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.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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Think you’ve tried every dietary change for your neurodiverse child without success?

It might be because the very "superfoods" we are told are healthy are actually acting as neurological triggers. In this episode of The Brain Development Podcast, Lara and health expert Vicky Finlayson dive deep into the bio-individual nuances of the gut-brain connection. We explore why "mostly" dairy-free isn't enough to heal the brain and why staples like bone broth, spinach, and almond flour can inadvertently drive stimming, anxiety, and sleep issues due to high oxalates and glutamate.

This isn't about restriction; it's about clearing the "rubbish dump" so your child’s inner garden can finally flourish. Whether you are just starting out or are a tenured parent in the "free-from" world, this conversation offers a compassionate, step-by-step roadmap to help your child move from survival mode into true thriving.

Key Takeaways

The 100% Rule: To truly recalibrate the immune system and brain, a total elimination of gluten and dairy is often required, as even small amounts keep the inflammatory cycle active.

The "Healthy" Oxalate Trap: Many paleo-staples like almond flour, spinach, and beetroot are high in oxalates, which can cause physical pain, "humping" behaviours, and sensory issues.

Order of Healing: You must clear the "soil" of the gut and unburden the immune system before the brain can successfully process more complex interventions.

Sulfation & Summer Triggers: Stimming often increases in summer because the sulfation pathway is overwhelmed by a combination of pool chlorine and high-phenol foods like berries.

The Parent’s Energy: Children co-regulate with their parents; taking care of your own nervous system is a prerequisite for your child's healing journey.

Key Quotes

"If the soil is a rubbish dump, you can't expect a flourishing garden with pollinating insects to grow."

"The brain is the biggest organ that grows first... and the biggest thing it needs is oxygen and the right nutrition."

"Compensation is the tax you pay when prevention fails."

"We aren't trying to erase who the child is; we are helping them reach the healthy version of themselves they were always meant to be."

"Gluten and dairy are a bit like heroin to our kids' brains—that’s why they’re so addicted to them."

Timestamps

00:00 – Why "Mostly" Healthy Isn't Enough for Brain Healing

06:45 – Casein, Folate, and the 100% Rule: Why Dairy Blocks Progress

14:20 – The Bone Broth Paradox: When Gut Healing Foods Trigger Meltdowns

22:15 – Hidden Oxalates: The Truth About Almond Flour and Stimming

31:10 – Summer Challenges: Chlorine, Berries, and Red Cheeks

39:45 – Transitioning Your Household: It’s a Journey of Iterations

46:20 – Final Tips: Finding the Right Team for Your Child’s 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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ever been told that an autism diagnosis is a static life sentence? Taiba Bajar is here to show you that the brain is capable of incredible transformation when we stop managing symptoms and start healing the root. In this powerful episode, Taiba shares her personal journey of helping her son regain his speech and independence, leading to her revolutionary "7-Step Autism Action Plan." We dive deep into the science of neuroplasticity, the critical gut-brain connection, and why environmental toxins might be the "switch" affecting your child’s development. This isn’t just about clinical research; it’s a roadmap for parents to move from overwhelm to empowerment. If you are looking for a pathway to help your child meet their developmental milestones and thrive, this conversation is the essential guide you’ve been searching for.

5 Key Takeaways

The "Bottom-Up" Priority: Effective healing starts with the brainstem and foundational systems like the gut and oxytocic bonding before tackling high-level learning.

Environment as a Switch: Autism severity can be influenced by environmental factors; removing toxins and inflammatory foods can "flip the switch" toward development.

Gut Health is Brain Health: Addressing a "leaky gut" and chronic inflammation is often the catalyst for breakthroughs in speech and emotional regulation.

Connection Over Correction: Prioritising the parent-child bond and oxytocin levels creates the safety the nervous system needs to learn new skills.

Labels Aren't Limits: A child’s current state is a snapshot, not a permanent identity; the brain remains plastic and capable of rerouting at any age.

5 Featured Quotes

"The brain is the biggest organ that grows first... and the biggest thing a brain needs to grow is oxygen."

"My mission is to help parents see that things can be done. I'm not promising the world, but I'm offering a choice."

"Trauma is not what happens to you; it is what happens inside you as a result of what happened to you."

"Compensation is the tax you pay when prevention fails—but healing is always possible."

"We aren't trying to erase who the child is; we are helping them reach the version of themselves they were always meant to be."

