Episode 27
The Missing Piece in Your Child's Development, with Dr. Nick Dale
A conversation with naturopath Nick Dale on how gut health shapes behaviour, focus and learning, and what parents of autistic or ADHD children should know.
Video Podcast · 27 Episodes · Free to Watch
The Hopeful Neuron Podcast.
Real conversations for parents of children with autism, ADHD, SEN and sensory differences.
We're Adi and Dana. We're parents too. Here we sit down with experts and ask what's really going on underneath your child's behaviour, in plain English. Watch every episode right here.
AutismADHDSensoryPrimitive reflexesFree to watch
No sign up needed. Just press play.
1000+ Families Helped • 5★ Parent Reviews • Families in 15+ Countries
Latest episode
Episode 27: The Missing Piece in Your Child's Development, with Dr. Nick Dale
The short version
- The Hopeful Neuron podcast is a free video podcast for parents of children with autism, ADHD, SEN and sensory processing differences. Adi and Dana Latter talk with doctors, therapists and other parents.
- There are 27 episodes, and every one plays on this page. Topics include the nervous system, primitive reflexes, sensory processing, speech, nutrition, breathwork and families' own stories.
- Not sure where to start? Try Episode 1, Episode 15 on primitive reflexes, and Episode 6 on stress and behaviour.
- These are conversations, not medical advice. Guests share their own experience and views.
New Here?
Not sure where to begin? Start with these four.
Pick the one that sounds most like your house. Each one is a good first stop for parents.
Sensory strategies from our own home →
Episode 1. Dana shares the strategies that helped her sons, and other families since.
What primitive reflexes are →
Episode 15. Learn what retained reflexes are, and how to spot the signs.
Why behaviour is communication →
Episode 6. Dr. Mona Delahooke on fight or flight in children, and what your child may be telling you.
The vagus nerve, made simple →
Episode 21. Jessica McGuire on what it does, and how to tell if yours needs support.
All Episodes
Watch every episode.
Tap a topic to find what fits your child. Every video plays right here. These conversations share ideas, not medical advice, so talk to your child's doctor or care team about anything specific to your child.
Showing all 27 episodes
Episode 26
Caring for the Whole Child and the Whole Family, with Dr. Michael Bagnell and May
Dr. Bagnell and his wife May on why developmental care works best when it supports the whole family, not just the child.
Episode 25
Unlocking Brain Balance and Development, with Tehilla Israelowitz
Developmental movement specialist Tehilla Israelowitz on how early movement, crawling and vestibular input build the neural pathways behind focus and regulation.
Late with movement? Our guide to baby and toddler motor delay →
Episode 24
Free Training: Boost Your Child's Speech
A short training on techniques that can help support your child's speech and communication.
Episode 23
Angela Clark on Speech Therapy, Brain Growth and the Melillo Approach
Speech therapist Angela Clark on how speech therapy supports far more than words, and how the Melillo Method uses brain plasticity to build balance and integration.
Episode 22
Myths and Misconceptions About Iron and Health, with Dr. Christy Sutton
Dr. Christy Sutton clears up common myths about iron deficiency and overload, and how to properly assess and manage iron levels.
Episode 21
Heal Your Nervous System Naturally, with Jessica McGuire
Vagus nerve specialist Jessica McGuire on what the vagus nerve does, how to tell if yours needs support, and techniques for managing stress.
Episode 20
Cranial Nerve Training, with Corien Dorotea
Corien Dorotea on how the cranial nerves control eye tracking, facial expression, chewing, swallowing and listening, and why training them directly can ease sensory overwhelm, speech delay and feeding struggles in children with developmental challenges.
Episode 19
Mineral Testing for Kids: What Parents Need to Know
Paediatric wellness expert Janelle Boychuk on how mineral imbalances affect mood, behaviour and focus, and what testing can reveal.
Episode 18
Support Your Child's Emotions, with Dr. Yvonne Chong
Certified chiropractor Dr. Yvonne Chong on how neurofeedback can help children improve emotional expression and regulation.
Episode 17
Exploring Nutrition and Nervous System Regulation, with Dr. Melissa Wittman
Dr. Melissa Wittman on how functional neurology and targeted nutrition work together to support the nervous system.
Episode 16
Mould Toxicity Explained: Diagnosis and Healing, with Danielle Barron
Dr. Danielle Barron on how mould toxicity is diagnosed, how it affects the body, and the path to recovery.
Episode 15
Understanding Primitive Reflexes in Child Development, with Shelley Birkett-Eyles
A specialist in child development explains what primitive reflexes are, how retained reflexes affect motor skills and focus, and how to spot the signs.
Episode 14
Exploring EBM and Recovery After Seizures, with Gemma Herbertson and Birinder Kang
Two parents share their sons' recovery journeys after seizures and neurological challenges, and what neuroplasticity therapies made possible.
Episode 13
How Breathwork Can Help Children Manage Stress, with Chuck McGee III
Breathwork expert Chuck McGee III on how the way we breathe affects the nervous system, sleep and emotional regulation, especially for neurodiverse children.
