The Brain Development Podcast

Lara and Vicky delve into the intricate journey of healing behavioural and learning symptoms in children with autism and related conditions. Vicky from The Healthy Happy Unicorn shares a personal case study involving her daughter Rose, highlighting the significant insights gained from a stool test that revealed severe maldigestion, gut imbalances, and the impact of specific bacteria on Rose's health. The discussion covers various symptoms, including insatiable appetite, sleep disturbances, and cognitive challenges, while emphasising the importance of understanding the underlying gut health issues. Vicky outlines the protocols and natural remedies that helped improve Rose's condition, showcasing the potential for positive change through dietary adjustments and holistic approaches.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Importance of Gut Health: A stool test can reveal significant imbalances in gut flora, maldigestion, and the presence of pathogenic bacteria or parasites.

Personalised Protocols: Each child's healing journey is unique, and personalised dietary and supplement protocols are essential.

BEST MOMENTS

"If you can't absorb fat, you won't absorb antioxidants." - Vicky

"We're told constantly that autism is this disability, it's for life. But there's so much that we can look into." -Lara

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

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

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

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.

https://thehappyhealthyunicorn.com/

https://thehappyhealthyunicorn.com/1%3A1-virtual-consultations

In this episode of the Brain Development Podcast, Lara and Vicky discuss the recent controversial statements made by Trump regarding vaccines and the use of Leucovorin for autistic children. Vicky from the Healthy Happy Unicorn shares her insights on the complexities of autism and the multifactorial causes behind it, emphasising that while folate is essential for brain development, autism cannot be attributed solely to folate deficiency. The conversation delves into the potential risks of high-dose supplements like Leucovorin, the importance of understanding individual health conditions, and the need for personalised approaches to treatment. Vicky also highlights the significance of dietary interventions and the impact of genetic mutations on autism, encouraging parents to look beyond quick fixes and consider the unique needs of their children.

Leucovorin and Folate: Leucovorin, a form of folate, is sometimes recommended for children with cerebral folate deficiency, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution and may not address the underlying causes of autism.

Dietary Interventions: For children with cerebral folate deficiency, dietary changes, such as avoiding dairy, can be more effective than high-dose supplements like Leucovorin.

Genetic Testing: Genetic mutations, such as those affecting folate receptors, can impact how children metabolise folate. Testing for these mutations can help tailor interventions but does not determine the cause of autism.

BEST MOMENTS

"The healing process and the body... is very oversimplified and can be really misleading and confusing for parents." - Vicky

"If we think about autism, it is caused by many, many compounding factors. It isn't just folate deficiency." - Vicky

"When you put in a high dose of something like that, you're changing genetic expression. Is that helpful in terms of long-term health?" - Vicky

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

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

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

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.

https://thehappyhealthyunicorn.com/⁠

Lara engages in a heartfelt conversation with a parent, named Emily, who shares her transformative journey over the past six months with her son, Johnny. The discussion highlights the challenges they faced before starting the program, including communication difficulties, emotional regulation, and struggles in school. Emily recounts how they sought help through speech development and occupational therapy, ultimately leading them to Lara. Through a series of neuro assessments and targeted exercises, they witnessed remarkable improvements in Johnny's speech, emotional expression, and physical coordination. The episode emphasises the importance of understanding a child's unique needs and the empowering journey of parents as they navigate the complexities of raising children with behavioural and learning difficulties.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Significant Progress in Communication: After starting the program, the child showed remarkable improvements in language skills, transitioning from referring to himself in the third person to using "I" correctly and expressing thoughts more clearly and descriptively.

Emotional Regulation Improvements: The child experienced enhanced emotional regulation, leading to a decrease in meltdowns and an increased ability to articulate feelings and needs, which has positively impacted family dynamics.

Increased Confidence and Participation: The child has become more confident in social settings, actively participating in activities like sports clubs and expressing a desire to engage with peers, which was previously a challenge.

