The Brain Development Podcast

Lara Barnes
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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. 2D AGO

    Why Your Child Wakes at Night (And How to Fix It Naturally) with Vicky Finlayson

    Exhausted by the nightly battle to get your child to stay asleep? This professional yet accessible episode features Vicky Finlayson from The Happy Healthy Unicorn, who joins the Brain Development Podcast to break down why mainstream sleep advice often fails neurodiverse children. We dive deep into the biological "misses" that trigger night waking, from midnight cortisol spikes caused by blood glucose drops to the hidden role of histamine and "alerting" scents in the bedroom environment. Vicky explains why a bedtime snack of protein paired with complex carbs might be the missing link for your child's melatonin production and offers practical tips on "detoxing" the sleep environment—including the surprising impact of LED lights and EMFs. Whether you are dealing with a child who "forgets" how to fall asleep or frequent night rages, this conversation provides a toolkit of nutritional interventions and environmental shifts to help your child finally get the rest they need. Key Takeaways Manage Blood Glucose: Drops in blood sugar at night trigger the release of cortisol—a stress hormone—which alerts the brain and causes the child to wake up. The Tryptophan Pairing: While protein contains tryptophan (an essential amino acid for sleep), it requires a complex carbohydrate to successfully "shunt" it into the brain for melatonin production. Reduce Toxic Load: The liver is most active between 1 AM and 3 AM; removing scented items like bath bombs or crayons from the bedroom reduces the burden on this organ, preventing arousal. Histamine Awareness: High histamine levels act as a stimulant; LED lights and certain gut bacteria can increase histamine production, keeping the nervous system alert. Topical Magnesium: Applying magnesium chloride flakes or spray to the feet is an effective way to calm an overactive nervous system without needing oral supplements. Timestamps 00:00 – The Exhausted Parent's Guide to Sleep: Introduction to sleep struggles in neurodiverse populations. 02:15 – Blood Glucose and Midnight Cortisol Spikes: Understanding the metabolic triggers for night waking. 04:50 – The Science of Tryptophan: Why a bedtime snack of protein and complex carbs is essential. 08:30 – Detoxing the Bedroom: How scents, EMFs, and liver activity impact rest. 11:15 – The LED and Histamine Connection: Why your child’s nightlight might be keeping them awake. 14:20 – Natural Antihistamines and Magnesium Strategies: Practical nutritional tools for calming the brain. 18:00 – Closing Thoughts: Final advice for parents and next steps in the healing journey. Vicky Finlayson Links ⁠⁠⁠https://thehappyhealthyunicorn.com/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thehappyhealthyunicorn⁠⁠⁠ 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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    22 min

  2. MAY 14

    There Is Something You Can Do: How One Mum Changed Her Son’s Future” with Tara Parry

    Ever felt the sting of being "held back" after school for another incident report? This episode is a lighthouse for any parent navigating the complexities of neurodiversity. We are joined by Tara Parry, a courageous mum who share the raw, honest story of her son, Herbie. Tara takes us through their intensive three-year journey, detailing the "hard graft" of an 18-month reflex integration program and the specific exercises that transformed Herbie’s motor skills in weeks. We explore the clinical side of their success—from using neurofeedback to help Herbie "remember" how to sleep, to discovering surprising food sensitivities through Organic Acid Testing. Tara’s story proves that while the path isn't easy, the destination—a child who "just blends in" and thrives at expected school levels—is worth every single black 'X' on the calendar. Key Takeaways Motor Markers of Brain Gaps: Difficulties with pincer grips or an inability to cross the midline are often neurological markers that can be corrected with specific, daily brain-changing exercises. The "Bottom-Up" Sequence: Successful healing starts in the brain stem by integrating primitive reflexes before moving to higher-level therapies like neurofeedback or photobiomodulation. Tenacity in Saturation: True neurological change requires persistent "hard graft"—Tara committed to 18 months of twice-daily exercises, treating them as non-negotiable as brushing teeth. Refining Nutrition: Beyond just going gluten and dairy-free, specific testing can uncover "healthy food" sensitivities, such as salicylates in brightly coloured fruits, that may drive excitatory behaviour. Regressions are Progress: Intense behavioural regressions during reflex work, particularly with the Spinal Galant or ATNR, are signs of the nervous system rewiring, not failure. Timestamps 00:00 – Spotting the Early Signs: Recognising a "mother's instinct" even when milestones seem to be met. 06:44 – The First Breakthrough: How five minutes of daily "crossing the midline" exercises changed Herbie's motor skills in weeks. 11:47 – The Hard Graft of Reflexes: Navigating an 18-month integration program and the reality of school regressions. 20:15 – Unlocking Sleep with Neurofeedback: Moving from sleep deprivation to 10-hour nights by influencing brain waves. 25:10 – The Organic Acid Test: Why "rainbow diets" and green smoothies aren't the best choice for every child. 31:10 – Photobiomodulation & Brain Maps: Using red-light helmets and QEEG data to calm emotional responses. 38:00 – From Struggle to Blending In: The dream parents' evening and Herbie's new academic trajectory. 43:40 – A Message of Hope: The power of tenacity and building the brain stem from the bottom up. 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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    40 min

