The HANDLE Approach

The HANDLE approach, developed by Judith Bluestone from more than 30 years of diagnosing and treating neurodevelopmental differences, is unique. It is truly developmental in nature, treating problems at their roots, rather than merely providing short-term solutions or compensatory techniques. Its goal is to help each client achieve functional outcomes.

The HANDLE approach incorporates research and techniques from many disciplines. It includes principles and perspectives from medicine, rehabilitation, psychology, education and nutrition. It is founded on an interactive, developmental model of human functioning.

The HANDLE approach relies on certain facts, among them:

• The nervous system is designed to adapt continuously, and the types of stimulation we receive influence the patterns in our brains.
• Movement reflects our neural organization, and provides stimulation to our systems.
• The nervous system, especially its weak parts, responds to overwhelming stimulation by stress, and stressed systems shut down.
• There is a unity to the senses. Irregularities in one area may resonate symptomatically in other areas.

Source: The HANDLE Institute, Seattle, WA

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