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The Brain Development Podcast

The Brain Development Podcast

By: 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. Hygiene & Healthy Living Parenting & Families Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships
Episodes
  • Breathing New Life: The Impact of Tongue Positioning on Sleep and Behaviour in Children

    Breathing New Life: The Impact of Tongue Positioning on Sleep and Behaviour in Children
    Dec 5 2025
    In this episode of the Brain Development Podcast, Lara welcomes Yulli Tamayo-Myerson, a specialist in myofascial release and craniosacral therapy, to discuss the critical role of tongue positioning and breathing in the development of neurodiverse children. Yulli shares her personal journey into this field, sparked by her son's ADHD diagnosis and the discovery of how breathing disorders can impact behaviour and sleep quality. The conversation delves into the importance of proper tongue function for overall health, including its effects on jaw alignment, sleep quality, and even digestive health. Yulli outlines key red flags for parents to look for, such as mouth breathing and grogginess upon waking, and emphasises the significance of early intervention in addressing these issues. KEYTAKE AWAYS Understanding Tongue Function: The tongue is a complex organ with multiple muscles that plays a crucial role in various functions such as speech, swallowing, and maintaining proper jaw alignment. Impact of Breathing Patterns: Mouth breathing and improper tongue posture can lead to a range of behavioural and physical issues, including sleep disorders, ADHD-like symptoms, and poor posture. Red Flags for Parents: Parents should look for specific signs in their children, such as grogginess upon waking, mouth breathing, snoring, teeth grinding, and forward head posture. BEST MOMENTS "When the tongue is not able to perform the job that it is supposed to do... it can actually obstruct the airway partially or completely." - Yulli "The tongue is a really misunderstood organ... it has a very complex function and together they have to work really hard in synchrony." - Yulli "You may not run properly. You may end up with injuries as you go through life... because you're not holding yourself in the right way." - Lara SOCIAL/IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@braindevelopmentuk https://www.instagram.com/braindevelopmentuk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/larakelly/ https:/www.braindevelopment.co.uk https://www.myofunctionaltherapy.co.uk/ https://www.amazon.co.uk/Orofacial-Myofunctional-Therapy-Journey-Discovery-ebook/dp/B0C5XQDY7L https://www.myofunctionaltherapy.co.uk/product-page/yulli-s-book-paperback- formathttps://www.instagram.com/myofunctionaltherapy.uk/?hl=en This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/ HOST BIOLara 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 Yulli Tamayo-Myerson is the founder of Myofunctional Therapy UK, bringing over 30 years of multidisciplinary expertise to the field of orofacial myofunctional therapy. Her extensive background spans eight key disciplines, including: Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy CranioSacral Therapy Buteyko Breathing Education Dental Hygiene & Therapy TMJ & Sleep Therapy This comprehensive training allows her clinic to deliver evidence-based, whole-body care focused on the belief that oral and airway health are essential to lifelong wellness. She also serves as the volunteer President of the British Society of Myofunctional Therapy (BSMFT), actively advocating for public and professional education on the links between orofacial dysfunction, breathing, and sleep to promote early detection and better patient outcomes.
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    38 mins
  • Healing Through Sound: Olivier de Wulf's Journey into Neurosonic Therapy for Neurodiverse Children

