Who I Am

I am a neonatal and pediatric physical therapist with a degree from the University of São Paulo. I hold a Master of Science from the same institution and a PhD in Physical Therapy from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte and the University of Southern California. I specialize in Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Physical Therapy, with clinical experience in Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Units, pediatric wards, and outpatient early intervention. I have worked as a clinical physical therapist for respiratory conditions and as an early intervention specialist in these hospital inpatient units, and as a preceptor for undergraduate physical therapy programs in early intervention outpatient clinics and kangaroo units. I also provide private home care.

My scientific training has expanded my knowledge of child development, positively impacting my clinical practice, from neonatal intensive care hospitalization to early outpatient intervention for babies at risk for neurodevelopmental problems.

By developing a comprehensive approach to the developing child, from birth, whether at risk or not, I champion the cause of neuroprotection and family participation in all areas of childcare.

I have published three book chapters on this topic to provide clinical and scientific updates for physical therapy professionals (exclusive access for Secad subscribers) . I have published scientific articles in international journals on neuroprotection and family inclusion in therapy. I am a postgraduate professor of neonatal, pediatric, and early childhood physical therapy, and I am regularly invited to give lectures or classes on my specialty (developmental care, neuroprotection, and hospital-to-home transition).

PUBLISHED SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTION

de Figueiredo Silva, N., de Sousa Júnior, FS, de Oliveira Silva, B. et al. Family perceptions of prematurity, neurodevelopment, and early intervention: a qualitative study . BMC Pediatr 25, 540 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-025-05794-3

de Figueiredo Silva N, Linhares MBM, Gaspardo CM. Stress and self‑regulation behaviors in preterm neonates hospitalized at open‑bay and single‑family room neonatal intensive care unit. Infant Behav Dev. 2024;76:101951. doi:10.1016/j.infbeh.2024.101951

Silva, N. d. F., Linhares, MBM, & Gaspardo, CM (2018). Developmental care approaches for mitigating stress in preterm neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit: A systematic review. Psychology & Neuroscience, 11(2), 117–131. https://doi.org/10.1037/pne0000119

TOPICS OF TALKS HELD

Family-Centered Physiotherapy - Maternal and Child Care Residency (EBSERCH Santa Cruz/RN)

Family-Centered Physiotherapy - Multidisciplinary Neonatal Care Residency (EBSERH Natal/RN)

Stress and Neonatal Self-Regulation - Santa Catarina State University

Hospital-to-home transition - FISIOPEDICAST Poscast (spotify)

Sensorimotor approach in neonatology - Federal University of Mato Grosso