Neurodevelopmental Unit (NDU) Community-Based Acute Treatment (CBAT)

Youth admitted to the NDU are experiencing unsafe, high-risk, psychiatric and/or behavioral escalations that cannot be safely managed in the home or school environment. Escalation may be the result of significant behavior episodes, suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, trauma, and/or may be due to communication deficits.

• ABA is the guiding philosophy with principles of trauma-informed care.
  • The NDU targets behavior modification regarding challenging behavior reduction and Development and Maintenance of Life skill and Skill Acquisition (i.e., ADLs, functional communication, coping skills, vocational skills)
• Short-term, behavior and psychiatric stabilization
• We Assess and Identify function of behavior, and work towards identifying successful and transferable intervention(s) in the community (i.e., home, school, foster care) to maintain stabilize behavior

Italian Home for Children Neurodevelopmental Unit, Jamaica Plain

Kids come when their environment is unable to safely and appropriate manage the degree of their behavioral escalation. This may be the result of significant behavior episodes, suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, trauma, and communication deficits.

Setting up an environment that is conducive to the child’s needs is priority. Identifying risk behavior and addressing safety first is at the core of what we do. This is done to help promote independence for the individuals served and to educate their family on prosocial and proactive approaches to addressing high risk behavioral concerns such as risk to self and/or others.

The NDU team takes an interdisciplinary approach (i.e., BCBA, Behavior Tech, SLPs, OTs, and LPN/RN, PNMHCS and Medical Director Clinicians, Psychologists, as well as Education liaisons and Tutors). The NDU team focuses on utilizing and transferring skills into the youth’s community setting to facilitate safety and independence. This helps to break down complex behaviors and skills into teachable and achievable steps.  

The NDU has a structured routine, customized to each client’s individual needs. Using behavior reduction strategies, the NDU will help introduce and strengthen independent life skills, coping strategies, functional communication, and self-management. Treatment plans include individual and group therapies, including Gross Motor and Movement Enrichments (yoga, meditation, and playing outside); Social Groups (leisure, communication, social/emotional activities); and Life Skills (snack preparation, wellness education, and vocational activities as appropriate) to help support clients’ goals.

The referral process begins with a call to our intake line at 857-762-2510. At this time, we are accepting MBHP insurance plans. We will update our website with insurance and payment options as more become available.