BEST MOMENTS

"He said to the waitress, can I have some colouring in pencils and a word search, please?" - Emily

"It's just phenomenal. How can doing some simple exercises... have such a huge impact?" - Emily

"We need to really focus in on the foundation, which is those primitive reflexes first." - Lara

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

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

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

www.braindevelopment.co.uk

Lara and Vicky discuss the underlying causes of various behavioural and learning symptoms in children with autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Vicky Finlayson from the Happy Healthy Unicorn joins the conversation to explore how surface-level behaviours, such as stimming and pica, are often driven by biological imbalances, including gut health issues and nutrient deficiencies. The discussion emphasises the importance of understanding these behaviours as not merely part of a child's personality but as symptoms that can be addressed through holistic healing approaches. Parents are encouraged to look beyond the symptoms and focus on restoring their child's overall health, which can lead to significant improvements in behaviour and learning. The episode aims to empower parents with knowledge and hope, highlighting that change is possible through targeted interventions and support.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Understanding Symptoms: Many behaviours in children with learning and behavioural difficulties, such as stimming and pica, are often driven by underlying biological imbalances rather than intentional actions. Recognising this can help parents approach these behaviours with more empathy and understanding.

Importance of Gut Health: Conditions like high oxalate levels and yeast overgrowth can significantly impact children's behaviour. Addressing gut health through dietary changes and appropriate treatments can lead to improvements in these symptoms.

Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in essential nutrients, such as zinc, B12, and lithium, can contribute to various issues, including speech delays and behavioural problems. It's crucial to identify and address these deficiencies rather than solely focusing on symptomatic treatments.

Role of Primitive Reflexes: Retained primitive reflexes can affect a child's ability to communicate and regulate their body. Addressing these reflexes through targeted therapies can improve speech and overall functioning.

BEST MOMENTS

"What we see on the surface is almost like the tip of an iceberg... if we look beneath that... we can look at all of the reasons why those things might be happening." - Vicky

"When we're really oppressive and trying to stop our kids doing things, it almost builds more stress in the body and makes them do it more." - Vicky

"Pica is where the child will eat non-edible items... the body's kind of like... always trying to be well innately." - Vicky

"When I truly realised that he just couldn't help some of these things... you've got to forgive yourself, but also forgive them." - Lara

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.

SOCIAL/IMPORTANT LINKS
https://www.tiktok.com/@braindevelopmentuk
https://www.instagram.com/braindevelopmentuk/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/larakelly/
www.braindevelopment.co.uk

GUEST BIO

Vicky, founder of The Happy Healthy Unicorn, is mum to her inspiring autistic daughter, Rose. With a BSc in Human Biology, she initially planned to work as an NHS dietitian, but her daughter’s needs changed her path. Immersing herself in research on autism and neurodevelopment, she focused on root-cause healing and whole-person care. Rose’s transformation shaped Vicky’s mission: combining scientific knowledge, lived experience, and empathy to support families. Today, she provides compassionate, science-backed guidance through The Happy Healthy Unicorn.
⁠⁠https://thehappyhealthyunicorn.com/

Lara is joined by Vicky Finlayson from Happy Healthy Unicorn to discuss the impact of Clostridia, a type of bacteria found in the gut, on children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Vicky explains how Clostridia can contribute to various symptoms by disrupting the microbiome and affecting brain health, particularly through the inhibition of dopamine processing. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding the underlying causes of these symptoms, the significance of proper testing, and the necessity of laying a strong foundation for health before addressing bacterial imbalances. Vicky shares inspiring success stories of children who have shown remarkable improvements through dietary changes and targeted interventions, emphasising the need for patience and consistency in the healing journey. This episode aims to empower parents with knowledge and practical strategies to support their children's development and well-being.

Impact on Brain Health: Clostridia can inhibit the enzyme dopamine beta-hydroxylase, which is crucial for converting dopamine into norepinephrine. This disruption can lead to an excess of dopamine, affecting behaviour, attention, and cognitive functions, and potentially exacerbating symptoms of ADHD and autism.

Role of Diet and Gut Health: A poor diet, particularly one high in refined carbohydrates, can deplete beneficial gut bacteria, allowing Clostridia to thrive. Addressing dietary habits and improving gut health is essential for managing clostridial infections and their associated symptoms.

Importance of Testing: An organic acids test is recommended for accurately identifying Clostridia and its toxins. However, it is crucial to lay a solid foundation of health through diet and lifestyle changes before conducting tests, as an unhealthy state can allow Clostridia to return.

"It's actually the toxins that Clostridia produces that can be the most harmful thing." - Vicky

"If you think dopamine is meant to degrade naturally into norepinephrine and it doesn't do that, the clostridia will block that enzyme." - Vicky

"If you do it in that order, it creates sustained healing." - Lara

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

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

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

www.braindevelopment.co.uk

GUEST BIO

Vicky, founder of The Happy Healthy Unicorn, is mum to her inspiring autistic daughter, Rose. With a BSc in Human Biology, she initially planned to work as an NHS dietitian, but her daughter’s needs changed her path. Immersing herself in research on autism and neurodevelopment, she focused on root-cause healing and whole-person care.

