intensive therapies

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The Intensive Therapy Program is a specialized and innovative treatment model designed for infants, children, and young adults with cerebral palsy and other neurological diagnoses. This individualized program is tailored to address the specific goals and priorities of each client and their family.

Grounded in the principles of Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) and evidence-informed pediatric therapy practices, the program offers a concentrated and goal-driven therapeutic experience. Sessions are scheduled twice daily, each lasting two hours, over the course of three to five consecutive days. Therapy is provided by Leslie Paparsenos, a highly experienced pediatric physical therapist and certified Pediatric NDTA™ Instructor.

Depending on the needs of the child and in collaboration with the family, a second therapist may be involved to support the therapeutic process. This will be determined through discussion and mutual agreement with the family prior to the program’s start.

The Intensive Therapy Program is designed to enhance and complement the child’s ongoing physical therapy, supporting continuity of care and progress toward meaningful functional outcomes.

What is Neuro-Developmental Treatment?

Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) is a comprehensive, interactive practice model utilized by occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists to support individuals with neurological diagnoses across the lifespan. Rooted in dynamic clinical reasoning and movement analysis, NDT emphasizes continuous assessment and real-time adaptation to optimize functional outcomes.

This approach is designed to promote lasting neuroplastic changes and greater independence in everyday activities. It incorporates advanced handling techniques and evidence-informed strategies that go beyond conventional therapeutic methods. NDT stands apart through its integrative framework, which blends functional and impairment-specific interventions while drawing on the individual’s existing strengths.

Therapy is both goal-directed and family-centered: clients and families identify meaningful daily activities they wish to improve, which become the focus of therapy through clearly defined, measurable goals. Progress is monitored through ongoing assessment, including daily pre- and post-session evaluations. Sessions are engaging and play-based, helping to ensure the therapeutic experience is both effective and enjoyable.

How do children and families benefit?

The Intensive Therapy Program is designed to enhance the client’s functional independence in meaningful daily activities, including mobility, transfers, walking, stair navigation, playground engagement, play and leisure participation, and transitional skills. Each intervention is tailored to the individualized goals identified by the client and family, ensuring relevance and real-life application.

Families can expect to observe measurable progress toward selected goals and gain practical strategies to support their child’s emerging skills in everyday environments. To promote continuity of care, families are encouraged to invite their child’s regular therapist to observe the final session. Alternatively, therapists may attend multiple sessions and participate in individualized, on-site professional development opportunities offered between sessions (additional fees apply).

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.