  3. MAY 7

    Why Some Children Become Violent & have PDA: The Missing Link Parents Need to Know (Pyrol Explained) with Vicky Finlayson

    If you’ve ever found yourself asking, "Why is my child so aggressive?" or felt the heartbreak of a violent outburst you can't explain, this episode is for you. We sit down with Vicky Finlayson to discuss Pyrole Disorder—a frequently overlooked biochemical imbalance that strips the body of the very nutrients needed for calm: B6 and Zinc. When these "scaffolding" nutrients are depleted, children are left with a critically low tolerance for stress, leading to rages that aren't a choice, but a biological crisis. We dive into the groundbreaking research of the Walsh Institute, explore why common supplements like Omega-3 can sometimes backfire, and discuss a simple, non-invasive test that can provide life-changing answers in as little as two weeks. It’s time to move past the labels of "oppositional" and look at the internal stress driving the behavior, offering a pathway toward true regulation and peace for the whole family. Key Takeaways Pyrole Disorder causes the body to "pee out" vital B6 and zinc, which are essential cofactors for the calming neurotransmitters GABA and Serotonin. Aggressive outbursts and poor stress tolerance in neurodiverse children are often physiological coping mechanisms, not deliberate behavioral choices. Internal stressors, such as chronic bacterial or viral infections, can drive up pyrole production just as much as environmental stress. While usually considered healthy, Omega-3 supplements can devastate children with high pyroles by further unbalancing the Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio. Pyrole Disorder is linked to irrational fears, phobias, and severe blood glucose issues due to its impact on the insulin pathway. 00:00 – Introduction 00:32 – The Stigma of Violence in Neurodiversity 01:03 – Dr. Walsh’s Research on Violent Offenders 02:37 – Stress and Pyrole Production 03:52 – The Role of GABA and Serotonin 05:27 – The Link Between Copper and Violence 09:41 – Testing for Pyrole Disorder 10:48 – Case Study: Overcoming Severe PDA 12:54 – The Personal Impact of Phobias 15:05 – Biology Over Behavioural Choice 16:00 – Closing and Contact Information Vicky Finlayson Links ⁠⁠⁠https://thehappyhealthyunicorn.com/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thehappyhealthyunicorn⁠⁠⁠ 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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    22 min

