Intellectual & Developmental Delays
Intellectual & Developmental Delays and the IWBMC™
The Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care® (IWBMC™) serves clients with various intellectual and developmental delays. For these clients, communication needs to improve between the brain areas responsible for the integration of sensory input, speech and language processing, behavior modulation, and overall executive functioning.
Our individualized therapeutic programming focuses on building from the foundational brain levels up to cultivate higher-level brain functioning and address potential gaps in clients’ developmental progression. Intellectual and developmental delays often present with difficulties in the following areas:
- Cognitive and sensory processing
- Academic learning and retention of concepts
- Independence within activities of daily living
- Emotional and behavioral regulation
- Communication
- Social skills
- Mobility
How the IWBMC™ Supports
Intellectual and Developmental Delays
- Individual program design targeting the neurobiological framework for each client
- Utilization of qEEG brain map analysis for corroboration with guided therapeutic plans and progress comparisons
- Use qEEG data to address patterns of under- or over-communication frequently seen in intellectual and developmental delays, working to build new neural pathways and address compensatory over-use of other areas
- Sensory regulation activities to reorganize sensory processing pathways
- Address neurological organization through auditory and visual sequential processing work, working memory skills, processing speed, and retrieval abilities
- Frequent engagement in cardiovascular and cross-lateral movements to promote new neuronal growth and communication within the brain
- Address Early Reflex Integration and other primitive brain functions through specified movement activities and patterns
- Build self-regulation abilities and the ability to participate and complete tasks
- Address the neurological system’s organization through assessment of the dominant hemisphere and hemispheric specialization
- Teach academic skills through a multi-sensory approach and address any underlying visual or auditory processing challenges
- Address social and relational challenges through structured peer interaction, social skills groups, and mentoring opportunities
- Unique Whole-Brain Language Approach to address the complex interplay of factors involved in language processing, production, articulation, and functional communication
- Frequent opportunities for movement and flexible seating options
- Address physiological barriers that impact overall brain health and central nervous system organization
Related Disorders
Because the IWBMC™ creates individualized programs tailored to the client’s needs – and our belief that the brain can change regardless of age, diagnosis, or level of functioning – a path forward, full of potential, is possible for those navigating intellectual and developmental delays.
The IWBMC™ serves clients impacted by intellectual and developmental delays who often experience challenges with learning, problem-solving, communication abilities, sensory dysregulation, maladaptive behaviors, social deficits, and changes in routine. Diagnoses may include:
- Intellectual developmental disorder (mild, moderate, severe, & profound)
- Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD)
- Significant developmental delay
- Global delays related to genetic syndromes
- Apraxia
- Apraxia of speech
- Speech delays
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Autism spectrum disorder (Levels 1, 2, & 3)
- Learning differences
- Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD)
- Seizure disorders
Program Environments at Jacob’s Ladder that Support Intellectual & Developmental Delays
Serving Pre-K - 12th
Serving Pre-K - 12th
Serving ages 16 and older
Our Person-Centered, Whole-Brain Approach
Evaluation & Assessment.
The IWBMC™ Evaluation considers seven domains and uses 1,300+ assessment metrics to analyze neurodevelopmental progression indicators – often the root of systemic challenges – combined with standardized academic assessments, clinical observation, family reporting, qEEG Analysis, and Nutritional and Physiological Consultation.
Individualized Plans.
The Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care® (IWBMC™) acknowledges the complex interplay between brain health, efficiency, and organization – combined with clients’ physiological health and well-being, learning style, and emotional-behavioral-relational experiences – to develop an optimal, therapeutic path forward for each client.
Progress Tracking.
With AHAVA’s database of 4,000+ therapeutic activities, each individualized program is tailored to the client’s needs. Daily data tracking captures clients’ progress, allowing ongoing modification of programs to uphold the appropriate levels of intensity, frequency, and challenge point progression to create lasting, positive changes in the brain.
Jacob’s Ladder has been life-changing. My girls started when they were seven years old. They were nonverbal and did not know their colors, letters, or shapes. They had spent four years in the special needs program in our county’s public school with no significant progress. Within three months here, my girls were speaking, identifying shapes and colors, and telling us their wants and needs.
Scientifically-Sound Approaches Delivered in Safe, Loving Environments.