⁠The Happy Healthy Unicorn - Autism, Nutrition⁠

DESCRIPTION

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Understanding Autoimmunity: The immune system may attack healthy cells, which can influence brain development if present during pregnancy.

Link to Autism: Research suggests parental autoimmunity may increase autism risk, as autoantibodies can affect the fetal brain.

Diet & Nutrition: Removing gluten, addressing deficiencies (like vitamin D), and focusing on whole foods can improve outcomes.

Personalised Healing: Every child’s path is unique—families benefit from tailored care and supportive practitioners.

BEST MOMENTS

“If we do have an autoimmune condition… we can pull back inflammation in ourselves.” – Vicky

HOST BIO
Lara Barnes, a successful woman in tech, found herself navigating behavioural, learning, and speech challenges with her son. She discovered functional neurology and how to change the brain to correct his symptoms and strengthen his left brain. The Building the Brain Podcast is for parents who want to understand how to help their children thrive and become their best selves.

GUEST BIO
Vicky, founder of The Happy Healthy Unicorn, is mum to her inspiring autistic daughter, Rose. With a BSc in Human Biology, she initially planned to work as an NHS dietitian, but her daughter’s needs changed her path. Immersing herself in research on autism and neurodevelopment, she focused on root-cause healing and whole-person care.

SOCIAL LINKS

In this episode of the Brain Development Podcast, hosts discuss the challenges parents face with picky eaters, particularly in children with neurodiversity. They welcome Vicky Finlayson from Happy, Healthy Unicorn, who shares her insights on the gut-brain connection and the importance of a healthy diet for improving behaviour and learning outcomes. Vicky emphasises the need for a tailored approach to dietary changes, highlighting strategies such as food chaining and the significance of mindset in the process. The conversation also touches on the addictive nature of certain foods and the impact of gut health on emotional regulation and overall well-being. Listeners are encouraged to embrace small, manageable changes and to seek creative ways to make food enjoyable for their children, fostering a positive relationship with eating.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Gradual Changes: Transitioning a child's diet should be done in stages, especially for those with strong food preferences. Small, manageable changes, such as altering the shape or texture of familiar foods, can help ease the child into a more diverse diet.

Food Addiction Awareness: Many common foods, particularly those high in gluten and dairy, can be addictive due to their effects on the brain. Recognising this can help parents understand the importance of removing these foods to promote better health and behaviour in their children.

Gut Health is Crucial: A healthy gut microbiome is essential for overall well-being, including mood regulation and immune function. Parents should focus on nourishing their child's gut with a variety of whole foods to support brain development and reduce inflammation.

BEST MOMENTS

"If your child was addicted to heroin, would you keep giving him the heroin? Or would you just remove it and go through the withdrawal, which you will get? But actually to help them for the greater good." - Vicky

"Your mindset in this is so important. If you are serving food from a place of desperation, fear, and anxiety, your child is so sensitive because they have neuroception." - Vicky

"The way I like to liken this... is that if you imagine your child's gut as like this beautiful garden... you have to have vegetables and you have to have diversity." - Vicky

"You can actually break it down. And I think that's what you've really taught me." - Lara

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.

SOCIAL/IMPORTANT LINKS

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

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

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

www.braindevelopment.co.uk

DESCRIPTION

Lara welcomes Dr. Michael Trayford, a board-certified chiropractic neurologist and neurofeedback specialist, to explore innovative ways to address the neurological challenges faced by neurodiverse children. Drawing on his work at Apex Brain Centers, Dr. Trayford emphasizes finding root causes rather than chasing symptoms. They discuss modern diagnostics—including QEEG and sLORETA—and why neuroplasticity sits at the heart of meaningful rehabilitation.

The conversation breaks down intensive treatment models and how combining physical, neurological, cognitive, and metabolic interventions can accelerate change. They also cover the roles of diet, environmental exposures, and collaborative care in optimizing brain health and function.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Holistic, Root-Cause Focus: Start with history, lifestyle, and neurological function to guide targeted care.

Intensity Matters: Short, immersive programs can drive stronger neuroplastic changes than weekly sessions.

Data-Driven Plans: Tools like QEEG and sLORETA help pinpoint where and how to intervene.

