# NACD International — The National Association for Child Development

> Home-based, parent-implemented neurodevelopmental programs designed by experts. Helping families since 1979 across 40+ countries, with 30,000+ children served.

NACD International (the National Association for Child Development) is a child development organization founded in 1979 by Robert J. Doman, Jr. NACD designs individualized neurodevelopmental programs that parents implement at home with their children. Children served range from those with specific challenges (Down syndrome, autism spectrum, brain injury, learning differences, gifted) to typically developing children whose parents want to maximize their potential.

NACD's approach is grounded in neuroplasticity — the brain changes in response to specific, frequent, and appropriately intense input. Every program is individualized to the child, addresses the whole child (cognitive, neurological, physical, social-emotional), prioritizes daily frequency over weekly intensity, and treats working memory and processing as foundational capacities that, when strengthened, accelerate learning across all domains.

NACD is a child development organization, not a medical organization. We do not diagnose, treat, or cure medical conditions. NACD's programs are educational and developmental in nature.

## Core Pages

- [Home](https://www.nacd.org/): Overview of NACD's approach and services
- [Get Started](https://www.nacd.org/get-started/): How to begin with NACD
- [Down Syndrome](https://www.nacd.org/down-syndrome/): NACD's approach for children with Down syndrome
- [Autism Spectrum](https://www.nacd.org/autism-spectrum/): NACD's approach for children on the autism spectrum
- [Homeschooling & Home Education](https://www.nacd.org/homeschooling/): NACD's approach to home education

## Methodology Principles

- **Daily frequency**: short, focused daily sessions produce better outcomes than longer, infrequent ones
- **Whole child**: cognitive, neurological, physical, and social-emotional development are addressed as one integrated system
- **Individualized programming**: every child's program is built around their specific profile, goals, and family context
- **Neuroplasticity**: the brain rewires in response to consistent, targeted input — change is possible at every age
- **Working memory and processing**: foundational cognitive capacities that, when developed, accelerate learning across all domains

## About

- **Founded**: 1979 by Robert J. Doman, Jr.
- **Children served**: 30,000+
- **Countries**: 40+
- **Headquarters**: Washington Terrace, Utah, USA
- **Telephone**: +1-801-621-8606

## Disclaimer

NACD is a child development organization, not a medical organization. Information on this site is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical, psychological, or diagnostic advice. Families considering NACD's services should consult appropriate medical professionals for any medical concerns about their child.