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  • Empowering Parents: Techniques for Enhancing Communication in Children with Speech and Language Difficulties

    Empowering Parents: Techniques for Enhancing Communication in Children with Speech and Language Difficulties
    2025/10/31
    Lara engages in a heartfelt conversation with Alison, a retired speech and language therapist with extensive experience working with children facing speech and language difficulties. Alison shares her insights on the unique communication paths of children, emphasizing the importance of empowering parents to foster their child's communication skills through play and interaction. The discussion highlights practical techniques for parents, such as the significance of non-verbal communication, the joy of engaging in simple activities, and the concept of "intensive interaction." Alison also introduces the PALM approach—Pause, Analyse, Listen, Model—as a valuable tool for enhancing communication. Throughout the episode, the emotional connection between parents and children is underscored, reminding listeners that every child has their own unique gifts and that finding joy in the journey is essential for both parents and their children. KEY TAKEAWAYS Empower Parents: Parents play a crucial role in their child's communication development. They should be encouraged to engage with their children through play and everyday interactions, as they possess the skills needed to support their child's growth. Focus on Non-Verbal Communication: Communication begins long before children can speak. Non-verbal cues, such as eye contact, turn-taking, and physical interaction, are essential for building a foundation for language development. Utilise Everyday Opportunities: Parents can create language-rich environments by incorporating everyday activities into learning. Simple actions like picking up objects during a walk can provide opportunities for labeling, counting, and engaging in conversation. Practice the PALM Technique: The PALM acronym (Pause, Analyse, Listen, Model) encourages parents to slow down and observe their child's communication attempts. This approach helps in understanding the child's needs and modeling appropriate responses. BEST MOMENTS "It's so important to always work with the carers... the main therapists, the main carers are the people who will see their children develop their communication skills." - Alison "All behaviours, whether they're seen as negative behaviours... they're all forms of communication." - Alison "Sometimes we talk too much... we just need to pause sometimes." - Alison "I can guarantee that they will communicate. And that was a really good starting point." - Alison SOCIAL/IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@braindevelopmentuk https://www.instagram.com/braindevelopmentuk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/larakelly/ www.braindevelopment.co.uk HOST BIOLara Barnes a successful woman in tech found herself managing behavioural, learning and speech difficulties with her son, she learn functional neurology and how to change the brain to correct his symptoms and build his left brain. The Building the Brain Podcast is for parents needing to understand how to help their children and show them what can be done to change little lives to allow them to shine and be their best version. GUEST BIO Alison Paul, a retired speech and language therapist, suggests that the foundational step to successfully supporting and enjoying a child with developmental needs is by first learning to genuinely appreciate them for who they are. This appreciation involves a shift in perspective: moving away from focusing solely on the challenges, delays, or what the child "should" be doing, and instead recognizing their unique strengths, personality, and positive qualities. When parents intentionally focus on appreciating their child, it helps them build a stronger, more joyful connection. This connection, in turn, creates a supportive, positive environment where the child feels loved and accepted. This emotional security is essential for the child's development and makes it much easier for parents to navigate the complexities of their developmental journey with patience and pleasure.
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    28 分
  • Unveiling the Gut-Brain Connection: A Deep Dive into Healing Autism Symptoms