Podcast Chapters

00:00 – Meet Taiba Bajar: A Journey from Despair to Empowerment

08:15 – The Autism Switch: How Environment Shapes Development

15:40 – Step 1: Why Oxytocin and Bonding are the Foundation of Healing

22:50 – Healing the Gut: The Impact of Gluten, Dairy, and Leaky Gut

31:10 – Taking Down the Toxic Load: Heavy Metals and Modern Environment

38:45 – Neuroplasticity: Rerouting the Brain for Speech and Cognition

46:20 – Advice for the Overwhelmed Parent: Where to Start Today

Taiba Bajar Links

https://autismbrainempowerment.com/

http://uk.linkedin.com/in/taibabajar

https://www.instagram.com/autismbrainempowerment/

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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Brain Development Podcast, Lara is joined by nutritionist and health expert Vicky Finlayson from The Happy Healthy Unicorn. Together, they dive into the profound impact that a 100% commitment to a gluten and dairy-free lifestyle can have on children with neurodevelopmental challenges.

The conversation is a warm, mum-to-mum exploration of why "mostly" dairy-free often isn't enough when you are trying to catalyse true neurological healing. Vicky explains that for children whose systems are already under stress, certain proteins act as significant barriers to progress.

Key Takeaways

Cerebral Folate Deficiency: Many autistic children have antibodies that block folate from entering the brain. Dairy proteins like casein can further inhibit this transport, directly impacting speech and cognition.

The Opioid Effect: For some children, gluten and dairy aren't just food; they have a drug-like effect on the brain. Removing them can lead to a "withdrawal" phase that, while difficult, is a sign the brain is beginning to recalibrate.

Leaky Gut & Immunity: Gluten triggers the release of zonulin, which opens up the gut lining. This allows undigested proteins into the bloodstream, causing the immune system to overreact and potentially lead to conditions like PANS/PANDAS.

The 100% Rule: Proteins like gluten can stay in the system for up to six months. To see the full "fruits" of the diet, a total elimination is often necessary to stop the constant cycle of inflammation.

Actionable advice for the home

Transition Gracefully: It doesn't have to happen overnight. Start by replacing one staple at a time, like moving from cow's milk to coconut milk, which is a healthy source of fats for a developing brain.

Watch for "Healthy" Traps: Be cautious with oat and almond milks. Many are high in sugar or contain glyphosate and oxalates, which can block mineral absorption and trigger inflammation.

Consistency is Key: Healing is a journey of iterations. By sticking to the protocol, you are giving your child the best chance to move from "survival mode" into thriving.

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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this interview from the Brain Development Podcast, Lara interviews Sean McNicholas, an ADHD therapist who specializes in supporting teenagers and adults. Sean shares his personal journey living with ADHD and his professional shift from corporate life to psychotherapy, driven by a desire to understand the "why" behind neurological and emotional challenges.

Sean advocates for a strengths-based approach to ADHD, reframing it not as a deficit, but as a different way of processing the world. He emphasizes that for individuals with ADHD, life is often a cycle of high and low stimulation, leading to impulsive or reactive behaviors when the brain is seeking balance.

Key Takeaways

Functional Disconnection: ADHD is often more than just a single diagnosis; it is frequently a mix of traits like dyslexia, dyspraxia, or OCD, suggesting an imbalance in how the brain's layers communicate.

The Power of Routine: Individuals with ADHD often struggle with time blindness—living only in the "now" or "not now." External structures, like a physical diary rather than a digital one, provide the "certainty" the nervous system needs to feel safe.

Co-Regulation: A child’s nervous system often mirrors their parent's. Sean suggests that parents must first regulate their own stress to effectively "co-regulate" and calm their child.

The "Defender" Analogy: Much like a car needing a proper parking space, the tongue needs a wide palate to rest correctly. If the "parking space" is too small, it can lead to mouth breathing, which affects oxygen flow and brain function.

Digital Detox: back-lit screens and vertical scrolling trigger dopamine releases that can "shut off" the prefrontal cortex, leading to meltdowns. Sean recommends a strict 2-hour screen-free window before bedtime.

Nose Breathing: Encourage nose breathing over mouth breathing to ensure proper oxygenation and to prevent "over-breathing," which can keep the body in a state of stress.

Supportive "No": Set clear boundaries with compassion. Children with ADHD crave boundaries to know where "the end" is, even if they test them frequently.

Sean McNicholas Links

https://www.instagram.com/theadhdexpert_/

https://www.newmetherapy.com/adhdtherapy

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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ever wonder why so many children today struggle with narrow smiles, restless sleep, or even focus issues? We’re sitting down with Dr. Gabor Hermann to explore why orthodontics is actually a "brain-first" specialty. Moving past the idea that braces are just for aesthetics, Gabor explains how the way a child breathes and swallows today dictates their neurological health tomorrow. We dive into the "stimulus" of early development from the muscle work of breastfeeding to the importance of chewing tough foods and how a lack of this stimulus is leading to a silent epidemic of narrow palates and restricted airways. This episode is a roadmap for parents who want to understand the "why" behind crooked teeth and how to ensure their child has the structural foundation to breathe, sleep, and grow into their full potential.