  4. APR 30

    From Survival to Success: The 8 Core Principles of Neuro-Education

    If you’ve ever watched a child struggle with simple coordination or seen a classroom of students unable to settle, this episode is for you. We are joined by Laura Weatherly, a neuro-educator with over 35 years of experience , to discuss her transformative "8 Core Principles" for brain development. Laura shares how she uses specific movements—like scissor jacks and planking—to settle even the most disruptive classrooms by addressing the brain from the bottom up. We dive into the critical importance of nasal breathing for oxygenating the brain and why "yawning" during work is actually a sign of a hard-working nervous system. From reducing primitive reflexes to the power of singing for the vagal nerve , this conversation is packed with zero-cost, high-impact strategies. Whether you are a parent or an educator, you’ll learn how to stop simply "modifying" a child's environment and start building the neural connections they need to thrive. Key Takeaways The 8 Pillars of Potential: Success relies on managing the mind, nurturing the body, reducing reflexes, building muscle, timing, balancing senses, boosting hemispheres, and creating connections. Intensity Over Modification: Continuously teaching only to a child's strengths can create "learned helplessness"; the brain requires intensity and saturation to grow new connections. Movement Settles the Mind: Specific exercises like scissor jacks and planking provide the neurological input needed to settle a dysregulated classroom or home environment. The Nasal Breathing Connection: Mouth breathing leads to oxygen deprivation and a lack of nitric oxide, which can result in symptoms frequently misdiagnosed as ADHD. Stacking for Success: Combining sensory input—such as specific smells, music, and vibration—with physical reflex work provides the "stacking" effect necessary for rapid brain development. Timestamps 00:00 – Meet Laura Weatherly: 35 years of neuro-education and the journey from special needs teacher to neuro-educator. 05:40 – The Grade 5 Transformation: How four specific exercises settled a disruptive class more than "fresh air" ever could. 08:20 – Principles 1 & 2: Managing the mind by catching negative thoughts and nurturing the body through hydration and oxygenation. 13:14 – The ADHD & Nasal Breathing Connection: How mouth breathing affects focus and teeth alignment. 15:55 – Why Crawling is the Ultimate Brain Builder: The danger of skipping milestones and its effect on eye tracking. 21:10 – Duck and Pigeon Walks: A simple parent’s test to identify if primitive reflexes are still active. 26:10 – Building Grit and Core Strength: Why even athletic kids might be missing the foundational muscle needed for learning. 29:46 – Timing is Everything: Improving the brain's "timing belt" through rhythm games and music. 39:20 – Vision vs. Acuity: The heartbreak of "functional" visual struggles that standard eye tests miss. 46:00 – Stacking the Senses: How using smell, sound, and movement together provides the input the brain needs to rewire. 52:05 – Crossing the Midline: Why figure-eights and racket sports are essential for connecting the two hemispheres. Laura Weatherly Links https://ca.linkedin.com/in/laura-weatherly-b2116572 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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    56 min

  5. APR 23

    From Regression to Connection: A True Story of Hope! Phil and Sarahs Story

    Ever felt like you’re digging through the dark trying to find a way to help your child thrive? This episode is a lighthouse for any parent navigating the complexities of neurodiversity. We sit down with Phil and Sarah, who share the raw and beautiful story of their son, Edward. After a sudden regression at age two, they found themselves in a world of unanswered questions and sensory meltdowns. Through a dedicated focus on gut health, reflex integration, and—most importantly—a shift in how they look at and adore their son, they have witnessed a monumental transformation. From the "trivial" win of a calm supermarket trip to the deep joy of "happy flaps," this conversation explores how accepting a child exactly where they are is often the strongest foundation for healing. It’s a story of persistence, the importance of the gut microbiome, and the life-changing power of unconditional love. Key Takeaways Acceptance is a Catalyst: Meeting a child where they are in the moment reduces internal stress and provides a safer platform for neurological progress. Gut Health Drives Behaviour: Removing inflammatory triggers like gluten and dairy can eliminate life-limiting symptoms and improve cognitive clarity. Revisiting Developmental Reflexes: Addressing "unfired" infant reflexes can help settle the nervous system and improve oral and motor functions. Stimming as Regulation: Stimming is a vital tool for self-regulation; accepting these behaviours rather than suppressing them reduces a child's overall stress. The Journey is Layered: Healing is not an overnight fix but a gradual process of "chipping away" at biological and environmental layers over time. Direct Quotes "How you guys love and adore him... has been monumentally life-changing in terms of his healing path and his trajectory." "Edward doesn't need to be cured. He just needs to be able to regulate himself a lot better." "We’re not trying to stamp out neurodiversity... The goal is just to help children to get healthy." "It completely altered the way he was able to process things and cope." "We’ve lost the concern or anxiety that comes with parenting... giving him that environment where he feels safe, happy, comfortable." Timestamps 00:00 – A Story of Persistence and Hope 03:46 – Spotting the First Signs of Delay 06:00 – The Light Switch: Edward’s Sudden Regression 10:03 – Navigating Sleep and Sensory Challenges 14:23 – Discovering Reflex Integration and Gut Health 21:41 – The Supermarket Win: Real-Life Progress 25:13 – The Gluten-Free Pivot: Evidence in Action 29:52 – Understanding Stims as Self-Regulation 34:06 – Happy Flaps and Inclusivity in Healing Vicky Finlayson Links ⁠⁠⁠https://thehappyhealthyunicorn.com/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thehappyhealthyunicorn⁠⁠⁠ 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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    38 min

