The Brain Development Podcast

Lara Barnes
  • 4.9 (36)
  • How To
  • Updated weekly

The Brain Development Podcast provides parents with a pathway to healing the behavioural and learning symptoms of their Autistic, Dyslexic, ADHD, OCD, Asperger's, Dyspraxic, and Dysgraphic child.  This podcast covers topics like building the foundation of the brain, correcting the behavioural and learning issues you see in your child with a neurodiverse child.  We shared parent success stories, expert insights, how the brain develops, what causes changes in a child's trajectory, how to help your child, gut health, microbiome, supplements, diet, nutrition, lab testing, visual and auditory systems, correcting the trajectory of a child with primitive reflexes, nervous system, photobiomodulation and so much more.  Join us to understand how you can help build your child's brain to let your child shine.

  1. 16 hr ago

    Could Birth Trauma Be Affecting Your Child Today? | Dr. Steve Williams

    Dr. Steve Williams: Pioneering Excellence in Pediatric Chiropractic Care For over thirty years, Dr. Steve Williams has been a leading authority in pediatric chiropractic care, craniopathy, and Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT). As the principal practitioner of a thriving family practice in Southampton, UK, Dr. Williams specializes in gentle, evidence-based care for infants, children, and pregnant mothers, focusing on how early physical stress and birth trauma impact long-term health.A widely respected educator, Dr. Williams delivers more than twenty keynote lectures a year across Europe, the United States, and Australia. He regularly shares his clinical insights with interdisciplinary audiences of chiropractors, medical doctors, and dental specialists. He is also the author of the acclaimed 2005 textbook, Pregnancy and Paediatrics: A Chiropractic Approach, which remains a cornerstone resource for pediatric healthcare providers globally.Dr. Williams’ contributions extend deep into professional leadership and regulation. He is a former Vice President of the British Chiropractic Association, served on the UK General Chiropractic Council from 2003 to 2011, and is a Past President of both SOTO Europe and SOTO International. As a co-founder of the Royal College of Chiropractors' Faculty of Paediatrics, Dr. Steve Williams continues to shape clinical standards while providing hands-on care to families worldwide.@drsteve.williams42 https://www.stjameschiro.co.uk/

