Welcome back to My Mighty Quinn, today, I’m joined by Melissa and Spencer Doman of Doman International. Spencer is the grandson of Glen Doman, a pioneer in brain development whose revolutionary approach has helped over 30,000 families worldwide. Glen’s work focused on treating the brain rather than symptoms, leading to remarkable outcomes for children with autism, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, ADHD, and more.

Melissa and Spencer continue his legacy, championing the Doman Method, a family-centred, brain-first approach that gives parents the tools to foster real progress in their children.

We discuss:

• The origins and philosophy behind the Doman Method
• Why treating the brain, rather than just the symptoms, is key to progress
• The six pillars of child development and how they interconnect
• The crucial role of movement in brain function
• Practical steps parents can take at home

Key Takeaways

• The Brain is the Root Cause – Many diagnoses focus on symptoms rather than underlying brain function. The Doman Method prioritises neurological development for lasting change.
• Parents Are the Best Therapists – The most effective interventions happen at home. Parents, not clinicians, have the greatest influence on daily progress.
• Movement Fuels Development – Crawling, creeping, and cross-pattern movements are essential for cognitive, speech, and sensory development. If your child skipped crawling, it’s never too late to go back.
• Reading is a Visual Skill, Not a Speech Skill – Many children struggle with phonics, but teaching reading visually, using large-print sight words, can lead to breakthroughs.
• Gut and Brain Connection – Nutrition plays a key role in brain function. Healing the gut can lead to cognitive and behavioural improvements.
• Never Underestimate Your Child – Speak to your child as if they understand everything. Respect their intelligence, even if they can’t express it yet.

Resources & Links

• Download the Parent's Guide to Brain-First Healing
• Doman Website

Support the show

Resource Links:

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  Complete Course Enrolment
  
  
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  Taster Course Enrolment
  
  
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Welcome
If you’ve ever been told your child is “just anxious,” needs firmer discipline, or is simply wired differently — this episode could change everything.

Because sometimes, it’s not “just behaviour.” It’s not ADHD. It’s not autism. It’s your child’s immune system attacking their brain.

I sit down with Dr Nancy O’Hara — world-renowned pediatrician and functional medicine expert — to expose the truth about PANS, PANDAS, and Basal Ganglia Encephalitis: immune-driven brain conditions that are more common than most realise, often misunderstood, and frequently misdiagnosed.

This is personal. My son Quinn has PANS. I’ve lived the overnight personality shifts, the fear, the school calls, the tics, sleep terrors, and seizures. If you’ve ever looked at your child and thought, “This isn’t my child anymore,” this conversation will meet you there — and offer grounded hope.

Episode Summary
Dr O’Hara and I unpack what PANS and PANDAS truly are, how they differ from typical mental health conditions, and why so many children are missed. We explore symptoms like sudden OCD, anxiety, tics, regression, sleep and eating changes, and even seizures. Dr O’Hara explains how infections, mould, and toxins can trigger these conditions — and why this isn’t “bad behaviour,” it’s brain inflammation.

We also cover diagnosis, treatment, and the vital role of parental self-care and advocacy. I share my journey with Quinn — the heartbreak, the healing, and the fierce love it takes to fight for answers.

Key Takeaways

• PANS, PANDAS are underdiagnosed, not rare. They’re immune brain conditions that can cause extreme changes in mood, behaviour, and function.
• If your child suddenly develops OCD, anxiety, tics, food refusal, bedwetting, rage, or sleep issues — don’t brush it off.
• Common triggers include infections, mould, toxins, stress, and family history of autoimmunity.
• Testing can help, but clinical history matters most.
• True healing needs a three-pronged approach

Parental stress is inflammatory too. Your nervous system affects theirs — which is why self-care and co-regulation are essential, not optional.

