Sensory Processing Support for Children | Hopeful Neuron

Sensory processing support for children in London and online

It starts with the nervous system, not just the sensory diet.

You’ve tried the weighted blankets and chewy tools. We look at the nervous system underneath the sensitivity, alongside what’s already in place.

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No diagnosis needed · Melillo Method certifiedTake the free quiz to find out where to start

A message from Adi and Dana, parents and Melillo Method practitioners

The short version

  • We support children with sensory processing differences, like tags that feel unbearable, noise that overwhelms or foods they can’t tolerate, by looking at the nervous system underneath, through balance, movement and primitive reflex work.
  • It sits alongside occupational therapy, sensory diets and any other help your child has. It isn’t a replacement for any of them.
  • Research on our approach for sensory processing is limited, so we can’t promise particular results. You don’t need a diagnosis to start.

Written by Adi and Dana Latter. Last updated 2 November 2026.

Does any of this sound like your house?

Most families who come to us for sensory processing support have already been trying for a long time. What you’re seeing has a reason, and it isn’t about parenting or a lack of effort on your child’s part.

A tag, a seam or a sock feels unbearable, not fussy.
Noise, light or crowded rooms can tip an ordinary moment into a full meltdown.
Mealtimes are a battle over texture, not taste.
They crash, spin or seek out movement almost constantly.
A hug or a haircut can feel like an attack rather than affection.
Getting dressed, brushing teeth or hair takes far longer than it should.

Why the usual approaches haven’t fully worked.

Most sensory support helps manage the reaction, and that matters. We’d never suggest you stop it. We also look underneath, because we think sensory reactions can reflect how the nervous system registers and filters input. This is the order we work in.

  1. Brainstem

    Safety first. Help the nervous system out of survival mode.

    A child stuck in fight, flight or shutdown finds it much harder to filter sensory input calmly. We think it’s a step that often gets missed.

  2. Cranial nerves and reflex pathways

    Help early reflexes finish switching off.

    In the model we work with, primitive reflexes that haven’t switched off can add to touch sensitivity, sound sensitivity and difficulty with textures. Read our guide to primitive reflexes.

  3. Cerebellum

    Build balance and coordination, the bridge between body and brain.

    We work on balance and coordination because we think they support how the nervous system filters and organises sensory input.

  4. Cortex

    Give tolerance, filtering and calm a steadier base.

    With the foundations underneath stronger, tolerance, filtering and calm have somewhere to grow from.

Adi and Dana Latter, founders of Hopeful Neuron, Melillo Method certified practitioners supporting children with sensory processing differences

We’ve been where you are. Now we know what to look for.

Our older son didn’t speak until he was five, and that’s where this started. Today he’s fully verbal, has finished his GCSEs, has friends and is independent. We’ve spent over 20 years in developmental therapies since, and we’ve both been Melillo Method certified since 2022.

We know the waiting lists, the tools and the strategies that don’t quite work. This is how we work with your family:

  • Built around your child. No two children get the same plan.
  • You’re in the room. We coach you through the home exercises, so progress keeps going after the sessions end.
  • In clinic or online. A week in our Mill Hill clinic, or the same structure from home, wherever you live.

Read our full story

In their own words.

More than 1,000 families supported · Rated 4.6 out of 5 on Google · Read our Google reviews

“After an intensive week with Dana and Adi, we saw improvement in our son’s behaviour. He is calmer now, his focus has improved and his sleep has improved.”

Niko & Sanja Apostoloski
London · Son aged 4, autism

“Dana and Adi are a great team, incredibly knowledgeable and supportive. They always found a way to help our son and gave us the strength to do the same at home.”

Faranak Barabhuiya
London

“Very caring and truly have your best interests at heart. Check ins from Dana help keep you focused on working at home. Highly recommend.”

Holly C.
UK

Things parents ask us about sensory processing.

Can nervous system work help with sensory processing?
Some families find it helps. Sensory sensitivity, seeking behaviours and overwhelm are linked to how the nervous system registers and filters input, and we work on that foundation. We can’t promise it will make a difference for your child, and it isn’t a replacement for occupational therapy. On the free call we’ll tell you honestly whether we think it’s worth trying.
Is there research showing this works for sensory processing?
Research in this area is still developing. Sensory integration therapy from an occupational therapist has the most research behind it, and results there are mixed. Our approach has less research behind it, and we can’t promise results. That’s why we work alongside OT, not instead of it. See the Melillo Method in the UK and our research page.
Is sensory processing disorder a diagnosis?
Not in the main diagnostic manuals, although unusual reactions to sensory input are part of the criteria for autism, and are common in ADHD and other conditions. Many occupational therapists still find the term useful. You don’t need a diagnosis to work with us.
Does my child need a diagnosis to work with you?
No. Many families we work with are still on a waiting list or haven’t pursued a diagnosis. If you’re seeing things that worry you, that’s enough to start.
Is this instead of occupational therapy?
No. It’s designed to sit alongside it, and you can keep your child’s OT and sensory diet in place. Many families come to us already working with an OT.
Should we check anything else first?
It’s worth having your child’s hearing and eyesight checked, since both can affect how they react to the world. If a sensitivity is new or sudden, or comes with pain, ear infections or loss of skills, speak to your GP first.
What are primitive reflexes and why might they matter for sensory processing?
Babies are born with automatic movement patterns that are meant to switch off in the first couple of years. In the model we work with, if they don’t fully switch off, they can get in the way of how the nervous system filters touch, sound, light and movement. This view is debated, and we’re happy to talk through what the research does and doesn’t show. Read the full guide.
What if my child is older?
We work with children from 18 months to 18 years. The Intensive week is usually for children from around age 3, and we’ll tell you what fits your child on the free call.
We are not in London. Can we still get support?
Yes. Families across the US, Australia, Israel and Europe work with us online through the Remote Programme and the Full Picture Plan, with a home programme we coach you through.
How much does it cost?
The Intensive programme costs £3,000. That includes a full look at your child before we start, the week in clinic, a home plan and three months of support afterwards. You can also start smaller, with a Clarity Day or a remote look at your child.
How quickly will we see changes?
Every child is different. Some parents notice changes fairly early, for others progress takes longer, and some children don’t respond as we’d hope. We look at changes in everyday life and adjust the programme as your child responds.

This page is general information for parents. It is not medical advice, and it does not replace advice from your GP, your child’s occupational therapist or another qualified professional.

Want to understand what’s going on?

Primitive reflexes explained

What they are, and what the research does and doesn’t show.

The Melillo Method in the UK

What it is, and how to find a practitioner.

Autism support

When sensory differences sit alongside autism.

Clarity Day

One day in clinic in Mill Hill, with clear answers and a plan.

The Remote Programme

Support from home, wherever you are.

The science behind it all

The neuroscience, in plain English.

Book a free 15 minute call with Adi & Dana.

In fifteen minutes, we’ll talk through why your child may still be struggling, which part of the nervous system may be involved, and whether we’re the right fit, or if something else would serve your child better.

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No waiting list · No diagnosis needed · Alongside your child’s OT

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Certifications & Affiliations

Dr. Robert Melillo, Melillo Method CIES, Collège International d'Etude de la Statique IAFNR, Interdisciplinary Association of Functional Neurosciences and Rehabilitation