Map & Compass Neuro-Developmental Therapy

02/04/2026

It’s not at all that I don’t appreciate the importance of special days like today, World Autism Day. But practically, in the work of Map & Compass every day, there isn’t a day that goes by when Autism isn't a feature and very much a part of everyday life. There is also not a day that I am not in some way advocating to help parents, teachers and medical professionals understand and support those within the broad range of diagnostic criteria that is now in the description of “Autism.” Whether you are pre- or post-diagnosis, I wrote a blog a while back that addresses the “where do we go from here?” question. If you have the same questions and would like to read it, I’d love to invite you to the blog post here (to read): https://www.mapandcompasstherapy.com/post/waiting-on-that-diagnosis-then-what

or to listen to if you prefer : https://www.instagram.com/reel/C53eiyRqR7W/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

But for all of you who are Autistic or wonder if you are …if you are struggling in any way with challenges beneath that umbrella, the message today from Map & Compass is heartfelt and full of passion: “You are seen and so so deeply valued”

May you feel incredibly supported as you set your course towards HOPE.

Tori Sheppard
2nd April 2026
World Autism Day

24/03/2026

Over the past few months, I have been so encouraged by interest in the INPP SCHOOL PROGRAMME. I truly do ADORE this video because not only is it fantastic to hear Sally Goddard Blythe (author of the programme) speak so fluently about it, but it’s just so well communicated and sums it all up so well.

Please share to any educators you know!

And if you’d like to see the research and find out more about training opportunities:

www.inpp.org.uk/onedaycourses





Would you want this programme to be offered at your child’s school?

24/03/2026

Over the past few months, I have been so encouraged by people wanting to know more about the INPP School Programme. I truly do ADORE this video because not only is it fantastic to hear Sally Goddard Blythe (author of the programme) speak about it, but it's just so well communicated. Please share to any educators you know who would love to help their students in school.

And if you'd like to research and find out more:

https://www.inpp.org.uk/onedaycourses

https://youtu.be/ROyH-3ZrX6I

"Assessing Neuromotor Readiness for LearningThe INPP developmental screening test & school intervention programme"By Sally Goddard BlytheSee more about Sally...

23/03/2026

If you are a school in Northern Ireland who would like training…. It’s possible to bring the INPP UK national trainer to your school. Let’s get beyond barriers …

Playground incidents cut in half. Concentration up. Learning outcomes improving.

This is what happens when a school takes neurodevelopment seriously.

Here's what most teachers were never told:

When primitive reflexes remain unintegrated, they quietly undermine a child's ability to sit still, focus, regulate behaviour — and learn.

Not because the child isn't trying. Because their nervous system isn't ready.

The INPP Schools Intervention Programme addresses this at the root — a structured10-minute daily movement routine, delivered by the class teacher, designed to support neuromotor maturity across the whole class. No specialist. No withdrawal. Just consistency.

12 newly qualified teachers have just completed their INPP one-day training and are now taking this into their schools.

That feels worth marking.

This isn't a miracle cure. It's a structured, evidence-informed approach producing consistent outcomes in schools for decades. Research references available at inpp.uk.

Ready to bring this into your school?
📍 Next course: St Albans,5th June →inpp.uk
🏫 Prefer in-service training for your whole staff? → info@inpp.uk

SENCOs and teachers — what's the one behaviour challenge in your classroom that you suspect has a neurological root? Drop it below. You're not alone in this.

23/03/2026

If you are a school in Northern Ireland who would like training…. It’s possible to bring the INPP UK national trainer to your school. No barriers…

The child who can't sit still might not have a behaviour problem.

They might have an unfinished body.

We're trained to look upward when a child struggles — to attention, motivation, intelligence, home life.

But what if the answer lies further down?

In the nervous system. In the body itself.

There's a concept called neuromotor immaturity — the idea that some children enter the classroom still carrying primitive reflexes that should have integrated in their earliest months of life.

These reflexes aren't a diagnosis. They're a developmental stage that hasn't fully completed.

And when they persist, they can interfere with everything we associate with being "ready to learn" — sitting still, tracking a line of text, copying from a board, regulating emotions on the playground.

Not because the child isn't trying.data: Because the physical foundations aren't yet in place.

Sally Goddard Blythe and the Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology (INPP) have spent decades researching exactly this — the connection between physical development, central nervous system maturation, and learning readiness. Their work is documented and accessible at inpp.org.uk.

The practical response is the INPP Schools Programme — a 10-minute daily movement routine, led by a qualified teacher, with the whole class.