Integrated Care: Bridging neuroscience, mental health, and nutrition improves outcomes—metabolic health is a must-address.

BEST MOMENTS

“My purpose is to help empower parents to understand how they can build their child’s brain from the bottom up to invoke change.” – Lara

HOST BIO

Lara Barnes is a tech leader turned functional-neurology advocate after helping her son overcome behavioural, learning, and speech challenges. The Building the Brain Podcast equips parents with practical strategies to help children thrive.

GUEST BIO

Dr. Michael S. Trayford is a Board-Certified Chiropractic Neurologist (DACNB) and Neurofeedback Specialist with 25+ years in advanced functional neurology. Trained at SUNY (BSc) and New York Chiropractic College (DC), with postgraduate work through the Carrick Institute, he developed a multimodal intensive brain rehabilitation approach centred on neuroplasticity and founded Apex Brain Centers. He is a published contributor, international lecturer, and serves on advisory boards in neuroregulation and dementia care.

Lara speaks with Jen, a mother navigating the challenges of raising her son Will, who was born with a cleft lip and palate and later received an autism diagnosis. Jen shares her unique journey, detailing the struggles they faced, including Will's early feeding issues and communication delays. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding and addressing underlying developmental factors, such as primitive reflexes and sensory processing, to foster Will's growth. Jen discusses the transformative impact of working with Lara, including the implementation of sensory inputs and exercises that have significantly improved Will's speech and social interactions. This episode serves as an inspiring reminder for parents that there are alternative pathways to support their children's development beyond conventional diagnoses.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Understanding Primitive Reflexes: The discussion highlights the importance of primitive reflexes in child development. These reflexes should integrate by the age of 12 months, and retained reflexes can hinder a child's progress. Exercises to integrate these reflexes can help children develop essential motor skills and coordination.

Holistic Approach to Diagnosis: The conversation emphasizes that a diagnosis, such as autism, should not be the end of the journey. Instead, it encourages exploring various avenues, including sensory input, dietary changes, and developmental assessments, to understand and support the child's unique needs.

Sensory Input and Its Impact: Utilizing sensory tools, such as the ResiMax and specific sound frequencies, can significantly aid in a child's development. These tools help stimulate the brain and integrate reflexes, leading to improved focus and calmness.

Importance of Lab Testing: Conducting lab tests, such as organic acid tests, can provide valuable insights into a child's gut health and nutritional deficiencies. Understanding these factors can guide dietary adjustments that may alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being.

BEST MOMENTS

"I always, always believed that there was more to go on and to look into and really, like, I wanted to tap into who he actually is rather than his restrictions." - Jen

"I was so desperate and so overwhelmed I thought this is the priority right now I am gonna put everything else to one side." - Jen

"You can actually see what's going on inside the brain. You can see those alpha, beta, delta waves." - Lara

"It was like another boost of hope of like, you know, this child will be able to do all the things." - Jen

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.

GUEST BIO

www.braindevelopment.co.uk

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

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

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

In this episode of the Brain Development Podcast, Lara is joined by Jinal and Vicky to discuss how parents can prepare for a healthy pregnancy and reduce risks linked to child development and neurodiversity.

The conversation highlights:

The impact of oral health during pregnancy, including how hormonal changes affect the gums and the risks of untreated dental issues.

The role of the gut microbiome and why balancing it through diet and lifestyle is vital for both mother and child.

Why monitoring copper and folate levels before conception matters for brain health and development.

The value of genetic testing (SNPs) in identifying predispositions and taking proactive steps.

How environmental toxins influence pregnancy and the importance of creating a safe, healthy “nest” for your child.

Packed with practical strategies, this episode empowers parents to take actionable steps toward improving their health—and their future children’s well-being.

Key Takeaways

Oral Health: Hormonal shifts increase risks of gum disease, which is linked to pregnancy complications.

Gut Health: A balanced gut supports neurodevelopment and resilience in children.

Copper & Folate: High copper can deplete zinc, while improper folate supplementation may affect cell methylation.

Genetic Insights: SNP testing helps parents make informed preconception choices.

Best Moments

"During pregnancy, ovarian hormones change the oral microbes, leading to more inflammation." – Jinal

Guest Bio – Vicky

Host Bio – Lara Barnes

Social / Important Links

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

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

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

Website: ⁠www.braindevelopment.co.uk⁠

Guest Website: ⁠https://thehappyhealthyunicorn.com/⁠