Episode 27
The Missing Piece in Your Child's Development, with Dr. Nick Dale
Naturopath Nick Dale on the link between gut health and behaviour, focus and learning, and what he’d want parents of autistic or ADHD children to know.
The Hopeful Neuron Podcast for parents of children with autism and ADHD
Real conversations, in plain English.
We ask the experts the questions you’d ask, about what’s really going on underneath your child’s behaviour. 27 free episodes, all on this page.
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Latest episode
Episode 27: The Missing Piece in Your Child's Development, with Dr. Nick Dale
Not sure where to begin? Start with these four.
Pick whichever sounds most like your house. They’re all good places to start.
- Episode 1Sensory strategies from our own home
Dana talks through the sensory strategies that helped our boys, and lots of families since.
- Episode 15What primitive reflexes are
What retained reflexes are, and the signs to look out for.
- Episode 6Why behaviour is communication
Dr. Mona Delahooke on fight or flight in children, and what your child may be telling you.
- Episode 21The vagus nerve, made simple
Jessica McGuire on what it does, and how to tell if yours needs support.
Watch every episode.
Tap a topic to narrow things down. Every video plays right here on the page.
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 it helps to support the whole family, not just the child.
Episode 25
Unlocking Brain Balance and Development, with Tehilla Israelowitz
Movement specialist Tehilla Israelowitz on crawling, early movement and balance, and how they feed into focus and calm.
Episode 24
Free Training: Boost Your Child's Speech
A short training with ideas you can try at home to support your child’s speech.
Episode 23
Angela Clark on Speech Therapy, Brain Growth and the Melillo Approach
Speech therapist Angela Clark on why speech therapy is about much more than words, and where the Melillo Method fits in.
Episode 22
Myths and Misconceptions About Iron and Health, with Dr. Christy Sutton
Dr. Christy Sutton on common myths about iron, having too little and too much, and how it should be tested.
Episode 21
Heal Your Nervous System Naturally, with Jessica McGuire
Vagus nerve specialist Jessica McGuire on what the vagus nerve does, signs it might need support, and simple ways to manage stress.
Episode 20
Cranial Nerve Training, with Corien Dorotea
Corien Dorotea on the cranial nerves, which look after things like eye tracking, chewing, swallowing and listening, and why she thinks training them can help with sensory overwhelm, speech and feeding.
Episode 19
Mineral Testing for Kids: What Parents Need to Know
Paediatric wellness expert Janelle Boychuk on minerals, how she sees them affecting mood and focus, and what testing involves.
Episode 18
Support Your Child's Emotions, with Dr. Yvonne Chong
Chiropractor Dr. Yvonne Chong on using neurofeedback to help children with their emotions.
Episode 17
Exploring Nutrition and Nervous System Regulation, with Dr. Melissa Wittman
Dr. Melissa Wittman on how she uses functional neurology and nutrition 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 how people recover.
Episode 15
Understanding Primitive Reflexes in Child Development, with Shelley Birkett-Eyles
Child development specialist Shelley Birkett-Eyles on what primitive reflexes are, how retained ones can affect movement and focus, and the signs to look out for.
Episode 14
Exploring EBM and Recovery After Seizures, with Gemma Herbertson and Birinder Kang
Two parents talk about their sons’ recovery after seizures, and the therapies they used along the way.
Episode 13
How Breathwork Can Help Children Manage Stress, with Chuck McGee III
Chuck McGee III on how the way we breathe affects stress, sleep and mood, especially for neurodivergent children.
Episode 12
How Brain Healthcare Can Change Lives, with Dr. Michael Bagnell
Dr. Michael Bagnell of the Bagnell Brain Center on how he uses functional neurology and neurofeedback with children and young adults.
Episode 11
How Dance and Play Boost Development in Children, with Rachael Singer
Dance and movement therapist Rachael Singer on using movement and play to help children on the spectrum feel calm and connected.
Episode 10
How Sensory Gyms Support Children with Sensory Difficulties
Matt Sloan on sensory gyms, balance and body awareness, and simple ideas you can try at home.
Episode 9
Improving Children's Balance, Learning and Vision, with Dr. Eric Dinkins
Dr. Eric Dinkins on Motion Guidance, a tool he uses to work on balance and vision together.
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.
Episode 7
How BrainTap and Light Therapy Help Autism, with Dr. Patrick Porter
Dr. Patrick Porter, who invented BrainTap, on deep sleep, how the brain recharges, and using light for relaxation.
Episode 6
How to Help Children Manage Stress and Trauma, with Dr. Mona Delahooke
Dr. Mona Delahooke on fight or flight in children, Polyvagal Theory, and why behaviour is a form of communication, not just something to manage.
Episode 5
Talking Swing Therapy with Alex Lopiccolo, the King of Swings
Occupational therapist Alex Lopiccolo on sensory swings, setting up a sensory space at home, and how movement helps posture and stability.
Episode 4
Dr. Jeri LaVigne on Brain Balance, Confidence and Irlen Support
Functional neurologist Dr. Jeri LaVigne on brain imbalances, helping children on the spectrum build confidence, and her experience with Irlen lenses.
Episode 3
Helping Children Thrive Through Dance, with Dr. Lori Baudino
Dr. Lori Baudino on dance and movement therapy, and how she adapts it 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 vibration tool he uses for the vagus nerve and primitive reflexes.
Episode 1
Proven Sensory Strategies That Helped My Sons and Now Help Others
Dana talks through the sensory strategies from her book with Dr. Leonard Press, the ones that helped our boys and lots of families since.
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.
On the podcast, we put the questions parents ask us every day to people who know more than we do. Read our full story →
Things parents ask us about the podcast.
Where can I watch the Hopeful Neuron podcast?
Right here. Every episode is on this page, and if you subscribe on YouTube (opens in a new tab), new ones will come straight to you.
Is the podcast medical advice?
No. These are conversations with our guests, not advice about your child, so always check with your child’s doctor or care team. If you'd like to talk about your own child, book a free 15 minute call.
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. Tap a topic above the episodes to see just those.
Are the guests' views the same as yours?
Not always. Our guests share their own experience, and having someone on the show doesn’t mean we agree with everything they say. Some of the 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.
Book a free 15 minute call with Adi & Dana.
In 15 minutes, we’ll tell you what we think is going on and whether we’re the right fit. No pressure.
Book a free 15 minute callThis 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 professional.
