intensive therapies

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The Intensive Therapy Program is an innovative treatment approach for babies, children, and young adults with cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular diagnosis. It is designed to address the unique and desired goals of each client and their family. The program is based on Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) and associated pediatric therapy. Therapy will be provided as two sessions per day of 2 hours each on three to five consecutive days by Leslie Paparsenos, an experienced pediatric physical therapist and Pediatric NDTA™ Instructor. The intensive program is designed to complement the child’s ongoing regular physical therapy.

What is Neuro-Developmental Treatment?

Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) is a hands-¬on therapeutic approach that aims to assist the client to increase their independence and participation, at home and in the community, by addressing task-¬related posture and movement skills and motor learning. Treatment is goal directed and family driven; the family and client choose the daily tasks they want to work on improving, and this becomes the focus of the therapy, through measurable functional goals that are assessed before and after treatment each day. Play and engaging activities help to make therapy enjoyable.

How do children and families benefit?

The program aims to improve the client’s independence with daily skills such as mobility, transfers, walking, stair navigation, playground equipment navigation, play/leisure activities, and transitional skills. Participating families can expect to see improvements toward the chosen goals, and learn how to better assist with new and developing skills. Families may invite their regular therapist to observe the final treatment session or, alternatively, to attend all/several sessions and receive ‘self-styled’ professional development training between sessions (fee applies for training).

When and where will the program run? 

The program will take place in your home or selected venue over dates that suit you.

Is your child eligible?

The  program is open to babies and children/young adults with cerebral palsy and/or other neuromuscular diagnosis who are medically stable and able to work with a therapist they are not familiar with.