Adoptive parents who are seeking deeper insight into their child’s emotional, social, or behavioral challenges now have a powerful new resource available through PEP.
PEP is pleased to announce the launch of a new service: Neuro-Developmental Assessments using the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT)TM, a brain-based, trauma-informed approach developed by Dr. Bruce Perry. This service is designed specifically to help families better understand how early experiences may have shaped their child’s development and current functioning.
Who May Benefit
This service is intended for preschool through high school-aged adopted children in Ohio who may:
- Have difficulty with emotional regulation
- Have experienced trauma or neglect
- Struggle with relationships
- Exhibit social or behavioral challenges at school
- Experience attachment or cognitive concerns
If you have ever wondered why certain patterns persist despite your best efforts and support, this assessment can help provide clarity.
What Is a Neuro-Developmental Assessment?
PEP’s Neuro-Developmental Assessments are conducted by a licensed clinician certified in NMTTM. The assessment examines both past experiences and current functioning to understand how a child’s brain is organized today.
Through this process, families receive:
- A clear picture of how experiences have influenced brain development
- Identification of both strengths and areas of vulnerability
- A visual representation that makes complex information easier to understand
- Practical, developmentally appropriate recommendations
- A blueprint to guide intervention, therapy, and educational planning
Assessments are available for children throughout Ohio and may be conducted in person or virtually.
What Is NMTTM?
NMTTM is an evidence-based framework that helps clinicians understand how relationships and life experiences shape the developing brain.
Rather than focusing only on behaviors, NMT looks beneath the surface to understand:
- How adversity impacts neurological development
- What foundational skills may need strengthening
- Which interventions are most likely to promote healing and growth
NMTTM emphasizes the power of safe, supportive relationships and patterned, nurturing experiences in helping children reorganize neural pathways affected by trauma and chronic stress.
PEP is proud to be a Phase II certified NMTTM site.
Why This Matters for Adoptive Families
Many adopted children have experienced early adversity that affects development in ways that are not always immediately visible. Traditional approaches may not fully address the root of the challenge.
A Neuro-Developmental Assessment provides families with:
- Greater understanding
- More targeted interventions
- Stronger collaboration between caregivers, schools, and therapists
- A clearer path forward
Most importantly, it offers hope grounded in science.
Eligibility and Funding
Any preschool through high school-aged adopted child in Ohio is eligible if parents are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of how their child’s experiences relate to brain development.
PEP accepts PASSS funding for Neuro-Developmental Assessments.
Learn More or Schedule an Assessment
To learn more or to schedule a Neuro-Developmental Assessment, please contact:
Mary Bonamer, Ph.D.
Director, Clinical Programming and Evaluation
216-361-7760 ext. 104
mbonamer@pepcleve.org