  2. 6 Aug

    The Foundation in Children's Development with Dr. Cedrick Noel

    Ever feel like you’re doing all the right therapies, yet your child remains stuck in a persistent state of fight-or-flight? In this eye-opening episode, host Lara sits down with Dr Cedrick Noel, a seasoned clinician with over 25 years of experience in chiropractic neurology and neurodevelopmental rehabilitation. Dr Noel challenges conventional approaches by advocating for a "gravity first" model. He explains why the cerebellum and vestibular gravity receptors act as the brain's master calibrators, and how miscalibrations in these systems keep the autonomic nervous system constantly dysregulated. From discussing the instant resolution of movement tics in his own son to explaining the mechanics of translational movement over rotation, Dr Noel offers a groundbreaking, bottom-up framework for restoring neurological harmony. If you want to take the "foot off the gas" of your child's nervous system, this conversation is an absolute must-listen. Key Takeaways Gravity First: Establishing proper calibration of the four otolithic gravity receptors is the foundational prerequisite before higher-level therapies can succeed. The Cerebellar Hub: The cerebellum contains 80% of the brain's neurons despite making up only 10% of its mass, making it the master calibrator for motor, sensory, and autonomic functions. Translational over Rotational: Linear translational movement (up-down, side-to-side, diagonal) recalibrates gravity receptors far more effectively than rotational or spinning exercises. Taking the Foot off the Gas: Vestibular miscalibration hard-wires the body into a sympathetic (fight-or-flight) drive; resetting it relaxes the nervous system without needing to force parasympathetic braking. VOR Cancellation: Matching head, eye, and target alignment (time-zero strategy) directly activates the cerebellar flocculus, calming overactive reflex loops. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Dr Cedrick Noel: 25 years of functional neurology and the foundational approach. 04:12 – The Cerebellum as the Master Calibrator: Why cerebellar neurons drive brainstem integration. 07:40 – Vestibular Gravity Receptors: The difference between canals and otoliths in translational movement. 11:05 – Sympathetic Drive & Taking the Foot off the Gas: How vestibular input controls fight-or-flight. 16:20 – Early Warning Signs: Identifying structural asymmetry, head tilts, and gait compensations. 20:45 – The Time-Zero Strategy & VOR Cancellation: Using target alignment to calm the flocculus. 24:30 – Case Study: Eliminating Tics in One Session: Dr Noel’s personal experience with his 7-year-old son. 28:15 – Environmental Factors & 5G Frequencies: The impact of modern technology on otolithic sensitivity. 31:10 – Gravity First, Function Follows: Final words of hope and advice for parents navigating dysregulation. SOCIAL/IMPORTANT LINKS ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@braindevelopmentuk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/braindevelopmentuk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/larakelly/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https:/www.braindevelopment.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thrive Hub ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thrive-hub.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Dr. Cedrick Noel, DC, DACNB, FABCDD, has been in active clinical practice since 2002 and is widely respected for his dedication to transforming patient care through functional neurology and integrative rehabilitation. With a deep passion for empowering clinicians, Dr. Noel is known for delivering insights and strategies that are not only evidence-based but often career-defining for those he mentors and collaborates with.His journey into chiropractic neurology began in 2006, and he has since earned board certification through the American Chiropractic Neurology Board (DACNB) as well as Fellow status with the American Board of Childhood Developmental Disorders (FABCDD). His clinical expertise spans complex neurological, developmental, and musculoskeletal conditions, with a special emphasis on brain-based rehabilitation and neurodevelopment.Dr. Noel is the co-founder of Brain & Body Rehabilitation Specialists, NeurdSolutions, and In-Home Spine Care, three innovative ventures that reflect his commitment to accessible, cutting-edge care. Through these organizations, he integrates functional neurology with personalized therapeutic solutions, bridging the gap between advanced science and real-world clinical results.Renowned for his practical teaching style and unwavering commitment to patient-centered care, Dr. Noel continues to shape the future of functional neurology and rehabilitation—one clinician, one patient, and one breakthrough at a time. www.DrNoelDC.com HOST BIO Lara Barnes a successful woman in tech found herself managing behavioural, learning and speech difficulties with her son, she learn functional neurology and how to change the brain to correct his symptoms and build his left brain. The Building the Brain Podcast is for parents needing to understand how to help their children and show them what can be done to change little lives to allow them to shine and be their best version. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  3. 30 Jul

