, or save the completed form as a Word document, then email it to us at
evalinfo@littlegiantsteps.com. Last, the deposit is required. Call Alysa at our office (972-636-8089) if you need additional help.
How Much Does Your Program Differ From Other Disciplines?
Answer…
Each individual program varies in the time requirements. During the initial evaluation, parents, together with their neuro-educational specialist will determine how much time will be needed to meet the needs and make lasting changes in their child’s life. Experience has taught us that our programs can only be successful if implemented. It is a commitment that yields great rewards for the balance of the child’s life. Those parents who choose to make that commitment have no regrets, because they see the benefits of having a child who can succeed where they once were failing. Please visit our success stories from parents who once found themselves feeling helpless and hopeless about their children, because they didn’t know what to do.
How Long Does The Whole Process Take?
Answer…
It takes an average of 12 to 18 months. Some parents like this way of teaching and prefer it for their home school curriculums.
What Should I Expect From The Initial Evaluation?
listen to what parents say…
“The first evaluation was overwhelming. There was so much information to take in. It seemed like there were a lot of issues to address. But we were assured very quickly that we would be given the tools to help our son recover and that recovery was possible. For the first time, we understood why our son could not function in certain areas.
R. F. 4/01
The first evaluation was overwhelming (four hours) and tiring but so encouraging and reassuring. We were told many things we suspected; we were acknowledged for having some intelligence and commended for all we had done in behalf of helping our child (even the things that didn’t work; it was our intent that was commended). The information given was hard to grapple. Having a cassette tape made at the time (so we could re-listen later) was a great help and stress reliever since we didn’t’ have to remember so much. We were also made aware that our son’s problems were much more complicated than we had thought or been led to believe. Our biggest problem was skepticism; true, our neurodevelopmentalist spent four hours with us but she seemed to know about 300 times more than what other “specialists” had discovered in much longer time spans. The proof was in the pudding!
J. R. 5/01
Do You See Improvement Right Away?
Answer…
We did not. Things actually got worse for a while – lots more emotionality, temper flares, confusion. But after about one month, everything settled down and we saw improvement. It was rough at first, but we are glad that we stuck with it.
R. R. 4/01
Within just one week after starting program, our son (moderately autistic, severe language delay) was stimming noticeably less (particularly with doors and light switches) and engaging more appropriately in play. He is also much less ticklish on his feet and around his neck. This makes it so much easier to put shirts and socks on!!!
E. R. 4/01
Our 13 year-old son has been on program for nine months, so far. We saw a “settling down” for the first two weeks, then we saw utter chaos and confusion. I doubted whether I would survive the dramatically increased emotionality, inappropriate behavior, skittishness, tactile sensitivity, and belligerence. (I wasn’t sure I would survive my own increased emotionality!) Within four weeks, however, we started seeing some good improvement and within two months, HE began to see some good improvement.
J. R. 5/01
Is The Cost Worth It?
Answer…
Yes, ND therapy can be quite costly, but nowhere else do you get more value for your money. This program gives children life-long skills; skills that equip them to have productive careers and relationships. I believe that without ND, our son (13 years-old) would not have been able to go onto post-secondary education. Now, I have no doubt that he will be able to do whatever he wants with his life. Expensive? Yes, but not in the relative scheme of things. Nothing worth this much can come easily. Money well invested in my son’s future sure beats buying a new car or taking a trip to Disney World.
R. F. 5/01
My husband and I have one son who has been on program for six months. We home school our children. Our middle son did not start learning to read until he was seven years-old, and reading and spelling have always been difficult for him. We are mainly working on visual dominance, macular reflection, and tactility issues. I sometimes feel like the “Patch Patrol” constantly reminding him to wear his patch! And then, there are the dreaded “bug” glasses as we like to call them (pinhole glasses)! We have also worked on visual and auditory sequential processing, conceptualization, and articulation. At our four month re-evaluation, we were so encouraged with the results. We saw changes/ progress in all areas, including a two grade level jump in all academic testing areas. I was especially thrilled with his improvement in reading decoding which is very weak. We have yet to see improvement in spelling, but I have faith that it will follow once his visual dominance and reflection problems are completely corrected. I am sold on the benefits of this program and so very thankful for it and the work of our evaluator. It has been an answer to prayer!
J. G. 1/2000
