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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. Biological Sciences Parenting & Families Relationships Science
Episodes
  • Transforming Lives: Dr. Josh Madsen's Bottom-Up Approach to Neurodevelopmental Challenges

    Transforming Lives: Dr. Josh Madsen's Bottom-Up Approach to Neurodevelopmental Challenges
    Jul 18 2025
    Lara engages in a transformative conversation with Dr. Josh Madsen, a neurodevelopmental chiropractor who is changing how we approach learning and behavioural challenges in children with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. Dr. Madsen stresses a bottom-up approach to brain development, targeting foundational neurological gaps rather than just managing symptoms. He explores the critical role of energy production, mitochondrial function, and environmental influences on neurological health. The episode underscores the power of early intervention, the integration of primitive reflexes, and the importance of a healthy lifestyle for both parents and children. Listeners will gain actionable insights and strategies to support their child’s development by addressing root causes, not just surface behaviours. KEY TAKEAWAYS Bottom-Up Brain Development Dr. Madsen explains that real progress occurs when we address early brain development by improving energy production, reducing inflammation, and integrating primitive reflexes, key to supporting neurological function in children. Early Intervention is Essential Developmental delays often begin in the first year of life. Addressing these early, particularly motor skill delays and reflex issues, can dramatically change long-term cognitive and behavioural outcomes. Parental Health & Environment Children’s neurological development is shaped by their environment and parental health before conception. Nutritional quality, toxin exposure, and emotional wellbeing all impact how the brain develops. Nutrition and Lifestyle Whole foods, minimal processing, and limiting artificial additives are essential. When parents model healthy behaviours, children are far more likely to adopt them. BEST MOMENTS Dr. Josh Madsen: “When those mechanisms are disrupted, the body can't produce enough energy for the neurological system to develop properly.” Dr. Josh Madsen: “If you want to create attention issues in a child, it’s not difficult—damage their gut, feed them poorly, and expose them to constant electronics.” Dr. Josh Madsen: “Early support can save countless hours of future rehabilitation, speech therapy, or physiotherapy. The earlier we intervene, the better.” Lara: “‘Wait and see’ is one of the most dangerous things a doctor can say. Wait and see for what?” HOST BIO Lara Barnes is a successful woman in tech who turned to functional neurology to help her son with behavioural, learning, and speech difficulties. Through her journey, she learned how to change the brain and rebuild function. The Building the Brain Podcast empowers parents with knowledge and tools to help their children thrive. www.braindevelopment.co.uk TikTok | Instagram | LinkedIn GUEST BIO Dr. Josh Madsen is a Doctor of Chiropractic with deep expertise in functional neurology, neurodevelopmental delays, and functional medicine. He holds an Exercise Science degree from the University of Northern Iowa and earned his chiropractic degree from Palmer College. He further trained through the Carrick Institute and Functional Neurology Seminars (National University of Health Sciences). www.iowainfinity.com Instagram | Facebook
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    53 mins
  • A Case Study of Recovery and Growth in a Child with Autism

    A Case Study of Recovery and Growth in a Child with Autism
    Jul 11 2025
    Lara is joined by Vicky, a naturopathic nutritionist specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders, shares an inspiring case study of a child named Warner who was once diagnosed with severe non-verbal autism. Over three years of dedicated work, Vicky and Warner's mother implemented personalized dietary changes and holistic therapies, leading to remarkable improvements in Warner's behaviour and cognitive abilities. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying health issues that can contribute to severe symptoms often misattributed to autism, such as inflammation and histamine intolerance. Vicky highlights the significance of individualized approaches to treatment, the role of hydration, and the impact of foundational health practices. KEY TAKEWAYS Healing Journey: The process of healing behavioural and learning symptoms in children with neurodevelopmental disorders is a long-term journey that requires patience and understanding. Dietary Considerations: A personalized approach to diet is crucial for children with autism and ADHD. Common dietary recommendations, such as a paleo diet, may not be suitable for all children, especially those with specific intolerances like histamine or salicylates. BEST MOMENTS That isn't autism. That is severe imbalance in the body." - Vicky "If you look at most recipes that are paleo, they're using like tons of almond flour, all the berries, all the dark chocolate and greens in abundance." - Vicky "If you can't absorb fat, basically, all the antioxidants are fat-soluble vitamins." - Vicky GUEST BIOS Vicky—is mum to Rose, her remarkable autistic daughter. With a background in health sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology, she's been fascinated by the human body for as long as she can remember. She was originally on track to become an NHS dietitian, but when life with Rose became more complex after Jack was born, everything changed. She threw myself into learning everything she could about autism, neurodevelopment, and ultimately, root-cause healing—a compassionate, whole-person approach that simply made more sense to me. The Happy Healthy Unicorn was born from that journey—a place she desperately wished existed when she first began searching for answers. A space grounded in science and heart, created for families raising exceptional children who deserve more than vague answers and endless waitlists. Rose’s progress has amazed us all. Vicky doesn't don’t take a moment of it for granted. Rose was her greatest teacher—helping Vicky not only understand her world, but also uncover things about her own body had been trying to tell her for years. Rose taught Vicky more about life and the incredible power of the human body to heal than all the years of study ever could. Supporting her showed me how to heal myself—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Today, Vicky helps families do the same—combining science, lived experience, and deep compassion to guide others. 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 www.braindevelopment.co.uk Tiktok @braindevelopmentuk Instagram and Facebook @braindevelopmentuk LinkedIn brain-development-uk Appointments (£997 launch offer ) - ⁠https://www.braindevelopment.co.uk/appointments⁠ Competition page - ⁠https://www.braindevelopment.co.uk/podcast-giveaway⁠ Webinars - ⁠https://www.braindevelopment.co.uk/webinars⁠ Courses - ⁠https://www.braindevelopment.co.uk/programs⁠ Get in touch - ⁠https://www.braindevelopment.co.uk/contact⁠ Podcast- ⁠https://www.braindevelopment.co.uk/podcast⁠ ⁠https://thehappyhealthyunicorn.com/⁠
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    26 mins
  • Dr. Robert Melillo on the Melillo Method for Neurodevelopmental Healing