    Unveiling the Gut-Brain Connection: A Deep Dive into Healing Autism Symptoms
    2025/10/23
    Lara and Vicky delve into the intricate journey of healing behavioural and learning symptoms in children with autism and related conditions. Vicky from The Healthy Happy Unicorn shares a personal case study involving her daughter Rose, highlighting the significant insights gained from a stool test that revealed severe maldigestion, gut imbalances, and the impact of specific bacteria on Rose's health. The discussion covers various symptoms, including insatiable appetite, sleep disturbances, and cognitive challenges, while emphasising the importance of understanding the underlying gut health issues. Vicky outlines the protocols and natural remedies that helped improve Rose's condition, showcasing the potential for positive change through dietary adjustments and holistic approaches. KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding Symptoms: The discussion highlights the importance of recognising various symptoms in children with autism and related conditions, such as insatiable appetite, sleep disturbances, brain fog, and digestive issues. Importance of Gut Health: A stool test can reveal significant imbalances in gut flora, maldigestion, and the presence of pathogenic bacteria or parasites. Personalised Protocols: Each child's healing journey is unique, and personalised dietary and supplement protocols are essential. BEST MOMENTS "When we first started, Rose's elastase was at 100. For optimal digestion, it should be over 500." - Vicky "If you can't absorb fat, you won't absorb antioxidants." - Vicky "We're told constantly that autism is this disability, it's for life. But there's so much that we can look into." -Lara SOCIAL/IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@braindevelopmentuk https://www.instagram.com/braindevelopmentuk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/larakelly/ www.braindevelopment.co.uk HOST BIOLara Barnes a successful woman in tech found herself managing behavioural, learning and speech difficulties with her son, she learn functional neurology and how to change the brain to correct his symptoms and build his left brain. The Building the Brain Podcast is for parents needing to understand how to help their children and show them what can be done to change little lives to allow them to shine and be their best version. GUEST BIO Vicky is mum to her remarkable autistic daughter, Rose. With a BSc in Human Biology and a deep fascination with the human body, she was originally on track to become an NHS dietitian. When Rose’s needs became more complex, everything changed. Vicky immersed herself in learning about autism, neurodevelopment, and root-cause healing, a compassionate, whole-person approach that simply made more sense. From this journey, The Happy Healthy Unicorn was born, a space grounded in both science and heart, created for families seeking real answers and hope. Rose’s transformation inspired Vicky’s mission to help others. Combining science, lived experience, and deep empathy, she now guides families on their own healing journeys, empowering them to restore balance, support development, and unlock their children’s true potential. https://thehappyhealthyunicorn.com/ https://thehappyhealthyunicorn.com/1%3A1-virtual-consultations
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    28 分
  • Navigating Autism: Understanding the Complexities of Leucovorin and Folate Deficiency

    Navigating Autism: Understanding the Complexities of Leucovorin and Folate Deficiency
    2025/10/16
    In this episode of the Brain Development Podcast, Lara and Vicky discuss the recent controversial statements made by Trump regarding vaccines and the use of Leucovorin for autistic children. Vicky from the Healthy Happy Unicorn shares her insights on the complexities of autism and the multifactorial causes behind it, emphasising that while folate is essential for brain development, autism cannot be attributed solely to folate deficiency. The conversation delves into the potential risks of high-dose supplements like Leucovorin, the importance of understanding individual health conditions, and the need for personalised approaches to treatment. Vicky also highlights the significance of dietary interventions and the impact of genetic mutations on autism, encouraging parents to look beyond quick fixes and consider the unique needs of their children. KEY TAKEAWAYS Complexity of Autism: Autism is influenced by multiple factors, including genetic mutations, autoimmune conditions, and environmental factors, rather than being solely caused by folate deficiency. Leucovorin and Folate: Leucovorin, a form of folate, is sometimes recommended for children with cerebral folate deficiency, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution and may not address the underlying causes of autism. Dietary Interventions: For children with cerebral folate deficiency, dietary changes, such as avoiding dairy, can be more effective than high-dose supplements like Leucovorin. Genetic Testing: Genetic mutations, such as those affecting folate receptors, can impact how children metabolise folate. Testing for these mutations can help tailor interventions but does not determine the cause of autism. BEST MOMENTS "I think it's amazing that there's this awareness now that autism is this condition that can be helped in several different ways." - Vicky "The healing process and the body... is very oversimplified and can be really misleading and confusing for parents." - Vicky "If we think about autism, it is caused by many, many compounding factors. It isn't just folate deficiency." - Vicky "When you put in a high dose of something like that, you're changing genetic expression. Is that helpful in terms of long-term health?" - Vicky SOCIAL/IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@braindevelopmentuk https://www.instagram.com/braindevelopmentuk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/larakelly/ www.braindevelopment.co.uk HOST BIOLara Barnes a successful woman in tech found herself managing behavioural, learning and speech difficulties with her son, she learn functional neurology and how to change the brain to correct his symptoms and build his left brain. The Building the Brain Podcast is for parents needing to understand how to help their children and show them what can be done to change little lives to allow them to shine and be their best version. GUEST BIO Vicky is mum to her remarkable autistic daughter, Rose. With a BSc in Human Biology and a deep fascination with the human body, she was originally on track to become an NHS dietitian. When Rose’s needs became more complex, everything changed. Vicky immersed herself in learning about autism, neurodevelopment, and root-cause healing, a compassionate, whole-person approach that simply made more sense. From this journey, The Happy Healthy Unicorn was born, a space grounded in both science and heart, created for families seeking real answers and hope. Rose’s transformation inspired Vicky’s mission to help others. Combining science, lived experience, and deep empathy, she now guides families on their own healing journeys, empowering them to restore balance, support development, and unlock their children’s true potential. https://thehappyhealthyunicorn.com/⁠ ⁠https://thehappyhealthyunicorn.com/1%3A1-virtual-consultations⁠ ⁠
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    22 分
  • Transformative Journey: Emily's Path to Empowering Her Son with Autism