Resources

• Demystifying PANS / PANDAS by Dr Nancy O'Hara
• Free Quick Start Guide

Resource Links:

• Free Masterclass for Overwhelmed Parents
  
  
• Enrol in the Complete Course - "A Whole Child, Multi-Disciplinary Roadmap to Healing":
  Complete Course Enrolment
  
  
• Enrol in The Taster Course - "Discover the Root Cause of your Child’s Attention, Behaviour and Learning Difficulties":
  Taster Course Enrolment
  
  
• Download your FREE Guides now:
  www.thebrainhealthmovement.com/free-guides
  
  
• Take a look at our other Resources:
  www.thebrainhealthmovement.com/resources
  
  
• Join our Private Community on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/thebrainhealthmovement
  
  
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Welcome to My Mighty Quinn

In this powerful, passionate and eye-opening episode, I’m joined by the incomparable Dr Tony Ebel — neurologically focused chiropractor, father of four, founder of PX Docs, and pioneer of The Perfect Storm™ framework.

Together, we’re blowing the lid off the nervous system epidemic hiding behind so many childhood labels — from autism, ADHD and anxiety to seizures, PANS/PANDAS, gut issues, tics and developmental delays.

We go all the way back to where it starts — the delivery room — and reveal the truth about how modern birth interventions can disrupt the brainstem, damage the Vagus nerve, and send the nervous system into shutdown.

Dr Tony explains what’s really happening to the brain and body in utero, at birth, and in the early years — and why true healing must begin at the beginning.

This is the conversation I wish I’d had the day Quinn was born. Frankly, I needed to know this before conceiving and delivery planning!

Key Takeaways:

• Birth trauma is common, not rare — and often goes unrecognised, even in “routine” deliveries.
• The upper cervical spine and brainstem are the most neurologically dense and vulnerable areas in a newborn — and the first to be injured during traumatic birth.
• Prenatal stress alters fetal vagal tone and brain development via maternal cortisol exposure.
• The Vagus nerve is the master regulator of digestion, immunity, speech, sleep, socialisation and emotional regulation.
• Dr Tony outlines the 3 Stages of Nervous System Dysfunction:
  1. Sympathetic Dominance (e.g. colic, ADHD, anxiety)
  2. Neurological Disorganisation (e.g. immune, gut, motor delays)
  3. Neurological Exhaustion (e.g. regression, shutdown, autism)
• Neurologically focused chiropractic uses targeted scans and gentle adjustments to repair subluxation and restore Vagus nerve function.
• Parents are not powerless. Even if you can’t access a chiropractor, you can start to support your child’s nervous system at home.

Resources

• Dr Tony's Story
• Download the Free Guide
• Learn more about PX Docs: www.pxdocs.com

Resource Links:

• Free Masterclass for Overwhelmed Parents
  
  
• Enrol in the Complete Course - "A Whole Child, Multi-Disciplinary Roadmap to Healing":
  Complete Course Enrolment
  
  
• Enrol in The Taster Course - "Discover the Root Cause of your Child’s Attention, Behaviour and Learning Difficulties":
  Taster Course Enrolment
  
  
• Download your FREE Guides now:
  www.thebrainhealthmovement.com/free-guides
  
  
• Take a look at our other Resources:
  www.thebrainhealthmovement.com/resources
  
  
• Join our Private Community on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/thebrainhealthmovement
  
  
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• The Brain Health Movement's Website:
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Welcome to My Mighty Quinn

I’m Lucia Silver, founder of The Brain Health Movement and mother to the mighty Quinn. This is the podcast where we engage in clear-eyed, courageous conversations about childhood brain health, development, and resilience. Today’s episode is one that every parent and educator must hear.

Wake Up to Screen Toxicity — with Emily Cherkin

In this vital episode, I’m joined by Emily Cherkin, a former educator and leading voice in the movement for tech-intentional parenting. She is the author of The Screentime Solution: A Judgment-Free Guide to Becoming a Tech-Intentional Family. Together, we pull back the curtain on the pernicious impact of screen exposure on children’s brains, from toddlers to teens.