Key Takeaways

The Teeth are the Symptom: Crooked teeth are rarely the primary problem; they are a sign that the jaw and palate didn't have the space or "stimulus" to grow correctly.

Airway is Priority #1: A narrow mouth often means a narrow airway. If a child's brain isn't getting enough oxygen during sleep, it can't develop or regulate emotions properly.

The Tongue’s Critical Role: The tongue is the natural "expander" of the mouth. If it rests low (due to a tie or mouth breathing), the jaw will not develop wide enough.

Early Intervention Matters: Modern soft diets lack the "chewing stimulus" needed for jaw growth; introducing texture and addressing mouth breathing early can prevent complex issues later.

Collaborative Care: True healing requires a "team" approach, often involving orthodontists, ENTs, and therapists to fix the root cause of functional issues.

5 Featured Quotes

"The teeth you see are a symptom of something else... the teeth move for a reason."

"Compensation is the tax you pay when prevention fails."

"What's the point of putting beautiful teeth on someone if they can't breathe?"

"The brain is the biggest organ that grows first... and the biggest thing a brain needs to grow is oxygen."

"It all starts with function: Lips, tongue, breathing. These three things create the foundation."

Dr Gabor Hermann Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabor-hermann-orthodontist/

https://hermannortho.hu/en/hermannortho-english/

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/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ever been told that a diagnosis is a life sentence or that the brain stops changing after childhood? Dr. Michael Longyear is here to challenge that "new normal." After a catastrophic injury left him paralysed, Michael used the very principles of functional neurology to walk again—and now he’s helping families do the same. We dive into the groundbreaking world of neuroplasticity, exploring how the brain can rewire and heal regardless of age or previous limitations. From understanding how "limbic loops" keep us stuck in cycles of chronic pain and anxiety to the power of the stories we tell ourselves, this conversation is a blueprint for possibility. If you’re searching for a way to move past labels like ADHD or developmental delay and want to tap into the actual biology of healing, this deep dive into the resilient human nervous system is exactly what you need.

Key Takeaways

A Diagnosis is Information, Not a Identity: A clinical label describes a current state; it does not dictate the future potential of a child’s developing brain.

Neuroplasticity is Lifelong: The myth that the brain is "fixed" after childhood is debunked; the nervous system remains capable of change and adaptation throughout life.

Breaking the Limbic Loop: Chronic issues—whether physical pain or emotional trauma—are often stored in "loops" that require specific neurological stimulus to break.

The Power of Narrative: The stories we believe about our health and our children’s capabilities physically influence our neurology and recovery outcomes.

The "Bottom-Up" Approach: Lasting change requires addressing the foundational levels of the nervous system before expecting higher-level cognitive or behavioural shifts.

Dr Michael Longyear Links

https://www.drmichaellongyear.com/

@drmichaellongyear,

https://brainoi.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/⁠⁠⁠

Did you know that the way your child breathes and chews today could dictate their health, sleep, and even their posture for the rest of their life? Dr. Steffen Decker joins us to bridge the gap between traditional orthodontics and functional growth. We strip away the idea that braces are just for "crooked teeth" and look at the underlying causes: narrow palates, low tongue posture, and the silent epidemic of mouth breathing.

Dr. Decker shares his "Epiphany" at 2:00 am that linked dental structure directly to the airway, explaining why early intervention is about oxygen, not just aesthetics. From the way a baby latches to the impact of modern, soft diets on jaw development, this conversation is a vital roadmap for any parent wanting to prevent the "tax of compensation" later in life. We explore how a collaborative team of specialists can truly change a child’s life trajectory from the bottom up.

Key Takeaways

Function Over Aesthetics: Teeth move for a reason; crooked smiles are often symptoms of underlying functional issues like mouth breathing or poor tongue posture.

The Airway Primary: Oxygen is the most critical nutrient for brain growth; a narrow palate restricts airflow, which can lead to sleep-disordered breathing and anxiety.

The "Defender" Analogy: Jaw development is like parking a car (the tongue); if the parking space (the palate) is too narrow, the car cannot park correctly, leading to health cascades.

Early Stimuli: Breastfeeding and chewing tough foods provide the necessary muscle activity to develop the jaw properly from birth.

Holistic Synergy: True correction requires a team—dentists, ENTs, and myofunctional therapists—to ensure the brain and body communicate through a "closed circle" of stimuli.

