1. Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association
About the NDTA in 2013

2. Concepts and Treatment Began Over 60 Years Ago
Mrs. Berta Bobath, Physiotherapist and Dr. Karel Bobath

3. 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

4. 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.

5. What is the NDT Approach?
The NDT Approach is used for management and treatment of individuals with Central Nervous System pathophysiology. The individual’s strengths and impairments are identified and addressed in relation to functional abilities and limitations.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.
Education
Theory
Caregiver Support
Research

9. What is NDTA? The Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association
is a non-profit organization comprised of members who are PT’s, OT’s, SLP’s, Therapist Assistants as well as clients and families who are all dedicated to promoting the theory and principles of the NDT approach.

10. The purpose of the Association is to promote the NDT Approach by:
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

11. NDTA Supports Continuing Education
NDTA has designed post graduate continuing education
courses for physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech- language pathologists and assistant therapists.

12. NDTA Courses Emphasize Philosophies and Principles
Therapists who are
NDT-Trained have completed
advanced, hands-on training
with highly skilled and
knowledgeable instructors.

13. 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.

14. 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

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. NDTA Approved Courses NDTA approved adult and
pediatric certificate courses
NDTA Approved Advanced training courses
NDTA Approved Seminars
NDTA sponsored Annual and Specialty Conferences

18. 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, Spain and Peru.

19. 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

20. NDTA Approved Certificate Courses
“NDTA/Bobath Certificate Course in the Management of Adults With Stroke and Brain Injury”
“NDTA/Bobath Certificate Course in the Management and Treatment of
Children with Cerebral Palsy and other Neuromotor Disorders”

21. NDTA Approved Certificate Courses
To become an NDT-Trained therapist, you must successfully complete either the 261 hour pediatric or the 120 hour 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.

22. NDTA Approved Certificate Courses
Respected in Continuing Education:
Over the past 4 decades over 20,000 therapists
have been trained in the NDT Approach!

23. 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
Update comments from 208/2009 courses

24. 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
Update comments from 2008/2009 course

25. 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 certifications are at times required by employers or state & local agencies.

26. 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

27. NDTA Is Internationally Recognized.
NDTA’s Membership
Look How Far We’ve Come!
NDTA Is Internationally Recognized.
NDTA members are represented in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, and in 34 other countries.

28. 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.

29. 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

30. Membership Has Its Benefits
Access to the lending library & discounts on NDTA publications:
Including the “Components of Typical and Atypical Motor Development”
by Lois Bly, PT, C/NDT

31. Membership Has Its Benefits
Regional activities, local representation, and leadership opportunities.
Contact the Membership Committee and become involved!
Stay connected through professional networking with local study groups, hosting and attending courses and conferences.

32. 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 and as a Flip-book through E-News and online at members can print copies of any of the articles from their own
personal computers.

33. Membership Has Its Benefits
WWW ORG
Additional ‘Member Only’ Website Benefits Include:
Online Mentoring via Instructor Q&A - Post a therapeutic question to an NDTA instructor. Answers are posted on the website and archived questions can also be accessed.
Discounts on most all publications are available on the NDTA Marketplace
Up-to-date NDT Information and Links for parents, families, and caregivers across the globe.
Members-Only Message Boards
E-news Monthly updates and news from NDTA headquarters, committee chairs & Board of Directors

34. 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.
Tuition Discounts are provided to NDTA members for post- graduate continuing education courses, seminars, and conferences sponsored by the NDTA.

35. Membership Has Its Benefits
Become an Active Member With NDTA
Opportunities available for committee chairs and members:
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.

36. NDTA Membership Categories
Join Today! 1 & 2 year membership options available
▪ Therapist and Assistant Therapist Practitioners
(OT, PT, SLP disciplines)
▪ Other Healthcare Practitioners
▪ Retired
▪ Students (Pursuing entry-level degrees)
▪ Students (Pursuing post-professional degrees)
▪ NDT Consumers (patients, clients, families, caregivers)
▪ Corporate Partners (Agency or organization that supports NDTA and its goals)
Facility Partner (Agency or organization that supports NDTA and its goals)

37. Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association
1540 S. Coast Hwy, ste 203, Laguna Beach, CA 92651