Has anyone seen a "neurodevelopmentalist?" Is this legit?

[klmama]

A friend is planning to take her children to see a neurodevelopmentalist and sent me a link so I could pass it on to others I know who might need such help. I'm not familiar with the term "neurodevelopmentalist," and I just wanted to see if anyone here knows if it's a legitimate field. It's hard to understand what's involved from the website link she gave me, but it sounds like it may involved treatment for sensory integration, mixed with dietary recommendations. Does that sound right? My concern is that the people listed are "certified neurodevelopmentalists" rather than OTs, PTs, nutritionists, etc. I don't think someone has to have those certifications to know what they are doing, but I don't want to see my friends waste the thousands of dollars this is going to cost them to have their 2 dc seen at this clinic. What says the hive?

[momto4kings]

I don't know which group your friend is considering, but I have worked with the NACD (www.nacd.org (http://www.nacd.org)) for the last 4 1/2 years and have seen tremendous results with my children.

[Laurie4b]

I have the same impression as you do--that neurodevelopmentalist is actually not a profession for which you get a degree, though the name sounds very "official." That doesn't necessarily mean that what they do doesn't help, but I think it would be good if your friend asked specifically what educational degree the person has. The other issue is whether "neurodevelopmentalists" are regulated by the state. State oversight isn't a guarantee of quality, but it does offer some protection to consumers. Again, these are questions I would have if I were to see such a practioner.

[ELaurie]

it was not a good experience for us. In retrospect, I feel it did far more harm than good, in our case.

While I think qualifications and state certification are important considerations, I think it's equally importqnt to examine the research and underlying philosophy behind the approach you choose.

Ds 9 is currently working with a HANDLE (http://www.handle.org/) provider, and I have been very impressed with what I have learned about this approach so far.

[ProtectYourChildren]

My children have seen a "neurodevelopmentalist" and something wasn't just quite right with this individual. So I have been researching what it means and what kind of certification, licensing, etc. exist. What I found out is that any small group of people (2 or more) can form a small company, institute their own certification programs (which could be basically no more than taking a weekend course with them -for a feee of course) and issue certificates of any type.

These are not regulated by the state unless what the "certified" individual practices falls under the definition of an already regulated discipline such as psychology, psycho-therapy, etc.

I know for a fact that in the State of Texas, their Psychology Board of Licensing and Regulations characterized the title "neurodevelopmentalist" as a made up title.

If I were you, I would be extremely skeptical of anyone using such title and would do a background check on the person's qualifications and professional history before allowing my child to be seen by such individual.

My two cents.

[ClassicMom]

Have her be careful! We took oldest to one years ago and spent many many more dollars than I care to divulge here. He was a quack. We drove 3 hours each way twice a week for two years!

However, that is not to say that this doctor is not legit. Just make sure that he is a qualified doctor in his own right. Make sure that he has OT, Speech and PT people working for him that will work with the child. That they will not just be working with HIM! Beware if the insurance is being billed to ANYTHING other than what is on his card/his name. I would also have them call Better Business Bureau.

Can't be too cautious when it comes to something like this. Ask to see qualifications and actually look at them. :glare:

[Jennefer@SSA]

Okay I am a little freaked out. I have an appointment to take my son to an ND this next Wednesday. I have been to several of her seminars at our local homeschool convention and have had an IRL friend who used her program with great results.

I am posting a link that show's the ND we are using and all her credentials. For those of you " in the know" are there any red flags you see?

JB Credentials (http://www.homeschool-edu.com/Bios/JanBedell.html)

[Jennefer@SSA]

it was not a good experience for us. In retrospect, I feel it did far more harm than good, in our case.

While I think qualifications and state certification are important considerations, I think it's equally importqnt to examine the research and underlying philosophy behind the approach you choose.

Ds 9 is currently working with a HANDLE (http://www.handle.org/) provider, and I have been very impressed with what I have learned about this approach so far.

I just spent some time reading about the HANDLE approach and it seems very similar (at least in what I have read) to ND except maybe a little gentler??? Can you elaborate on some of the differences in this approach? Unfortunately there are no HANDLE providers anywhere in Texas. I would be very interested in your feedback on this. Thanks in advance.

[Mother-of-four]

Two of my sons have seen a CAN-DO neurodevelopmentalist, and it has been a good experience. We saw dramatic results with my older son. We started in August 2004. By Thanksgiving 2004, relatives and friends that we hadn't seen in several months commented that he seemed like a different kid. He was calm and polite, whereas before he been lacking in self-control. His obsessive/compulsive behaviors had nearly completely vanished.

My younger son's results have been less dramatic, but his areas of need are different from my elder son's. Also, I have not been as faithful in doing the program activities. It is very demanding and requires a tremendous commitment on the parent's part.

[dwkilburn1]

In our experience it was alot like occupational therapy only a fraction of the cost and we were taught to work with our son rather than dragging him to the doctor a couple of times a week.

[klmama]

Hello, all! I haven't checked this board in ages, but I did today and this post was at the top! It's a perfect time for an update, as I just saw my friends and their dc this morning.

The neurodevelopmentalist has been a great help to their 2 dc who have unusual development. The difference in just 6 months is amazing. :001_smile: So, while I can't recommend any particular person in this field, the one my friends are seeing is working well for them. Just wanted to share that with those of you considering this option for your dc!

[dwkilburn1]

LOL! I did not even check the date. Glad to hear your friend is having success.