Schools running this programme have reported outcomes including 40 minutes more concentration time per day, playground incidents reduced by half, and measurable improvements in learning outcomes.

Not through additional intervention. Through addressing what was missing at the foundation.

12 more experienced teachers are now taking this approach into their schools as part of the current cohort — a signal that this is gaining real traction in the classroom.

If you're a teacher or SENCO who has tried the usual approaches and still feels like something foundational is being missed — this might be the lens you've been looking for.

Two ways to take this further:

→ Attend the next course in St Albans on 5th June — details at inpp.uk

→ Want to bring this training to your whole staff? Contact info@inpp.uk to host a course

How many children in your school might this describe?

15/03/2026

For every way that you navigate life for the ones you care for...

the ones you never give up on...

the ones you lose sleep over...

the ones you long to have easier nights and happier days...

the ones that need you and everything you do for them...the seen and ALL the unseen parts...

the ones that you celebrate for EVERY win and EVERY hill that is climbed...

the ones you have set a course towards HOPE for...

Thank you for your determination, commitment and never-ending love.

You are astounding.

Thank you Mothers.

With a heartfelt standing ovation,

Tori

15/03/2026

Love this from an INPP colleague in St Albans !

Does one size fit all when it comes to reflex integration?

That’s the question I was asked last week by an enlightened medic.
And of course, the answer is Yes and Yes!

First, the One-Size-Fits-All programme.
Whole classes do the INNP programme for schools, and teachers and kids alike love it! There’s loads of research to show that many of these children improve in confidence, behaviour and achievement, and most importantly, they keep those benefits. Those who thrive while they’re doing it but then lose the benefits? They’re the ones who need a one-to-one intervention - and they’re usually the ones who start off with the greatest needs.

Next, the Bespoke Programme.
Yes, there are books, and there are a few videos on YouTube. But parents recognise the value of having an expert to guide them through. Every child is different – and we adjust the exercises based entirely on that child. Children who complete the programme rebuild their foundations, and keep all those benefits for life.

More questions? I’m always available for a chat about what I do.

In addition, in June I’m hosting the one-day training for teachers to run the programme at their school. It’s truly one of the most cost-effective interventions any primary school can invest in. PLEASSE SHARE with any teachers and heads you know. chrysalisndt.co.uk/inpp-training/

14/03/2026

What INPP Does...

INPP UK (The Institute for Neuro‑Physiological Psychology) focuses on how physical development in early life supports learning, behaviour and emotional regulation. The work centres on identifying neuromotor immaturity (when early movement patterns have not fully integrated) and addressing this through structured, individual programmes.

The approach is non‑invasive and based on understanding the link between movement, posture and neurological development.

13/03/2026

Oooh I am sooo excited to share this fantastic brief video explanation of Neurodevelopmental therapy by a fellow INPP colleague in England. Watch and share!

05/03/2026

Loving the work of fellow INPP colleague in Yorkshire… if you need a practitioner in Yorkshire, get in touch with Think Thrive Ltd

25/02/2026

It was an honour to have the opportunity to speak to a great group of parents, professionals and educators last night in Garvagh as they gathered to learn about Children's Mental Health from a Neurodevelopmental perspective.

This is one of the things I love to do! Spreading the word about the science behind and the benefits of neurodevelopmental therapy/reflex integration and auditory integration is a passion and something I will always be grateful to have the opportunity to do.

To find out more: www.mapandcompasstherapy.com

23/02/2026

This is an important post for me to share.

Neurodevelopmental Therapy is not a fear-filled practice….or it certainly shouldn’t be!

It is infused with hope.

Yes there is an education side to it…and that is thrilling for all of us who are purely delighted that this information is now available and accessible to the world more pervasively than it has ever been in history.

However, if that information is causing fear, regret and shame…then it’s not doing it’s job well.

Information is for empowerment and guidance.

And that is what I always want you to feel from me and the work of Map & Compass Neurodevelopmental Therapy.

It’s about looking behind only long enough for us to have the most informed investigation and then ALL THE REST is about looking forward and making steps towards optimal development and the best ways to help bodies and brains work together to bring ease to lives big and small.

So follow my stories and posts for neurodevelopmental education, but read and watch with the lens of curiosity, learning and understanding.

Let’s get on with setting a course for your child towards HOPE ….fear and worry won’t help them or you on this journey.

So really, be kind to yourself to yourself …

Take a breath.

To get in touch www.mapandcompasstherapy.com