  6. APR 16

    Documenting Hope: Can Neurodevelopmental Conditions Be Reversed?

    Ever feel like you are only treading water, managing symptoms rather than finding a way through? This conversation with Beth Lambert challenges the traditional "lifelong" labels often handed to parents of neurodiverse children. We dive deep into the concept of the "biological mismatch"—the reality that our children’s bodies are struggling to cope with a modern world full of toxins, processed foods, and constant EMF exposure. Beth explains why healing isn't about a magic pill, but about removing the obstacles that prevent the body from returning to its natural state of homeostasis. From the multi-generational impact of environmental triggers to the powerful role of co-regulation, this episode is a clarion call for parents to trust their instincts and look closer at root causes. It is time to move beyond bleak prognostications and start documenting hope for a brighter, healthier future. Key Takeaways Symptoms as Communication: Symptoms are not the condition itself; they are the body’s way of communicating that it has fallen out of balance or homeostasis. The Biological Mismatch: Neurodevelopmental challenges often arise when a child's physiology is overwhelmed by modern environmental stressors like toxins and EMFs. Reversibility of Autism: The narrative that autism is solely genetic and lifelong is being challenged by documented cases of children who have fully reversed their diagnosis. Multi-generational Epigenetics: Environmental exposures pre-conception can prime a child's immune system to be more reactive and inflammatory. Parental Empowerment: Parents know their children best and should feel empowered to act as the primary "trail guides" in seeking out root-cause practitioners. Timestamps 04:15 – Redefining Healing and Homeostasis: Understanding symptoms as a form of biological communication rather than just problems to be suppressed. 08:30 – The Biological Mismatch: Exploring the stressors of modern life—from processed foods to Wi-Fi—that our bodies were not evolved to handle. 12:45 – Multi-generational Origins: How pre-conception environmental exposures and "TILT" (Toxicant-Induced Loss of Tolerance) impact child development. 18:20 – Challenging the "Mostly Genetic" Narrative: Discussing why telling parents autism is a permanent lifelong condition is factually inaccurate. 24:50 – The Hardware vs. Software of the Brain: Why revisiting developmental milestones like crawling is essential for rewiring the brain. 31:10 – Creating a Safe Healing Environment: Practical steps for parents to mitigate EMFs, mould, and LED lighting to support cellular health. 37:45 – The Power of Co-regulation: Why a parent’s regulated nervous system is a prerequisite for a child’s progress. 43:30 – Documenting Success and Future Events: Success stories of diagnosis reversal and details on the upcoming Health and Healing Expo. Beth Lambert Links Instagram: @beth1lambert TikTok: @beth1lambert Documenting Hope: https://documentinghope.com/ Instagram: @documentinghope TikTok: @documentinghope Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ZHXwyx8jIhJbUD2GXCTnw 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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    43 min