    Building Healthy Brains Starts Earlier Than You Think | Dr MaryAnne Shiozawa

    Ever feel like traditional approaches are only addressing your child's surface-level symptoms without ever fixing the root cause? This episode features Dr MaryAnne Shiozawa, a paediatric and pregnancy chiropractor trained in functional neurology and the Melillo Method, who breaks down how a child's nervous system dictates their behaviour, learning, and emotional regulation. We dive into the hidden impact of birth interventions—from C-sections and forceps to stargazing positioning—and how early physical stress can leave a child's brain stuck in lower-level survival networks. Dr MaryAnne shares how gentle, targeted paediatric chiropractic adjustments help resolve retained reflexes, improve sensory processing, and clear the pathway for healthy cortical development. It is an empowering, eye-opening look at why supporting the physical spine and nervous system is foundational to helping neurodiverse children truly thrive. Key Takeaways Nervous System First: Behavioural and learning symptoms are direct reflections of how well the nervous system is processing and integrating information. Early Birth Stressors: Interventions such as C-sections, forceps, or unusual birth positions can create upper cervical tension that disrupts developmental milestones. Beyond Acuity: Movement and proper spinal alignment directly feed the brain, providing the required stimulation for higher-level cognitive and emotional control. Retained Reflexes: Unresolved infant reflexes keep a child locked in a state of autonomic dysregulation, affecting posture, speech, and focus. Proactive Intervention: Parents shouldn't "wait and see" if a child outgrows early physical or behavioural delays; early neurological support yields the best long-term outcomes. Podcast Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Dr MaryAnne: Paediatric chiropractic, functional neurology, and the Melillo Method. 02:31 – What Inspires Paediatric Care: Connecting nervous system function to childhood development. 11:34 – Modern Environmental & Movement Factors: How tech, diet, and lifestyle reduce vital sensory input . 17:29 – What Happens in the Clinic: Assessing retained reflexes, posture, and neurological gaps. 25:05 – Impact on Behaviour & Regulation: Linking upper cervical health to emotional and academic struggles. 26:15 – Birth Trauma & Cervical Stress: How birth positions and interventions impact infant nervous systems. 31:29 – Early Red Flags: Torticollis, head preference, and sleep disruptions. 38:05 – Why Chiropractic Belongs in Neuro-Rehab: Supporting long-term brain health and functional balance. 45:36 – Don't Wait & See: Final advice for parents seeking root-cause answers. Dr MaryAnne Shiozawa graduated in 1997 from Life University with a Doctor of chiropractic degree. She is a pediatric and pregnancy practitioner, trained and certified in NetworkSpinal and Webster Techniques. She trained with Dr Robert Melillo and the Melillo Method. She is also a certified animal chiropractor. She had a practice in New York City for 11 years, then moved to Paris with her young family in 2009 and continued to practice there for three years. In 2012, she moved to London with her husband and three children and has been running her home practice since then. She now also teaches pediatric seminars, and speaks as much as she can to young chiropractors and students about how chiropractic is one of the greatest jobs in the world. https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_maryanneInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_maryanne/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drshiozawaSubstack: https://substack.com/@drmaryanne SOCIAL/IMPORTANT LINKS ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@braindevelopmentuk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/braindevelopmentuk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/larakelly/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https:/www.braindevelopment.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thrive Hub ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thrive-hub.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ HOST BIO Lara Barnes a successful woman in tech found herself managing behavioural, learning and speech difficulties with her son, she learn functional neurology and how to change the brain to correct his symptoms and build his left brain. The Building the Brain Podcast is for parents needing to understand how to help their children and show them what can be done to change little lives to allow them to shine and be their best version. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  4. 23 Jul

    Primitive Reflexes and Brain Development: Understanding the Root Cause of Childhood Challenges with Dr Renee O'Conor