Emily brings the data, the insight, and the humanity to a topic that touches every modern household. We explore why screens are not calming children, but instead rewiring their brains in concerning ways; how screen time displaces critical developmental experiences; and why parents must reclaim their power from the tech industry. Emily’s philosophy of “tech intentionality” offers a practical, compassionate framework for every family.

Key Takeaways

• Children aged 8 to 18 now average 7.5 hours of recreational screen time per day - excluding school hours.
• Excessive screen use is displacing vital developmental needs such as movement, sleep, social interaction, and executive function.
• The tech industry is not neutral; products are designed for addiction and profit, not child wellbeing.
• “Calming” effects of screens are neurological myths - screens stimulate, not soothe.
• Parents are not powerless. Delaying, reducing, and modelling healthy tech habits makes a real difference.
• “Tech intentionality” means aligning screen use with family values and developmental needs.
• Reframing the removal of screens as a gift, not a punishment, can radically change the home dynamic.

Resources

• Book: The Screentime Solution by Emily Cherkin
• Free Guide

Remember to share this episode with a fellow parent - change begins with conversation.

Resource Links:

• Free Masterclass for Overwhelmed Parents
  
  
• Enrol in the Complete Course - "A Whole Child, Multi-Disciplinary Roadmap to Healing":
  Complete Course Enrolment
  
  
• Enrol in The Taster Course - "Discover the Root Cause of your Child’s Attention, Behaviour and Learning Difficulties":
  Taster Course Enrolment
  
  
• Download your FREE Guides now:
  www.thebrainhealthmovement.com/free-guides
  
  
• Take a look at our other Resources:
  www.thebrainhealthmovement.com/resources
  
  
• Join our Private Community on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/thebrainhealthmovement
  
  
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Welcome
Welcome back to My Mighty Quinn, the podcast where we explore groundbreaking solutions to help parents address the root causes of their children's struggles. I’m your host, Lucia Silva, and I’m thrilled to have you join us for another insightful episode.

Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of sound processing and its profound importance within child development. This episode is packed with actionable insights and expert advice to help you better understand how foundational skills like sensory integration and motor processing can unlock your child’s full potential.

Episode Summary
I’m joined by Charlotte Davies, an educational consultant, researcher, and Tomatis consultant. Charlotte’s expertise spans sensory integration, trauma, and sound processing therapy, making her a leading voice in child development.

We explore how sound acts as a superpower, influencing motor skills and emotional regulation. Charlotte shares her journey, from working in refugee camps to becoming a specialist in auditory therapy.

Discover how sound therapy can unlock a child’s potential, improve family dynamics, and even support young offenders in finding a new path.

Key Takeaways

• The Role of Sound: Sound is the first sense to develop and is critical for motor skills, sensory integration, and emotional regulation.
• Sound vs. Hearing: Hearing is not the same as sound processing. Charlotte explains how the brain interprets sound and why it matters.
• Practical Tips for Parents: Learn to identify sound processing issues and integrate sound therapy techniques at home.

Resources & Links

• Free Checklist: Download our checklist to identify sensory and motor skill challenges: Resources
• Fit2Learn by Charlotte Davies’ Expertise: Fit 2 Learn
• Whole Child Healing Roadmap Course, featuring Charlotte and other experts: www.thebrainhealthmovement.com/complete-course-enrolment

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with other parents and leave us a review. Don’t forget to subscribe to My Mighty Quinn for future episodes. Together, we can empower fa

Resource Links:

• Free Masterclass for Overwhelmed Parents
  
  
• Enrol in the Complete Course - "A Whole Child, Multi-Disciplinary Roadmap to Healing":
  Complete Course Enrolment
  
  
• Enrol in The Taster Course - "Discover the Root Cause of your Child’s Attention, Behaviour and Learning Difficulties":
  Taster Course Enrolment
  
  
• Download your FREE Guides now:
  www.thebrainhealthmovement.com/free-guides
  
  
• Take a look at our other Resources:
  www.thebrainhealthmovement.com/resources
  
  
• Join our Private Community on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/thebrainhealthmovement
  
  
• Follow Us on Instagram:
  www.instagram.com/thebrainhealthmovement
  
  
• The Brain Health Movement's Website:
  www.thebrainhealthm...

