The NMT brain metric is a neurodevelopmental, biologically respectful assessment that can be used for clinical problem solving. The NMT Brain metric provides assessment on three areas: Developmental Risk, Central Nervous System (Brain) functioning, and current relational health. Based on these three areas, recommendations are created specifically based on what is developmentally appropriate and necessary. This is based on the understanding that the brain develops in a sequential manner from the bottom of the brain (brain stem) to the top (cortex). Given that the brain develops in a sequential manner, interventions work best when they respect this developmental sequence. Recommendations are structured in the following four areas:

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Sensory Integration-Interventions focused on improving sensory processing functioning of the brain targeting the brainstem which is responsible for a set of functions that integrate, process, store and act on sensory input.

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Self-Regulation-Interventions focused on building self-regulation targeting the Diencephalon or midbrain which is responsible for state arousal, sleep regulation, appetite and gross and fine motor functioning.

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Relational-Interventions focused on relational development  targeting the limbic system which is responsible for relational attachment, emotional processing and reward

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Cognitive-Interventions focused on cognitive functioning  and impulse control targeting the cortex which is responsible for problem solving, planning for the future, communication and impulse control.

 

The key in this assessment is the sequence of intervention. Providing the right intervention at the right time in the right sequence provides an individualized and developmentally accurate treatment plan that will lead to improved functioning and developmental progress.