    Ever feel like traditional therapies are only scratching the surface of your child's developmental challenges? In this enlightening conversation, host Lara sits down with Dr Renee O'Conor, a family chiropractor and functional neurology practitioner, to explore how the brain grows from the bottom up. Using a powerful tree metaphor, Dr Renee explains how the brainstem acts as the root system for all emotional regulation, sensory integration, and higher-level learning. The discussion covers the critical role of primitive reflexes—such as the Moro, Fear Paralysis, and Spinal Galant reflexes—and how early factors like C-sections, poor latching, or head lag can indicate unintegrated neural pathways. Dr Renee shares moving clinical success stories of non-verbal children finding their voices and offers an empowering message for parents to trust their instincts and seek true root-cause solutions. Key Takeaways Sequential Brain Growth: The brain develops from the bottom up, inside out, back to front, and right to left, requiring a solid brainstem foundation before higher cognitive skills can stabilize. Reflexes Drive Regulation: Retained primitive reflexes like Fear Paralysis and the Moro reflex keep a child locked in a fight-or-flight state, triggering anxiety and emotional outbursts. Early Infant Indicators: Birth history factors, including C-sections, breech births, persistent head lag, and difficulty latching, frequently point to early neurological gaps. Symmetry in Sensory Input: Asymmetrical feeding patterns or restricted physical movements limit a child's visual and spatial processing capabilities as they grow. Parental Intuition is Key: Parents should trust their instincts when sensing developmental delays, regardless of changes to official milestone guidelines. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Dr Renee O'Connor 03:55 – The Tree Metaphor: Bottom-Up Brain Development 10:07 – Primitive Reflexes & Birth Trajectory 14:03 – Fear Paralysis and Moro Reflexes in Anxiety 17:18 – Early Warning Signs: Head Lag and Latching 23:10 – Clinical Transformations & Non-Verbal Breakthroughs 28:21 – Trusting Parent Intuition & Seeking Answers Dr Renee O'Connor is a family chiropractor, functional neurology practitioner, and the founder of True Potential Chiropractic and the Brainsync Program in Pakenham, Victoria, Australia. For more than 23 years, Renee has dedicated her career to helping children and their families navigate the challenges of neurodevelopment, learning, behaviour, and emotional regulation. But what truly drives her isn't just her professional training—it's the thousands of families she's had the privilege of walking alongside. Today, Renee combines over two decades of clinical experience with advanced qualifications in chiropractic, childhood neurodevelopment, and functional neurology. She holds Bachelor degrees in Clinical Science, Chiropractic and Human Biology, is certified by the International Board of Functional Neurology in Childhood Neurodevelopmental Disorders (IBFN-CND), is a Diplomate in Chiropractic Neurodevelopmental Paediatrics, and is a member of Focus Academy. Social media; www.tpchiro.com.au @true_potential_chiropractic www.brainsync.com.au @brainsync.com.au SOCIAL/IMPORTANT LINKS ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@braindevelopmentuk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/braindevelopmentuk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/larakelly/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https:/www.braindevelopment.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thrive Hub ⁠⁠⁠https://www.thrive-hub.com/⁠⁠⁠ HOST BIO Lara Barnes a successful woman in tech found herself managing behavioural, learning and speech difficulties with her son, she learn functional neurology and how to change the brain to correct his symptoms and build his left brain. The Building the Brain Podcast is for parents needing to understand how to help their children and show them what can be done to change little lives to allow them to shine and be their best version. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  5. 16 Jul

    Hope From Parents Who've Been There: Real Stories of Brain Development: Parents Share Their Experience.

    Every week I meet parents who walk into my clinic feeling exhausted, overwhelmed and unsure where to turn next. Today, I wanted to step back and let you hear directly from them. These are real mums and dads sharing what life was like before they began their brain development journey, what they experienced during the programme, and the changes they've seen in their children. My hope is that if you're listening today and wondering whether there's hope for your own child, these stories will remind you that you're not alone. SOCIAL/IMPORTANT LINKS ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@braindevelopmentuk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/braindevelopmentuk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/larakelly/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https:/www.braindevelopment.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thrive Hub ⁠⁠https://www.thrive-hub.com/⁠⁠ HOST BIO Lara Barnes a successful woman in tech found herself managing behavioural, learning and speech difficulties with her son, she learn functional neurology and how to change the brain to correct his symptoms and build his left brain. The Building the Brain Podcast is for parents needing to understand how to help their children and show them what can be done to change little lives to allow them to shine and be their best version. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  6. 9 Jul

    How Brain Development Helped a Child with Down Syndrome Improve Communication, Learning & Independence

