The Melillo Method ™
The Melillo Method ™, created by Dr. Robert Melillo, addresses various neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, OCD, Tourette's and other behavioural and learning disorders associated with areas of disconnection or underconnectivity in the brain which contribute to brain imbalances. These imbalances are corrected utilizing primitive reflex exercises, hemispheric specific sensory stimulation and motor movements to stimulate specific areas in the brain. This helps to connect or ‘wire’ under connected or immature areas of the brain in a process called neuroplasicity. Dr. Janie Dawn is certified in the Melillo Method ™, is a member of the Interdisciplinary Association of Functional Neurosciences and Rehabilitation and is a Fellow of the International Board of Functional Neurology in Childhood Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
Optimal brain function and consequently behaviour and body regulation is dependent on two major principles: The integration of primitive reflexes and balanced brain hemispheres. If a child has retained primitive reflexes and/or a brain imbalance, this can create a functional disconnection within the brain leading to an uneveness of skills and symptoms seen in learning and behavioural issues as well as neurodevelopmental disorders. These symptoms can be improved by changing the connectivity of the brain. At Aspiring Family Chiropractic, each patient is examined and a custom plan is created to help "wire" these underconnected areas using specific sensory stimulation tools and movement to optimize brain function.
Retained Primitive Reflexes
Simply put, primitive reflexes are the foundation of brain development. They are present at birth to help the baby with survival and to propel them from milestone to milestone throughout the first year of life, following which they should integrate, or come under the control of higher brain centers because they are not longer required for survival.
If primitive reflexes persist past one year of age, they can interfere with how higher level brain pathways are able to connect and the associated skills develop.
Some symptoms associated with retained primitive reflexes include: Motion sickness, highly strung behaviour, fidgety (ants in the pants), bed wetting, anxiety, lack of eye contact, hypersensitivities / sensory issues, poor balance & coordination, learning struggles, processing disorders, fight/flight, low muscle tone, eye tracking difficulties, toe walking, easily fatigued, irrational fears, frequent tantrums, low tone, poor attention & focus, developmental delays.
To read more about primitive reflexes, you can check out this blog https://www.aspiringfamilychiro.co.nz/blog/2019/the-story-behind-retained-primitive-reflexes.
Brain Hemispheric Balance
Brain Hemispheric balance is an essential part of reconnecting the brain. It is known that the 2 brain hemispheres have completely different jobs & control different types of thinking, movement & processing.
Both brain hemispheres need to work in a balanced way to create the optimal environment for academic achievement, behavioral control, sensory processing & overall function. Learning, behavior, movement challenges and neurodevelopmental diagnoses are a direct result of a disconnect or an imbalance between the 2 hemispheres.
Several studies have now shown the effectiveness of reflex integration and brain balancing using the Melillo Method™.
Untapped Brains
Untapped Brains is an online space Dr Janie Dawn has created to teach you how to optimize your child’s brain function from the comfort of your own home.
Untapped Brains provides holistic, comprehensive, evidence-based programs for overcoming difficulties related to missed milestones, developmental delays, learning, behaviour, ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia and so much more by reconnecting the brain. The step-by-step programs teach parents how to test for retained primitive reflexes, how to integrate the primitive reflexes, how to identify if a brain imbalance is contributing to your child’s symptoms and function and how to reconnect and balance the brain hemispheres.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, frustrated and unclear about your child's development, you're looking to optimize your child's future and it’s difficult for you to work with a professional in person, this is for you.
To discover more about a brain-based approach to health and wellness & to take an active role in the health of your child’s brain & body, check out the programs at www.untappedbrains.co.nz/collections.