    Transformative Journey: Emily's Path to Empowering Her Son with Autism
    2025/10/09
    Lara engages in a heartfelt conversation with a parent, named Emily, who shares her transformative journey over the past six months with her son, Johnny. The discussion highlights the challenges they faced before starting the program, including communication difficulties, emotional regulation, and struggles in school. Emily recounts how they sought help through speech development and occupational therapy, ultimately leading them to Lara. Through a series of neuro assessments and targeted exercises, they witnessed remarkable improvements in Johnny's speech, emotional expression, and physical coordination. The episode emphasises the importance of understanding a child's unique needs and the empowering journey of parents as they navigate the complexities of raising children with behavioural and learning difficulties. KEY TAKEAWAYS Holistic Approach to Development: The program emphasises a comprehensive approach to addressing behavioural and learning challenges by focusing on the integration of primitive reflexes, emotional regulation, and overall physical coordination. Significant Progress in Communication: After starting the program, the child showed remarkable improvements in language skills, transitioning from referring to himself in the third person to using "I" correctly and expressing thoughts more clearly and descriptively. Emotional Regulation Improvements: The child experienced enhanced emotional regulation, leading to a decrease in meltdowns and an increased ability to articulate feelings and needs, which has positively impacted family dynamics. Increased Confidence and Participation: The child has become more confident in social settings, actively participating in activities like sports clubs and expressing a desire to engage with peers, which was previously a challenge. BEST MOMENTS "It was really tough... I just knew that I needed to do something else." - Emily "He said to the waitress, can I have some colouring in pencils and a word search, please?" - Emily "It's just phenomenal. How can doing some simple exercises... have such a huge impact?" - Emily "We need to really focus in on the foundation, which is those primitive reflexes first." - Lara HOST BIO Lara Barnes a successful woman in tech found herself managing behavioural, learning and speech difficulties with her son, she learn functional neurology and how to change the brain to correct his symptoms and build his left brain. The Building the Brain Podcast is for parents needing to understand how to help their children and show them what can be done to change little lives to allow them to shine and be their best version. SOCIAL/IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@braindevelopmentuk https://www.instagram.com/braindevelopmentuk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/larakelly/ www.braindevelopment.co.uk
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    31 分
  • Uncovering the Hidden Causes of Behavioral Symptoms in Neurodiverse Children

    Uncovering the Hidden Causes of Behavioral Symptoms in Neurodiverse Children
    2025/10/02
    Lara and Vicky discuss the underlying causes of various behavioural and learning symptoms in children with autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Vicky Finlayson from the Happy Healthy Unicorn joins the conversation to explore how surface-level behaviours, such as stimming and pica, are often driven by biological imbalances, including gut health issues and nutrient deficiencies. The discussion emphasises the importance of understanding these behaviours as not merely part of a child's personality but as symptoms that can be addressed through holistic healing approaches. Parents are encouraged to look beyond the symptoms and focus on restoring their child's overall health, which can lead to significant improvements in behaviour and learning. The episode aims to empower parents with knowledge and hope, highlighting that change is possible through targeted interventions and support. KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding Symptoms: Many behaviours in children with learning and behavioural difficulties, such as stimming and pica, are often driven by underlying biological imbalances rather than intentional actions. Recognising this can help parents approach these behaviours with more empathy and understanding. Importance of Gut Health: Conditions like high oxalate levels and yeast overgrowth can significantly impact children's behaviour. Addressing gut health through dietary changes and appropriate treatments can lead to improvements in these symptoms. Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in essential nutrients, such as zinc, B12, and lithium, can contribute to various issues, including speech delays and behavioural problems. It's crucial to identify and address these deficiencies rather than solely focusing on symptomatic treatments. Role of Primitive Reflexes: Retained primitive reflexes can affect a child's ability to communicate and regulate their body. Addressing these reflexes through targeted therapies can improve speech and overall functioning. BEST MOMENTS "What we see on the surface is almost like the tip of an iceberg... if we look beneath that... we can look at all of the reasons why those things might be happening." - Vicky "When we're really oppressive and trying to stop our kids doing things, it almost builds more stress in the body and makes them do it more." - Vicky "Pica is where the child will eat non-edible items... the body's kind of like... always trying to be well innately." - Vicky "When I truly realised that he just couldn't help some of these things... you've got to forgive yourself, but also forgive them." - Lara HOST BIOLara Barnes a successful woman in tech found herself managing behavioural, learning and speech difficulties with her son, she learn functional neurology and how to change the brain to correct his symptoms and build his left brain. The Building the Brain Podcast is for parents needing to understand how to help their children and show them what can be done to change little lives to allow them to shine and be their best version. SOCIAL/IMPORTANT LINKShttps://www.tiktok.com/@braindevelopmentukhttps://www.instagram.com/braindevelopmentuk/https://www.linkedin.com/in/larakelly/www.braindevelopment.co.uk GUEST BIO Vicky, founder of The Happy Healthy Unicorn, is mum to her inspiring autistic daughter, Rose. With a BSc in Human Biology, she initially planned to work as an NHS dietitian, but her daughter’s needs changed her path. Immersing herself in research on autism and neurodevelopment, she focused on root-cause healing and whole-person care. Rose’s transformation shaped Vicky’s mission: combining scientific knowledge, lived experience, and empathy to support families. Today, she provides compassionate, science-backed guidance through The Happy Healthy Unicorn.⁠⁠https://thehappyhealthyunicorn.com/
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    31 分
  • Healing from Within: How Clostridia Affects Brain Development in Children with Autism

