The INPP Programme (Neuro-Motor Immaturity)
Introduction
INPP (The Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology) was established in 1975 by Dr. Peter Blythe. Peter Blythe and Sally Goddard Blythe are experts in the area of NDD (Neuro-Developmental Delay), or Neuro-Motor Immaturity (NMI), and who have written numerous books on the subject. INPP has pioneered research into NDD. The INPP programme has been developed to offer a completely drug-free and non-invasive treatment which can help children overcome specific learning difficulties. Smart Learning Solutions is the New Zealand Licentiate of INPP and provides the INPP Programme.
What is Neuro-Motor Immaturity?
Each one of us is born with a set of primitive reflexes (sometimes known as survival reflexes). If these primitive reflexes are not fully integrated during infancy, control of voluntary, skilled and complex movements can be affected. This is known as Neuro Developmental Delay (NDD) or Neuro-Motor Immaturity (NMI) of the Central Nervous System.
These uninhibited reflexes can interfere with subsequent motor development, visual functioning, hand-eye coordination and perceptual skills. If the physical nature of these difficulties is not identified, it can lead to frustration, hyperactivity, stress, hypersensitivity, and emotional problems later on. It can also interfere with concentration and short term memory.
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Factors which can influence Neuro-Motor Immaturity
Pregnancy
Threatened Miscarriage
Influenza or infection at specific stages
Toxaemia
Alcohol consumption or illicit drugs
Poorly controlled diabetes
Placental insufficiency
Reduced amniotic fluid
Poor nutrition
Birth and New Born Disorders
Prolonged or precipitate labour
Fetal Distress
Prematurity
Breach presentation
Caesarean Section
High Forceps delivery
Ventouse extraction
Low birth weight
Inborn errors of metabolism
Low Apgar score
Early Childhood
Illnesses in Early Childhood
Febrile convulsion
Restricted movement in the first months
History of recurrent ear, nose and throat infections
How can we help?
The INPP Individual Programme
Full Diagnostic Assessment
This assessment consists of extensive non-invasive neurological tests which assess a number of skills:
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Gross and fine muscle coordination
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Balance
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Patterns of motor development
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Reflexes
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Laterality
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Oculo-motor functioning
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Visual perception and motor integration
The Assessment, at which the parent/caregiver also needs to be present, takes approximately 2 hours. At the end of the assessment, a verbal report will be given. A home programme involving a daily physical exercise is prescribed, based on the assessment findings. These movements and exercises have been devised to stimulate maturation within the Central Nervous System. An assessment report will be sent out two weeks after the assessment.
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Treatment
The treatment comprises of a series of physical exercises based on early movements made by the developing child in the first year(s) of life. The exercises are designed to retrain the reflex pathways, inhibiting primitive reflexes and developing postural reflexes, thereby helping to improve the control of balance, posture, voluntary movement, visual functioning and perceptual abilities.
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A typical exercise programme will take about 5 minutes a day over a period of 12 months. Progress is reviewed at 8 weekly intervals and exercises are changed when appropriate. Reviews take approximately 45 minutes.
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For details on pricing, please contact us.