  7. APR 9

    The Missing Piece: Why Your Child’s Healing Has Stalled With Vicky Finlayson

    Ever feel like you’re doing everything right, yet your child’s progress has hit a wall? This episode of The Brain Development Podcast pulls back the curtain on the subtle day-to-day misses that can halt the healing process for children with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing challenges. We dive into the controversial but critical role of animal proteins in providing essential amino acids like methionine and bioavailable minerals like zinc, which are often missing in plant-based diets. The conversation explores how our modern environment has changed so drastically that the "traditional" diets of previous generations may no longer support the unique neurological needs of today’s children. From the science of methylation to the impact of folate on serotonin and rage, this episode is a straight-talking guide to the biological non-negotiables required to rebuild a child’s brain and restore family vitality. Key Takeaways Bioavailability is King: Plant-based sources of zinc and iron often contain anti-nutrients that block absorption, making meat an essential source for brain health. The Methylation Cycle: 98% of autistic individuals are under-methylated and require the specific amino acids found in meat to regulate every function from detox to neurotransmitter production. Folate and Serotonin: In under-methylated children, a folate-heavy vegan diet can inadvertently depress serotonin levels, leading to increased aggression and "rage". Myelination Requirements: B12 and iron are critical for building the insulating sheath around brain cells, ensuring they can communicate effectively. Strategic Compromise: While cultural and religious dietary choices are respected, temporary inclusion of eggs or fish can act as a powerful "bridge" to accelerate healing. Timestamps 00:00 – What You’re Missing in the Healing Journey 04:30 – The Science of Methylation and Amino Acids 08:15 – Zinc, Copper, and Heavy Metal Regulation 15:40 – Folate, Serotonin, and the "Rage" Manifestation 22:10 – B12, Iron, and Brain Cell Signaling 28:45 – Navigating Cultural Diets and Healing Priorities 35:30 – Strategies for Transitioning: Eggs and Fish Vicky Finlayson Links ⁠⁠https://thehappyhealthyunicorn.com/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thehappyhealthyunicorn⁠⁠ 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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    29 min

  8. APR 2

    Combining Developmental Neurology with Functional Movement: How Chronic Injury is Rebuilt into Strength & Resilience with Jennifer Novak

    Ever wonder why some children struggle with basic coordination or stay stuck in "fight or flight" mode despite every traditional intervention? In this episode of The Brain Development Podcast. Lara speaks to Jennifer Novak. This conversation dives deep into the interdependent relationship between how we move and how we think. By looking at the brain from the bottom up starting with the brainstem and primitive reflexes it’s possible to unlock levels of function that once seemed out of reach. From remarkable recovery stories of stroke survivors to the daily habits that throw off a child's circadian rhythm, this episode explores how to re-establish stability in the nervous system. We explore the critical role of cervical health in brain blood flow and why simply changing the lighting in a home can shift a child’s entire metabolic state. It’s a masterclass in building resilience and restoring the natural flow of the body to support a thriving, happy brain. Key Takeaways Movement and brain function are fundamentally interdependent; a "happy brain" requires "happy movement" to function at its peak. Integrating primitive reflexes helps pull the brain’s focus away from the brainstem and back into the cortex for better emotional and motor control. Cervical instability can hinder lymphatic drainage and blood flow, leading to neuro-inflammation that impacts learning and behavior. Chronic blue light exposure from screens disrupts the hypothalamus, altering glucose processing and sleep-wake cycles in neurodiverse individuals. Targeted neurological exercises can build "resilience," allowing the body to better detoxify and handle environmental stressors like mould or toxins. 00:00 – Introduction to the Brain Development Podcast 00:04:07 – The Importance of Brain Stem Recovery 00:08:57 – The Impact of Blue Light on Brain Processing 00:10:30 – Addressing Primitive and Postural Reflexes 00:13:34 – Case Studies: Transforming Individual Lives 00:18:37 – Applying Photobiomodulation in Treatment 00:26:16 – Research with UK Firefighters 00:31:08 – Testing and Symptoms of Brain-Body Disconnection 00:36:45 – Utilizing Neuroscience and Eye Movements 00:40:44 – Personal Recovery Story: Rebuilding a Child’s Brain 00:42:25 – Future Goals and Biological Architecture 00:45:16 – Getting to the Root of Issues with Functional Neurology Jennifer Novak Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-novak-ms-cscs-444a9711 https://symmetryperformance.com/ https://www.yourbbrs.com/ 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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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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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