    Healing Through Sound: Olivier de Wulf's Journey into Neurosonic Therapy for Neurodiverse Children
    Nov 28 2025
    In this episode of the Brain Development Podcast, Lara welcomes Olivier de Wulf, President and CEO of Neurasonic, to discuss innovative approaches to healing behavioural and learning challenges in neurodiverse children. Olivier, an expert in engineering, neuroscience, and acoustic health, shares insights into how auditory and sensory inputs can influence the nervous system. He explains the dual components of the ear, the vestibular and cochlear systems, and how they relate to communication and emotional regulation. The conversation delves into the impact of trauma on children's development and how Neurasonic's programs, which utilise specially filtered music, can retrain the ears and vagus nerve to restore balance and optimise neurological function. Listeners will learn about the transformative effects of sound therapy on children with learning disabilities, anxiety, and sound sensitivities, as well as Olivier's personal journey with his adopted sons. KEY TAKEAWAYS Neurosonic's Approach: Neurosonic focuses on retraining the ears to improve communication with the world, addressing issues related to the vestibular and cochlear systems of the ear, which are crucial for body awareness and auditory processing. Targeting the Vagus Nerve: The programs developed at Neurosonic aim to optimise the function of the vagus nerve, which regulates many unconscious bodily functions. Proper functioning of this nerve can alleviate issues related to digestion, anxiety, and sound sensitivities. Music as Therapy: The therapy involves using filtered Mozart music to create a calming environment that helps retrain the ear muscles and improve auditory processing. This approach has shown significant results in enhancing communication and reducing sound sensitivities. BEST MOMENTS "We have developed a way to retrain the ears so that the communication with the world is actually improving." - Olivier "The very high frequencies... is what the fetus or the baby in the womb is hearing mostly." - Olivier "I think I should be putting myself on this program because I think I need it, to be honest with you." - Lara SOCIAL/IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@braindevelopmentuk https://www.instagram.com/braindevelopmentuk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/larakelly/ https:/www.braindevelopment.co.uk www.neurasonic.com Instagram : @neurasonic Email : info@neurasonic.com HOST BIOLara 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 Dr. Olivier De Wulf is a highly specialized expert bridging the fields of engineering, neuroscience, and acoustic health. He currently serves as the President and CEO of NeuraSonic, a startup focused on developing programs to assist with hearing, listening, and trauma integration. With a background rooted in robust academic research, Olivier holds a Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Liège (Belgium). He is also a trained Audio-Psycho-Phonologist (APP), demonstrating his commitment to influencing the nervous system through auditory and sensory inputs. His work at NeuraSonic is dedicated to exploring how precise, body-based therapies can restore the body's natural balance and optimize neurological function. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    36 mins
  • The Healing Path: How Diet and Lab Work Changed Rose's Life and Inspired a New Purpose

    The Healing Path: How Diet and Lab Work Changed Rose's Life and Inspired a New Purpose
    Nov 21 2025
    In this heartfelt episode of the Brain Development Podcast, Vicky Finlayson shares her deeply personal journey as a mother navigating the complexities of raising her daughter, Rose, who faced numerous challenges including autism, developmental delays, and health issues. Vicky recounts the struggles she encountered during pregnancy, the difficulties in Rose's early development, and the overwhelming feelings of isolation and inadequacy as a parent. Through her story, she highlights the importance of understanding biochemistry, dietary changes, and the impact of early interventions on a child's development. Vicky's transformation from a place of despair to empowerment is inspiring, as she emphasises the hope and potential for every child. The episode serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of both parents and children, and the profound connections that can be formed through shared experiences and healing. KEY TAKEAWAYS Biochemical Influences on Development: The speaker discusses how her own high copper levels and family history of mental health issues impacted her pregnancy and, subsequently, her child's development. This highlights the importance of understanding the biochemical factors that can affect a child's health and behaviour. Early Signs and Challenges: The journey of parenting a child with developmental delays is shared, emphasising the early signs of struggle, such as not meeting milestones, feeding difficulties, and severe health issues. These experiences resonate with many parents who may feel overwhelmed and alone. Dietary Interventions: A significant turning point in the child's health came from dietary changes, specifically removing gluten and dairy. This led to noticeable improvements in health, such as reduced infections and better digestion, showcasing the impact of nutrition on developmental outcomes. BEST MOMENTS "I just want to say that it doesn't matter sort of the child that you have... there's hope for every single child." - Vicky "When I was pregnant, I was completely turned into this psychopath overnight." - Vicky "I feel like Rose is here for a reason... to shine a light on what can be possible for other people." - Vicky "I just need people to know that like if they're in this situation that I was in, there's stuff that you can do." - Vicky SOCIAL/IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@braindevelopmentuk https://www.instagram.com/braindevelopmentuk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/larakelly/ www.braindevelopment.co.uk https://thehappyhealthyunicorn.com/⁠ ⁠https://thehappyhealthyunicorn.com/1%3A1-virtual-consultations⁠ 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 Vicky is mum to her remarkable autistic daughter, Rose. With a BSc in Human Biology and a deep fascination with the human body, she was originally on track to become an NHS dietitian. When Rose’s needs became more complex, everything changed. Vicky immersed herself in learning about autism, neurodevelopment, and root-cause healing, a compassionate, whole-person approach that simply made more sense. From this journey, The Happy Healthy Unicorn was born, a space grounded in both science and heart, created for families seeking real answers and hope. Rose’s transformation inspired Vicky’s mission to help others. Combining science, lived experience, and deep empathy, she now guides families on their own healing journeys, empowering them to restore balance, support development, and unlock their children’s true potential.
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    51 mins
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