H.A.N.D.L.E.® is an acronym that stands for

Holistic - recognising that nothing stands alone, an individual's nervous, digestive, visual, family and other systems are considered alongside how their environment and internal make-up may be influencing one another and theories, practices and knowledge from many disciplines are brought into play.

Approach to - regardless of age, presumed abilities, sets of behaviours, asssigned labels etc each individual is understood to be neurologically and personally unique. Their behavious are understood to be communcations rather than symptoms to be labelled, masked or controlled. Thus both social-emotional and physical-developmental factors are taken into account when designing and providing an activities-based programme to strengthen nervous system functioning.

NeuroDevelopment and - the brain's neuroplasticity is life-long with both it and the nervous system in a constant state of adaptation to the interplay between a person's developmental history, his/her current situation and future aspirations. Recognising that movement, supported by proper nutrition, organises mental processing, influences the body's biochemistry and helps mold the actual structure of the brain, each HANDLE programme is specifially tailored to individual needs identified through the Screening process.

Learning - recognising that the brain can learn indefinitely and in many ways throughout our lives, all forms of learning are addressed... academic, language, motor, social, etc.,... and, in order to support the developments being encouraged, mental rehearsal is employed therapeutically (and also via familial habits where possible).

Efficiency - as stressed systems do not learn or get stronger, Gentle Enhancement® is employed in both evaluation and treatment alike. Using nonjudgemental language, observational assessment and in-depth interviews a personal NeuroDevelopmental profile is established (instead of determining a score or providing a label). A programme is then carefully designed with a view to assisting the individual's systems work more efficiently for him/her. In keeping with Gentle Enhancement, targets are not set to be achieved but rather behavioural changes are monitored over time to ascertain the effectiveness of the intervention.

Deer's Well offers HANDLE Screenings with personal programme development and support for those 5years and older with mild learning and behavioural challenges - regardless of whether those challenges were always present or developed later in a person's life.