    In this heartwarming episode of The Brain Development Podcast, Lara sits down with Rachel, mum to twin boys Jack and Andrew, who both have Down syndrome. After years of speech therapy, sensory support and traditional interventions, Rachel felt there was still something deeper holding Jack back. As he became increasingly dysregulated, developed self-injurious behaviours and remained non-verbal, she knew she needed to understand the root cause rather than simply manage the symptoms. Together, Lara and Rachel discuss how primitive reflex integration, sensory stimulation and building the brain from the bottom up transformed Jack's development. Rachel shares the remarkable changes she witnessed after just a few months of consistent home-based brain development work, including: Reduced hand biting and self-injurious behaviours. Improved emotional regulation and a calmer nervous system. Greater body awareness and sensory processing. Better use of his hands during play. Increased awareness of hunger, tiredness and his own body. More stamina and confidence during walking. Improved social connection with family members. Increased engagement with toys and his environment. More independence and communication through body language. The conversation also explores why children with Down syndrome may be more likely to retain primitive reflexes due to hypotonia and delayed early movement, and why strengthening the nervous system's foundations can create opportunities for future development. Rachel also shares how supporting gut health alongside neurological development has benefited both boys and the entire family. This episode is filled with hope, practical insight and a powerful reminder that development does not stop in early childhood. By giving the brain the right foundations, meaningful change is possible. Whether you're a parent of a child with Down syndrome, autism, ADHD or another neurodevelopmental difference, this conversation will help you understand why building the brain from the bottom up can make such a profound difference. Key Takeaways Why primitive reflexes matter in neurological development. The link between nervous system regulation and behaviour. How sensory stimulation can support brain development. Why body awareness often develops before communication. The importance of building neurological foundations before focusing on higher-level skills. How small changes can build into life-changing progress over time. The role of consistency, movement and home-based exercises in supporting neurodevelopment. Why parents should never lose hope—development is always possible. SOCIAL/IMPORTANT LINKS ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@braindevelopmentuk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/braindevelopmentuk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/larakelly/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https:/www.braindevelopment.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HOST BIO Lara Barnes a successful woman in tech found herself managing behavioural, learning and speech difficulties with her son, she learn functional neurology and how to change the brain to correct his symptoms and build his left brain. The Building the Brain Podcast is for parents needing to understand how to help their children and show them what can be done to change little lives to allow them to shine and be their best version. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  7. 2 Jul

    From ADHD Chaos to Calm: A Dad Shares His Daughter’s Transformation” with Cliff Kilmister

    It is incredibly easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed when navigating a new neurodiverse diagnosis for your child, especially when traditional school environments feel more like trauma than support. This conversation with Cliff Kilominster, host of the Parenting Autism and ADHD podcast, flips the script on conventional coping mechanisms. We dive into the profound shifts that occur when parents move away from trying to "fix" behaviour and start focusing on regulating the nervous system through movement, vibration, and dietary refinement. Cliff shares his powerful 'Calm Reset' framework, explaining why a parent must first anchor their own nervous system before they can expect to co-regulate an anxious or overwhelmed child. From the incredible impact of whole-body vibration on sleep to uncovering the toxic reality of everyday household foods, this episode offers a highly practical, bottom-up roadmap to restoring long-term family harmony. Key Takeaways The Calm Reset Framework: Parental self-regulation is the prerequisite for a child's recovery; you cannot co-regulate an anxious child while dysregulated yourself. Whole-Body Vibration: Incorporating proprioceptive input via a vibrating plate helps calm the brain stem, dramatically improving sleep quality and sensory processing. The Dietary Domino Effect: Gradual reduction of systemic inflammatory triggers like sugar, gluten, and dairy directly diminishes aggressive outbursts and behavioural spikes. Biology Over Behaviour: Actions often deemed behavioural defiance are frequently automated survival mechanisms stemming from an unintegrated nervous system. The Stigma of Hidden Stress: Children often mask their neurological overwhelm in school, leading to massive behavioural collapses once they return to the safety of home. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & The Dad Gap in Neurodiversity 03:15 – School Trauma and Masking Behaviour 07:10 – Whole-Body Vibration and Restoring Sleep 11:24 – Re-evaluating the Diet: Sugar, Gluten, and Histamines 15:40 – The "Calm Reset" Framework for Parents 19:15 – Gut Health, Environmental Toxins, and Mould

  8. 25 Jun

    HE STARTED SPEAKING IN 6 WEEKS! | Primitive Reflexes, Diet & Brain Development Success Story, with Parents Sophia & Richard