    Dr. Robert Melillo on the Melillo Method for Neurodevelopmental Healing
    Jul 11 2025
    In this episode of the Brain Development Podcast, Lara welcomes Dr. Robert Melillo, a renowned clinician, professor, and brain researcher, to discuss the groundbreaking Melillo Method for addressing behavioural and learning challenges in children with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding brain development from the ground up, emphasizing the critical role of developmental milestones and the integration of primitive reflexes. Dr. Melillo shares insights on how early experiences and environmental factors can influence brain growth and function, as well as the significance of diet and movement in a child's development. KEY TAKEAWAYS Importance of Early Development: The first few years of a child's life are critical for brain development, with significant growth occurring outside the womb. Role of Primitive Reflexes: Retained primitive reflexes can hinder a child's development and contribute to various symptoms, including speech delays and behavioural issues. Connection Between Brain and Body: The development of the brain is closely linked to the body's systems, including the immune and autonomic systems. Impact of Nutrition: Diet plays a crucial role in a child's development. Poor nutrition can exacerbate inflammation and affect brain function. BEST MOMENTS "It is absolutely fundamentally to do with the brain and treating the root causes." - Lara "The human brain is unique... and especially unique in how it grows." - Dr. Robert Melillo "Any deviation from optimal development has an impact on our brain." - Dr. Robert Melillo "If a child has a problem with mold or fungus... it signifies that their brain isn't developing." - Dr. Robert Melillo GUEST BIO Dr. Robert Melillo has been helping children overcome learning disabilities for over 30 years. His areas of expertise include: autism spectrum disorders, PDD/NOS, ADD/ADHD, OCD, dyslexia, Asperger’s, Tourette’s, bipolar disorder, and other mental, attention, behavioural and learning disorders. He is also an expert in diet, nutrition and neuroimmune disorders in children and adults. As a clinician for 30 years, a university professor, brain researcher, best selling author, radio and TV host, his cutting-edge research and success with over a thousand children in his private program are what led to the creation of Brain Balance Achievement Centres. Dr. Melillo has a private practice now that helps adults and children with various learning disabilities. He is focused on addressing the primary issue in most learning disabilities and behavioural disorders which is known as a functional disconnection. Since he introduced this concept, functional disconnection has become one of the leading theories in the world related to Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and more. 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. www.braindevelopment.co.uk Tiktok @braindevelopmentuk Instagram and Facebook @braindevelopmentuk LinkedIn brain-development-uk Appointments (£997 launch offer ) - ⁠https://www.braindevelopment.co.uk/appointments⁠ Competition page - ⁠https://www.braindevelopment.co.uk/podcast-giveaway⁠ Webinars - ⁠https://www.braindevelopment.co.uk/webinars⁠ Courses - ⁠https://www.braindevelopment.co.uk/programs⁠ Get in touch - ⁠https://www.braindevelopment.co.uk/contact⁠ Podcast- ⁠https://www.braindevelopment.co.uk/podcast⁠ ⁠https://www.drrobertmelillo.com/Research/
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    49 mins

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