Neurodevelopmental Therapy in Sevenoaks

Gentle, brain-based support for children with movement, focus or sensory challenges

What Is Neurodevelopmental Therapy (NDT)?

Neurodevelopmental Therapy (NDT) is a gentle, non-invasive approach that supports healthy brain development through movement, sensory input, and primitive reflex integration. It is based on the understanding that the brain and body develop in tandem, and that early movement patterns – like crawling, balance, and coordination – play a vital role in shaping neurological function. When certain reflexes are retained or developmental stages are skipped, it can result in difficulties with concentration & learning, physical coordination, emotional regulation, and even digestion or sleep.

At Sevenoaks Chiropractic Clinic, we offer Neurodevelopmental Therapy as a safe and supportive way to help children overcome these hurdles. Whether your child struggles to sit still in the classroom, finds loud environments overwhelming, or isn’t as physically confident as their peers, this therapy can offer targeted support. The goal isn’t to label or diagnose, it’s to help your child’s brain and body connect more effectively through simple, daily activities tailored to their needs.

Who Can Benefit from Neurodevelopmental Therapy?

Every child develops at their own pace – but sometimes, certain challenges seem to persist longer than expected. Neurodevelopmental Therapy is especially helpful for children who seem to be finding movement, attention, or sensory experiences more difficult than their peers. These challenges can sometimes be subtle, or they may have been brushed off as “just a phase.” But when difficulties persist, it’s worth exploring whether a neurological foundation might need a little extra support.

Many parents who come to us have noticed things like:

  • Trouble sitting still or staying focused at school
  • High sensitivity to sound, touch, taste, or routine changes
  • Regular bumps, falls, or clumsiness
  • Difficulty riding a bike, catching a ball, or navigating stairs
  • Emotional ups and downs, meltdowns, or rigid behaviours
  • Ongoing issues with sleep, digestion, or toileting
  • A sense that their child is struggling – but can’t quite say why

It’s important to note that your child does not need a formal diagnosis to benefit from this therapy. While we do work with children who have ADHD, autism, dyspraxia, or other neurodivergent profiles, many children we support simply need an extra bit of guidance to help their brains and bodies work together more smoothly.

Our Neurodevelopmental Therapy Approach

We believe that every child deserves a personalised, compassionate approach to care. At the core of our Neurodevelopmental Therapy programme is the belief that no two children are the same – and neither are their challenges or strengths. That’s why we begin every journey with listening: to you, the parent, and to your child, so we can understand their unique story and how their nervous system might be functioning.

1. Comprehensive Initial Consultation

Your child’s therapy begins with a thorough assessment that explores their full developmental picture. We’ll ask about their birth history, early milestones (such as crawling, walking, or speech), sensory preferences, behaviours, emotional responses, and physical habits. This helps us identify whether retained reflexes, brain hemisphere imbalances, or gaps in movement development could be contributing to current challenges.

This deep dive enables us to see your child not just in terms of problems, but in the context of their nervous system development – and to map out a gentle, tailored route forward.

2. Personalised Therapy Plan

Based on our findings, Maria Ricchiuti – our highly trained chiropractor with advanced credentials in functional neurology and brain development – creates a bespoke therapy plan. This may include:

  • Primitive reflex integration techniques
  • Sensory integration activities (e.g. balance boards, tactile games)
  • Cross-body movement sequences to improve brain hemisphere communication
  • Vestibular and proprioceptive exercises to improve balance and coordination
  • Easy, repeatable routines designed to fit into daily family life

Each activity is designed to be fun and engaging, often taking just 10–15 minutes a day at home. Most importantly, they work with your child’s natural brain plasticity to create new, more efficient neural connections.

3. Calm, Trauma-Informed Support

Our therapy sessions are calm, respectful, and child-led. Maria creates a welcoming, non-judgemental environment where children can feel safe and understood. Her approach is trauma-informed, meaning she works gently with your child’s emotional needs as well as their physical development. This builds trust and confidence, laying the groundwork for meaningful progress.

What to Expect in a Neurodevelopmental Therapy Session

Your First Appointment

The first session is an in depth consultation designed to get to the root of your child’s challenges. Maria will look at a wide range of developmental indicators, including:

  • Motor milestones
  • Sensory responses
  • Emotional and behavioural patterns
  • Sleep quality and digestive function
  • School performance and attention span

We’ll use specific tests to assess your child’s primitive reflexes, balance, coordination, and posture. These assessments are gentle and child-friendly, and they often reveal underlying issues that might be contributing to current struggles.

Ongoing Sessions and Support

Follow-up appointments are typically 30 minutes and are focused on helping your child gradually build better neurological pathways through movement. Maria may guide your child through:

  • Gentle movement patterns
  • Eye-tracking exercises
  • Vestibular, balance, and coordination games
  • Breathing or relaxation techniques
  • Gentle hands on care

These sessions are interactive and usually enjoyable for the child, especially as they begin to notice changes in how they feel and function. Parents are always encouraged to observe, participate, and ask questions. Between visits, you’ll receive a home routine: short, simple activities to reinforce the work done in-clinic.

We’ve found that consistency and collaboration between therapist and parent are key to lasting change. Most home plans are designed to take 10–15 minutes per day, five days a week.

Why Choose Us for Neurodevelopmental Therapy in Sevenoaks?

Choosing the right support for your child is a big decision – and we’re here to make it easier. At Sevenoaks Chiropractic Clinic, we’re proud to offer a unique blend of clinical expertise, child-centred care, and family-friendly therapy programmes that truly make a difference.

Here’s why parents choose us:

  • Experienced, highly qualified care: Maria Ricchiuti brings together her backgrounds in chiropractic, physiotherapy, and advanced brain development training to offer a truly integrative approach. She has completed the full Developing Brains Practitioner Programme with Dr Darren Barnes Heath – one of Europe’s leading voices in neurodevelopmental care.
  • Specialist knowledge in reflex integration and sensory development: Maria’s additional training in primitive reflex integration means she’s equipped to identify and address some of the most commonly overlooked factors in children’s development.
  • Trauma-informed, gentle therapy: Sessions are designed with sensitivity and understanding. Maria meets each child where they are – no pressure, no shame, and no one-size-fits-all exercises.
  • Family-first mindset: Your time matters. That’s why our therapy plans are realistic and easy to implement at home, with support every step of the way.

Whether your child has a formal diagnosis or you simply feel something isn’t quite right, we’re here to help you explore the possibilities – at your child’s pace and with your insight at the heart of the process.

Book a Free 15-Minute Discovery Call Today

Are you concerned that your child might be struggling with movement, focus, or sensory challenges? Looking for a natural, non-invasive way to support their development?

We offer a free, no-pressure 15-minute discovery call with Maria to help you explore whether Neurodevelopmental Therapy could be a good fit for your child. During the call, you can:

  • Share your observations and concerns
  • Ask questions about the therapy process
  • Learn more about how the sessions work
  • Decide if this gentle, brain-based support aligns with your child’s needs

There’s no obligation, just a chance to feel heard, informed, and empowered.