Hi, I’m Lucia Silver, and welcome to 'My Mighty Quinn.' Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Robert Melillo, a pioneer in child brain health. We’ll dive deep into understanding neurological imbalances and the groundbreaking methods that have helped countless children, including my son, Quinn. This episode is packed with insights that can guide you toward meaningful solutions.

Episode Summary
Lucia Silver is joined by Dr. Robert Melillo, a world-renowned clinician, researcher, and author specializing in child neurological disorders. The discussion explores how the Melillo Method has transformed lives by addressing root causes of conditions like ADHD, autism, and dyslexia. Lucia shares her story of Quinn’s journey to health. Topics include brain imbalances, the role of primitive reflexes, and practical solutions parents can use at home. The episode also touches on misconceptions about medication and screens, emphasizing holistic approaches.

Key Takeaways

1. Understand Root Causes: Addressing neurological imbalances leads to more effective and lasting improvements.
2. The Power of Movement: Physical activity and sensory engagement are essential for brain development.
3. Practical Solutions at Home: Parents can use strategies like primitive reflex integration and motor coordination exercises.
4. Avoid Overmedication: Medications increasing dopamine may worsen issues; holistic approaches are often better.
5. Family Resilience: Supporting a child can lead to collective growth and resilience.

Thank you so much for joining us today on 'My Mighty Quinn.' I hope this episode offered new insights and hope for your child's journey. If you found this conversation helpful, please share it with others and leave a review. For more on Dr. Melillo’s work, visit his website: www.drrobertmelillo.com and follow him on social media.

You can also download a free guide from this episode here: www.thebrainhealthmovement.com/brain-balance-free-guide

Let's keep this movement growing together!

Resource Links:

• Free Masterclass for Overwhelmed Parents
  
  
• Enrol in the Complete Course - "A Whole Child, Multi-Disciplinary Roadmap to Healing":
  Complete Course Enrolment
  
  
• Enrol in The Taster Course - "Discover the Root Cause of your Child’s Attention, Behaviour and Learning Difficulties":
  Taster Course Enrolment
  
  
• Download your FREE Guides now:
  www.thebrainhealthmovement.com/free-guides
  
  
• Take a look at our other Resources:
  www.thebrainhealthmovement.com/resources
  
  
• Join our Private Community on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/thebrainhealthmovement
  
  
• Follow Us on Instagram:
  www.instagram.com/thebrainhealthmovement
  
  
• The Brain Health Movement's Website:
  www.thebrainhealthm...

In this transformative episode, Lucia dives into one of the body's most critical systems: the Vagus nerve. She is joined by Dr. Carrie Rigoni, a leading chiropractor, applied kinesiologist, and Vagus nerve educator, specialising in children’s health.

Episode Summary

The Vagus nerve is essential for regulating stress, digestion, sleep, and mood, acting as the body's brake system to bring us back to calm. Lucia and Dr. Carrie discuss how understanding and strengthening Vagus nerve function can unlock self-healing, particularly for children facing developmental, behavioural, and learning challenges.

Dr. Carrie shares practical strategies to boost vagal tone and explains how parents’ nervous system health directly impacts their children. From co-regulation techniques to resolving retained primitive reflexes, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to promote whole-family wellness.

Key Takeaways

1. The Vagus Nerve’s Role: How it regulates critical bodily functions and influences overall well-being.
2. Signs of Low Vagal Tone: Poor stress recovery, digestive issues, poor sleep, and more.
3. Parent-Child Connection: How parents’ stress responses influence their child’s nervous system health.
4. Primitive Reflexes: The link between retained reflexes and vagus nerve development.
5. Practical Strategies: Tips to improve vagal tone, such as breathwork, cold exposure, and co-regulation.

