The Brain Development Podcast

If you’ve ever watched a child struggle with simple coordination or seen a classroom of students unable to settle, this episode is for you. We are joined by Laura Weatherly, a neuro-educator with over 35 years of experience , to discuss her transformative "8 Core Principles" for brain development. Laura shares how she uses specific movements—like scissor jacks and planking—to settle even the most...

Ever felt like you’re digging through the dark trying to find a way to help your child thrive? This episode is a lighthouse for any parent navigating the complexities of neurodiversity. We sit down with Phil and Sarah, who share the raw and beautiful story of their son, Edward. After a sudden regression at age two, they found themselves in a world of unanswered questions and sensory meltdowns. Thr...

Ever feel like you are only treading water, managing symptoms rather than finding a way through? This conversation with Beth Lambert challenges the traditional "lifelong" labels often handed to parents of neurodiverse children. We dive deep into the concept of the "biological mismatch"—the reality that our children’s bodies are struggling to cope with a modern world full of toxins, processed foods...

Ever feel like you’re doing everything right, yet your child’s progress has hit a wall? This episode of The Brain Development Podcast pulls back the curtain on the subtle day-to-day misses that can halt the healing process for children with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing challenges. We dive into the controversial but critical role of animal proteins in providing essential amino acids like me...

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 a...

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 en...

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 i...

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 e...

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 ap...

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 "s...

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...

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...

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:...

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 interven...

Lara welcomes Dr. Gen, a functional neurologist and neurodevelopmental specialist from Australia, who runs the clinic Nurturing Brain Potential. Dr. Gen shares her journey into the field, highlighting her work with neurodiverse children facing challenges such as speech delays, sensory processing issues, and behavioural regulation. She discusses the importance of understanding the neurological unde...

In this episode of The Brain Development Podcast, Lara sits down with Sana, a devoted mother whose son Muhammad has experienced remarkable changes in his behaviour, cognition, and overall well-being over the past year. Joined by naturopathic nutritionist Vicky, they share an inspiring, layered journey of healing that combines primitive reflex integration, diet, lab analysis, and specialist care. T...

Lara welcomes Rakhi Pabari, a behavioural optometrist with over 20 years of experience, to discuss the critical role of vision in children's learning and development. Rakhi shares her personal journey with her son, who faced various challenges that led her to explore the connections between the visual system, brain function, and behaviour. The conversation delves into the differences between tradi...

Lara and Vicky delve into the often-overlooked impact of mould exposure on children's behaviour, learning, and emotional well-being. They discuss how mould produces mycotoxins that can inflame the nervous system and immune response, leading to a range of symptoms such as increased irritability, mood swings, and cognitive difficulties. The conversation highlights the importance of recognising the s...

Lara welcomes Vicky Finlayson ,from the Healthy Happy Unicorn, to delve into the significant impact of gluten and dairy on children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, ADHD, and OCD. They discuss the physiological effects of these foods, including gut permeability and immune system dysregulation, and emphasise the importance of dietary changes for healing and symptom reduction. Vicky...

Lara and Vicky engage with Ellie and Simon as they share Kyler's transformative journey over the past two years. The discussion delves into the challenges faced by Kyler, who exhibited severe behavioural issues and developmental delays before receiving a diagnosis. Ellie and Simon recount their initial despair and the turning point that led them to explore alternative therapies, including dietary...

Lara engages in an insightful conversation with Dr. Omer Hirsch, a chiropractor and expert in functional neurology based in Israel. They discuss the various approaches to assessing and treating children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. Dr. Hirsch emphasises the importance of understanding the root causes of symptoms and optimising communication between the brai...

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...

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 co...

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...

Lara and Vicky delve into the significance of lab testing in understanding and addressing the behavioural and learning challenges faced by children with autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. They discuss how environmental factors, such as mould exposure, viruses, and toxins, can impact a child's brain health and behaviour. Vicky shares insights from the Neural Zoomer Plus test, hig...