Timestamps & Chapters

00:00 – Introducing Dr. Stefan Decker: A Holistic Path to Orthodontics

05:30 – The Body Posture Connection: How Bite Affects the Whole System

10:45 – The 2:00 AM Epiphany: It All Starts with Lips, Tongue, and Breathing

15:15 – Breastfeeding vs. Bottle Feeding: The Stimulus of Jaw Growth

21:20 – The Asymmetry Cascade: How One-Sided Chewing Changes the Face

27:50 – Oxygen and the Brain: Why Airway Obstruction Leads to Anxiety

33:15 – The "Defender" Theory: Creating Space for the Tongue to Park

42:10 – Moving Beyond "Wait and See": The Importance of Early Intervention

Dr Steffen Decker

https://theorthodonticspecialist.co.uk/

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dr-steffen-decker

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/⁠⁠

Today on the Brain Development Podcast, Lara interviews Dr. Leo Hart! Dr. Hart discusses his work at Complete Care Chiropractic and Wellness Center.

Dr. Hart is a functional neurologist and chiropractor based in Stuart, Florida. His practice focuses on uncovering and correcting the root causes of chronic health and neurodevelopmental challenges, primarily in pediatric patients. He specialises in:

Key Takeaways

Functional Neurology: Applying neurological principles to create lasting change in the brain and nervous system.

Primitive Reflexes: Analysing and integrating these foundational reflexes to support proper brain development.

Rehabilitation: Utilising vestibular and balance rehabilitation, eye movement exercises, and sensory stimulation.

Metabolic Health: Addressing functional medicine and metabolic conditions, such as gut health and neuro-inflammation.

Foundational Brain Development: Dr. Hart emphasises that many developmental issues, such as ADHD, sensory processing disorders, and mood regulation, stem from a "functional disconnection syndrome" or an imbalance in the brain's foundational systems.

The Importance of Milestones: He highlights that early developmental milestones, including breastfeeding and latching, are critical indicators of neurological health. For instance, a failure to latch properly may point to impaired rooting reflexes caused by birth stress.

Vagus Nerve Activation: To calm a child's nervous system, he uses various modalities to activate the vagus nerve, including light, vibration, and radiofrequency stimulation. He specifically mentions the auricular branch of the ear as a "magic area" for jump-starting a dead or exhausted nervous system.

Environmental and Metabolic Factors: Successful treatment often requires addressing "neuro-inflammation" through gut testing, identifying food sensitivities, and managing environmental factors like screen time and sleep routines.

SOCIAL/IMPORTANT LINKS

⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@braindevelopmentuk⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/braindevelopmentuk/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/larakelly/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https:/www.braindevelopment.co.uk⁠⁠

Dr Leo Hart Links

https://completecare.health/

https://www.instagram.com/drleohart/?hl=en

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/⁠

Lara shares her personal journey with her son Archie, detailing the challenges they faced and the transformative steps they took to support his neurodevelopment. Joined by Vicky Finlayson from the Happy Healthy Unicorn, Lara recounts the early signs of Archie's developmental delays, including speech and sensory issues, and how her quest for answers led her to explore various therapies and interventions. From understanding the importance of primitive reflexes to implementing dietary changes and engaging with specialists, Lara emphasises the significance of building a strong foundation for brain development. The episode is filled with emotional moments, including a poignant story about Archie’s breakthrough in communication, showcasing the hope and resilience that can emerge from the journey of parenting a neurodiverse child.

Holistic Approach to Healing: A multi-faceted approach that includes dietary changes (like removing gluten and dairy), sensory integration, and various therapies (such as chiropractic care and auditory programs) can significantly improve a child's developmental trajectory.

Role of Parental Advocacy: Parents play a vital role in advocating for their children’s needs, seeking out specialists, and being proactive in their child’s therapy and education to ensure they receive the necessary support.

Building a Supportive Team: Finding the right practitioners who genuinely care about the child’s well-being is essential. Parents should feel empowered to move on from those who do not meet their expectations or provide adequate support.

"I started to piece it together by understanding what causes retention of primitive reflexes and it's missing or delayed motor milestones." - Lara

"You just want the glimmers of hope to know that it's possible. And it is possible." - Lara

"I had this meeting where she just told me that so much was wrong with my son, which, you know, you drive back in the car and you cry your eyes out." - Lara

"You have to think nasal, mouth, and then gut. And the nasal cavities are so critical because that's your filter paper." - Vicky

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.

https://www.tiktok.com/@braindevelopmentuk

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/larakelly/

https:/www.braindevelopment.co.uk

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/