Resources:

• Dr. Carrie Rigoni’s website: www.drcarrierigoni.com.au
• Upcoming Course: Positive Transformation: A Whole-Child Multidisciplinary Approach to Healing launching January.

Ready to take the next step? Visit thebrainhealthmovement.com to download a free guide packed with actionable tips from this episode, including a nervous system checklist.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, share it with a friend, and subscribe to the podcast for more expert insights.

Resource Links:

• Free Masterclass for Overwhelmed Parents
  
  
• Enrol in the Complete Course - "A Whole Child, Multi-Disciplinary Roadmap to Healing":
  Complete Course Enrolment
  
  
• Enrol in The Taster Course - "Discover the Root Cause of your Child’s Attention, Behaviour and Learning Difficulties":
  Taster Course Enrolment
  
  
• Download your FREE Guides now:
  www.thebrainhealthmovement.com/free-guides
  
  
• Take a look at our other Resources:
  www.thebrainhealthmovement.com/resources
  
  
• Join our Private Community on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/thebrainhealthmovement
  
  
• Follow Us on Instagram:
  www.instagram.com/thebrainhealthmovement
  
  
• The Brain Health Movement's Website:
  www.thebrainhealthm...

Welcome to My Mighty Quinn!
I’m your host, Lucia Silver, founder of the Brain Health Movement and proud mother of the Mighty Quinn. In today’s episode, I’m joined by the incredible Anne Marie Smellie, a neurodevelopmental specialist with over 20 years of experience helping children and families uncover the root causes of developmental, learning, and behavioral challenges.

Episode Summary

We dive into the critical gaps in conventional healthcare when addressing symptoms like anxiety, ADHD, autism, sensory sensitivities, and more. Anne Marie shares her holistic approach, integrating retained primitive reflex therapy, auditory processing interventions, nutrition, and emotional support to transform lives. You’ll learn how understanding the “why” behind symptoms can unlock powerful tools to help your child thrive.

Top Takeaways:

1. Root Cause Focus: Addressing retained primitive reflexes, auditory sensitivities, and nutritional deficiencies is key to effective interventions.
2. Collaboration is Key: Parents play a central role in implementing home strategies like reflex integration exercises and dietary changes.
3. The Role of Play: Activities like tag or climbing are essential for integrating reflexes and building core strength.
4. Empathy Without Overwhelm: Teach children to balance caring for others without absorbing their emotions.
5. Auditory Processing Matters: Addressing how the brain interprets sound can significantly impact learning and behavior.

Resources for Parents:

• Learn more about Anne Marie Smellie: Quester Therapies Website
• Free Resource Download: Access Anne Marie’s curated list of flower remedies for emotional stability and anxiety support in our cheat sheet here.
• Recommended Reading:
  • Hearing Equals Behavior by Dr. Guy Berard
  • The Well-Gardened Mind by Sue Stuart-Smith

Get Involved:

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who might need it. Don’t forget to leave us a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Visit our website for your free cheat sheet and connect with Anne Marie to explore holistic support for your child’s unique needs. Let’s work together to create a bri

Resource Links:

• Free Masterclass for Overwhelmed Parents
  
  
• Enrol in the Complete Course - "A Whole Child, Multi-Disciplinary Roadmap to Healing":
  Complete Course Enrolment
  
  
• Enrol in The Taster Course - "Discover the Root Cause of your Child’s Attention, Behaviour and Learning Difficulties":
  Taster Course Enrolment
  
  
• Download your FREE Guides now:
  www.thebrainhealthmovement.com/free-guides
  
  
• Take a look at our other Resources:
  www.thebrainhealthmovement.com/resources
  
  
• Join our Private Community on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/thebrainhealthmovement
  
  
• Follow Us on Instagram:
  www.instagram.com/thebrainhealthmovement
  
  
• The Brain Health Movement's Website:
  www.thebrainhealthm...