What Is NeuroMovement® and Why Is It So Effective for Kids With Delays?
As a parent of a child with developmental delays, you may feel like you’re always playing catch-up. Catching up with milestones. Catching up with information. Catching up with what every provider, book, or well-meaning friend says you should be doing next.
It’s exhausting. And even more frustrating is when all this effort still doesn’t lead to the kind of meaningful progress you were hoping for.
I want to offer you a different perspective. You don’t need to become an expert in every therapy approach or stack more activities onto your already full plate. You don’t need more tools or more pressure. What your child needs most is a chance to learn in a way that respects their nervous system and honors the incredible capacity of their brain to grow and change.
That’s what NeuroMovement® offers—and that’s why so many families find relief and renewed hope through this approach.
A Brain-Based Path to Developmental Growth
NeuroMovement® is a gentle, respectful method that supports the development of children with neurological challenges, delays, or sensory differences by focusing on how the brain learns. It’s based on the understanding that movement, attention, and variation are powerful tools for creating new neural connections.
Rather than focusing on correcting or fixing what’s “wrong,” we focus on expanding what’s possible—starting with what your child already does well.
In a typical session, your child might lie on a soft table while I gently guide small, slow movements. These movements aren’t exercises. They’re not designed to stretch or strengthen. They’re designed to spark curiosity in the brain, to help the nervous system notice something new, and to gently open a window for learning.
Sometimes, the most profound changes happen when things feel the most simple.
What Makes NeuroMovement® Different from Physical or occupational Therapy?
Most traditional therapy models emphasize repetition. Do this movement ten times. Practice that sound five more times. And while repetition can have value, it often doesn’t work well for children with complex needs. The nervous system can become overwhelmed, and learning shuts down instead of speeding up.
NeuroMovement® takes a very different approach.
Here’s what makes it unique:
We follow comfort, not effort. The brain learns best in a safe, calm state. When your child is relaxed, their brain is more open to discovering new possibilities.
We work with the whole child. Physical movement is connected to emotion, cognition, and sensory processing. When we shift one piece, others shift too.
We build from what’s working. Instead of focusing on deficits, we explore and expand what your child can do. That builds confidence, connection, and capability.
We respect the pace of the brain. Learning isn’t linear. It happens in fits and starts, in plateaus and leaps. We support that natural rhythm rather than fight against it.
Real-Life Shifts (That Might Not Show Up on a Checklist)
One of the most common things parents say after a few NeuroMovement® lessons is: “She seems more herself.” That’s not something you’ll find in a milestone chart, but it’s one of the clearest signs of progress.
Here are a few other changes I often hear about:
A child starts making more eye contact or becomes more affectionate
They begin exploring new movements like rolling, crawling, shifting, reaching
There’s less screaming or agitation during transitions or new experiences
Communication or Speech appears spontaneously, or gestures become more intentional
Sleep improves, digestion stabilizes, or meltdowns decrease
These shifts might seem subtle to an outsider. But to a parent who’s been waiting for their child to show signs of progress, they’re monumental.
Why This Work Is So Hopeful
One of the things I love most about NeuroMovement® is that it puts hope back into the equation.
You don’t need to push your child harder. You don’t need to keep switching therapies in search of the “right” one. When we work with how the brain actually learns, we open the door to growth that’s real, sustainable, and often surprising.
It’s not about chasing results—it’s about inviting discovery.
I’ve worked with children who were given very limited prognoses. I’ve seen kids begin to move, interact, and communicate in ways their families had been told would never happen. I don’t promise miracles. But I do believe in potential, and I’ve seen how the brain can respond when given the right environment.
What Happens in a Session?
In a typical NeuroMovement® lesson, your child may be lying down, sitting, or even being held. I use slow, gentle movements to create opportunities for their brain to sense something new. These sessions are relaxed, often playful, and always led with respect for your child’s comfort and readiness.
I also offer simple tools for you to use at home—not as “homework,” but as ways to support your child’s nervous system in daily life. You won’t need to become a therapist. Your role is to connect, notice, and enjoy being with your child in ways that support their learning.
Who Is This For?
I work with children of all ages, from infants to teens, with a wide range of diagnoses and developmental differences. Some of the families I see are navigating conditions like cerebral palsy, autism, hypotonia, genetic disorders, or sensory processing challenges. Others come because something just feels “off,” even if they don’t have a formal diagnosis.
If your child is struggling to meet developmental milestones, if therapy feels overwhelming or ineffective, or if you’re just looking for a more connected and respectful way to support your child’s growth—this work may be a beautiful fit.
You're Not Alone (And You Don't Have to Do More)
The truth is, your child doesn’t need more doing. They need more connection. They need more opportunities to explore their own brilliance.
And you? You deserve to feel hopeful again.
If you’re in the Portland area—including SE Portland, Sellwood, Beaverton, and Vancouver, WA—I’d love to meet you. I offer in-person NeuroMovement® sessions, home visits, and online coaching for parents who want to bring this powerful, gentle work into their family life.
Let’s discover what’s possible for your child, together.
👉 Book a free consult to ask your questions and find out if NeuroMovement® with Phoebe is right for you