    If you have ever sat in your car with tears in your eyes, wondering if your child will ever speak, look you in the eye, or call you "mummy" or "daddy," this episode is your turning point. Lara is joined by Sophia and Richard, who share the extraordinary, real-life recovery story of their six-year-old son, Roman. After years of sensory dysregulation and non-verbal isolated struggle, Roman underwent a massive bottom-up neurological rebuild. By addressing infant reflexes, correcting gut imbalances, and utilizing cranial nerve work, his parents completely rewired his nervous system. Today, Roman is a thriving, fully verbal child in a mainstream school whose teacher says he "just blends in". It’s a fierce, emotional masterclass in parental tenacity, proving that when you refuse a static medical label and target the true biological root causes, an entire life can be transformed in months. Key Takeaways: Symptom vs Root Cause: Conventional speech therapy often manages the symptoms of delay with tools like Makaton, rather than addressing the baseline neurological blocks in the brainstem. The Power of Parental Tenacity: The speed of a child's neurological development is directly tied to the consistency of the parent; executing the plan daily is what creates the "explosion" of language. The 4-to-6 Week Reflex Shift: Meltdowns and behavioral spikes are often predictable phases of neural transition that resolve cleanly once primitive reflexes begin to integrate. Stacking for Saturation: Activating physical movement patterns while simultaneously introducing cognitive concepts (like letters or vocabulary) supercharges hemispheric connection. A Second-Generation Phenomenon: Neurodevelopmental traits often carry familial, epigenetic links; addressing these issues early prevents a child from getting stuck in low-level brain networks. Timestamps 00:00 – The Retrospect of Fear: Richard shares the painful reality of comparing his non-verbal son to other toddlers in retail spaces. 03:07 – The Breakthrough: Hearing "Bye Bye Daddy" for the first time and witnessing an 18-month developmental leap in just four months. 05:32 – The Gluten and Dairy Interventions: How transforming Roman’s gut chemistry cleared a hidden weight from his shoulders. 07:10 – Falling Through the Cracks: Why standard NHS card-based therapies fail to fix the foundational motor strip. 10:24 – Stacking on the Trampoline: How matching physical movement with animal naming fired Roman's right hemisphere. 14:44 – The 6-Week Meltdown Resolution: How primitive reflex integration cleanly eliminated behavioural transitions. 19:50 – From Withdrawn to Extrovert: Watching an expressive, communicative, and empathetic personality emerge. 22:10 – The Generational Proof: Sophia discusses how her own childhood speech therapy success inspired her to choose functional neurology for Roman. 26:17 – Looking Forward Without Fear: Moving past the dread of mainstream school and planning a future without medical labels. SOCIAL/IMPORTANT LINKS ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@braindevelopmentuk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/braindevelopmentuk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/larakelly/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https:/www.braindevelopment.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thrive Hub ⁠https://www.thrive-hub.com/⁠ HOST BIO Lara Barnes a successful woman in tech found herself managing behavioural, learning and speech difficulties with her son, she learn functional neurology and how to change the brain to correct his symptoms and build his left brain. The Building the Brain Podcast is for parents needing to understand how to help their children and show them what can be done to change little lives to allow them to shine and be their best version. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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4.9
out of 5
36 Ratings

About

The Brain Development Podcast provides parents with a pathway to healing the behavioural and learning symptoms of their Autistic, Dyslexic, ADHD, OCD, Asperger's, Dyspraxic, and Dysgraphic child.  This podcast covers topics like building the foundation of the brain, correcting the behavioural and learning issues you see in your child with a neurodiverse child.  We shared parent success stories, expert insights, how the brain develops, what causes changes in a child's trajectory, how to help your child, gut health, microbiome, supplements, diet, nutrition, lab testing, visual and auditory systems, correcting the trajectory of a child with primitive reflexes, nervous system, photobiomodulation and so much more.  Join us to understand how you can help build your child's brain to let your child shine.

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