Episode 12
How Brain Healthcare Can Change Lives, with Dr. Michael Bagnell
Dr. Michael Bagnell of the Bagnell Brain Center on how functional neurology and neurofeedback support children and young adults with brain based challenges.
Episode 11
How Dance and Play Boost Development in Children, with Rachael Singer
Dance and movement therapist Rachael Singer on using creative movement and play to help children on the spectrum feel calm, connected and seen.
Episode 10
How Sensory Gyms Support Children with Sensory Difficulties
A conversation with Matt Sloan on sensory gyms, the vestibular and proprioceptive systems, and simple strategies parents can try at home.
Episode 9
Improving Children's Balance, Learning and Vision, with Dr. Eric Dinkins
Dr. Eric M. Dinkins on Motion Guidance, a tool that supports vestibular sense, balance and vision together, with particular benefits for children on the spectrum.
Episode 8
Chat with Carrie Rigoni About Children's Development and the Vagus Nerve
Chiropractor Dr. Carrie Rigoni on the vagus nerve, and practical ways to help children on the spectrum relax and integrate their senses.
Episode 7
How BrainTap and Light Therapy Help Autism, with Dr. Patrick Porter
Dr. Patrick Porter, inventor of BrainTap, on how the brain recharges during deep sleep and how light therapy can support relaxation.
Episode 6
How to Help Children Manage Stress and Trauma, with Dr. Mona Delahooke
Dr. Mona Delahooke on Polyvagal Theory, fight or flight responses in children, and why behaviour is communication rather than something to simply manage.
Episode 5
Talking Swing Therapy with Alex Lopiccolo, the King of Swings
Occupational therapist Alex Lopiccolo on sensory swings, building a sensory gym at home, and how movement supports posture and joint stability.
Episode 4
Dr. Jeri LaVigne on Brain Balance, Confidence and Irlen Support
Functional neurologist Dr. Jeri LaVigne on brain imbalances, building confidence in children on the spectrum, and what Irlen glasses can help with.
Episode 3
Helping Children Thrive Through Dance, with Dr. Lori Baudino
Dr. Lori Baudino on dance and movement therapy, and using a mind body approach tailored to each child and family.
Episode 2
Calm, Heal and Regulate: The Rezzimax Tuner Pro and the Vagus Nerve
Dr. Sharik Peck on the Rezzimax Tuner Pro, a tool that trains the vagus nerve and supports primitive reflex integration through gentle vibration.
Episode 1
Proven Sensory Strategies That Helped My Sons and Now Help Others
Dana shares the holistic, multisensory strategies documented in her book with Dr. Leonard Press, and how they've helped other families since.
Your Hosts
Our older son didn't speak until he was five.
That's where this started. We've spent over 20 years in developmental therapies since, and we're both Melillo Method certified. We've sat in the waiting rooms. We know how much noise there is out there.
This podcast is where we sit down with experts and ask the questions parents ask us every day. Read our full story →
Common Questions
Things parents ask us about the podcast.
Where can I watch the Hopeful Neuron podcast?
Every episode is on this page. You can also subscribe on our YouTube channel, so new episodes come straight to you.
Which episode should I start with?
If you're new, start with Episode 1, where Dana shares the sensory strategies that helped her sons. Then try Episode 15 on primitive reflexes and Episode 6 on stress and behaviour in children. Or use the topic buttons to find what matches your child.
Is the podcast medical advice?
No. The podcast shares conversations and ideas from Adi, Dana and their guests. It doesn't replace advice from your child's doctor or care team. If you'd like to talk about your own child, book a free 15 minute call.
How many episodes are there?
There are 27 episodes so far, and you can watch every one on this page.
What topics does the podcast cover?
The nervous system, primitive reflexes, sensory processing, speech and communication, nutrition and gut health, breathwork and calm, movement and balance, and families' own stories. Use the topic buttons above the episodes to filter.
Who are the guests?
Doctors, therapists, practitioners and parents. They include naturopaths, a speech therapist, movement and dance therapists, an occupational therapist and chiropractors, as well as families sharing their own stories.
Are the guests' views the same as yours?
Not always. Our guests share their own experience and opinions, and we share the conversations, not endorsements. Some tools and approaches they talk about have limited research behind them. For our own take, see our guides to neurofeedback for children and the Melillo Method in the UK, or ask us on the free call.
Enjoying the Podcast?
Book a free 15 minute call with Adi & Dana.
No waiting list, no diagnosis needed, and no pressure to commit to anything. Just a straight conversation with two people who've been where you are.
Go Deeper
Want to understand what is going on?
Primitive reflexes explained →
The six reflexes we look at most, in plain English.
The Melillo Method in the UK →
What it is, and what the research says.
Neurofeedback for children →
What it is, and whether it helps.
Free primitive reflexes course →
The layer underneath meltdowns, focus and sleep. 100% free.
Parent guides →
Practical guidance for ADHD, autism and sensory challenges.
Help with speech and communication →
Support for children who know what they want to say but can't get it out.
This page is general information for parents. It is not medical advice and it does not replace advice from your GP, health visitor, paediatrician or other health professional.
