title: Short-term, intensive neurodevelopmental treatment program experiences of parents and their children with disabilities.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Parents' perspectives on intervention and functional changes in children were investigated following an intensive neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) program of 1 to 2 weeks (5 consecutive days per week; 2-4 h/d).
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirteen parents and their children (aged 1-17 years) with neuromotor conditions participated in a short-term, intensive program conducted by NDT certified pediatric therapists. A mixed-method design was used: a qualitative phenomenological approach of inquiry for parent perspectives and a pre/posttest quasi-experimental design for weekly intervention changes using Goal Attainment Scaling and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Through interviews, parents reported positive experiences with the intensive NDT program. Child participants demonstrated significant improvements in Goal Attainment Scaling (P < .001) and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (P < .001) scores pre- to postintervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A short-term, intensive NDT program was perceived by parents as beneficial and supported functional improvements. Valued were expert, compassionate therapists; collaboration; objective goals; home programming; and individualized intervention. Scheduling, financial support, and fatigue were difficulties.
authors.affiliation: Doctoral Programs in Pediatric Science (Drs Evans-Rogers, Sweeney, and Mullens), Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, Utah; College of Nursing (Dr Holden-Huchton), Texas Women's University, Denton, Texas.
authors.forename: Debbie L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Evans-Rogers
authors.forename: Jane K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Sweeney
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Holden-Huchton
authors.forename: Pamela A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Mullens
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002170:Canada; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009468:Neuromuscular Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010465:Perception; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities