Increasing attention is being paid to brain injuries and disorders, for everything from football concussions to soldiers returning from the battlefield. The attention is great, and now innovative methods are coming to the fore that may help victims. One new method is known as Neurodevelopmental Therapy (or NDT). This can be used in a variety of therapeutic disciplines, including pediatric physical therapy.

Basically, NDT is a way to look at problems on a targeted, individual level. Therapists for kids with disabilities use hands-on exercises and the latest equipment to train patients on functional tasks. For example, think of a girl with neurological problems who is unable to stand due to the problem might set little goals. One would probably be moving the feet and balancing using the patient's own strength. In this case, the pediatric physical therapist would help the patient by touch throughout.

NDT is patient-driven, because the kids and other patients must set goals. For children with special needs, goals may be set by the parents. For adult patients dealing with problems such as TBI and stroke, the goal could involve walking, standing and more. Some of the best physical therapists who try these strategies say that a patient's perception of treatment can make all the difference.

Beyond the intuitive sense that it works, NDT truly is effective. Professionals in the field report that need fewer assistive devices and less adaptive equipment while achieving an improvement in proper positioning. Improvement is possible in eating, speech, movement and much more.

For kids with disabilities, physical therapists can use NDT to help them be less dependent. They can learn to support themselves, maneuver stairs, or even crawl or stand. The best pediatric physical therapists believe that at least a little improvement is possible for almost everyone, even those with the most serious conditions.

The scientific research about NDT isn't very thorough, but the topic isn't controversial. Many of the studies have been done on just a few patients, so aren't widely applicable. But it all makes sense and a growing number of pediatric physical therapists and other specialists are trying it.

If you or a family member struggle with function and mobility, consider finding a autism spectrum San Diego, CA expert to help.