    Healing from Within: How Clostridia Affects Brain Development in Children with Autism
    2025/09/25
    Lara is joined by Vicky Finlayson from Happy Healthy Unicorn to discuss the impact of Clostridia, a type of bacteria found in the gut, on children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Vicky explains how Clostridia can contribute to various symptoms by disrupting the microbiome and affecting brain health, particularly through the inhibition of dopamine processing. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding the underlying causes of these symptoms, the significance of proper testing, and the necessity of laying a strong foundation for health before addressing bacterial imbalances. Vicky shares inspiring success stories of children who have shown remarkable improvements through dietary changes and targeted interventions, emphasising the need for patience and consistency in the healing journey. This episode aims to empower parents with knowledge and practical strategies to support their children's development and well-being. KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding Clostridia: Clostridia is a type of bacteria found in the gut, with both commensal and pathogenic forms. Pathogenic forms, such as Clostridium difficile, can contribute to various symptoms seen in children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Impact on Brain Health: Clostridia can inhibit the enzyme dopamine beta-hydroxylase, which is crucial for converting dopamine into norepinephrine. This disruption can lead to an excess of dopamine, affecting behaviour, attention, and cognitive functions, and potentially exacerbating symptoms of ADHD and autism. Role of Diet and Gut Health: A poor diet, particularly one high in refined carbohydrates, can deplete beneficial gut bacteria, allowing Clostridia to thrive. Addressing dietary habits and improving gut health is essential for managing clostridial infections and their associated symptoms. Importance of Testing: An organic acids test is recommended for accurately identifying Clostridia and its toxins. However, it is crucial to lay a solid foundation of health through diet and lifestyle changes before conducting tests, as an unhealthy state can allow Clostridia to return. BEST MOMENTS "Clostridia is like one big player in that... it's part of the picture typically for our kids." - Vicky "It's actually the toxins that Clostridia produces that can be the most harmful thing." - Vicky "If you think dopamine is meant to degrade naturally into norepinephrine and it doesn't do that, the clostridia will block that enzyme." - Vicky "If you do it in that order, it creates sustained healing." - Lara HOST BIOLara Barnes a successful woman in tech found herself managing behavioural, learning and speech difficulties with her son, she learn functional neurology and how to change the brain to correct his symptoms and build his left brain. The Building the Brain Podcast is for parents needing to understand how to help their children and show them what can be done to change little lives to allow them to shine and be their best version. SOCIAL/IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@braindevelopmentuk https://www.instagram.com/braindevelopmentuk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/larakelly/ www.braindevelopment.co.uk GUEST BIO Vicky, founder of The Happy Healthy Unicorn, is mum to her inspiring autistic daughter, Rose. With a BSc in Human Biology, she initially planned to work as an NHS dietitian, but her daughter’s needs changed her path. Immersing herself in research on autism and neurodevelopment, she focused on root-cause healing and whole-person care. Rose’s transformation shaped Vicky’s mission: combining scientific knowledge, lived experience, and empathy to support families. Today, she provides compassionate, science-backed guidance through The Happy Healthy Unicorn. ⁠The Happy Healthy Unicorn - Autism, Nutrition⁠
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    35 分
  • Empowering Parents: Strategies to Address Autoimmunity and Support Neurodiverse Children

    Empowering Parents: Strategies to Address Autoimmunity and Support Neurodiverse Children
    2025/09/18
    DESCRIPTION Lara and Vicky explore the connection between autoimmunity and autism, discussing how parental autoimmune conditions may influence a child’s neural development. Vicky explains how the immune system can mistakenly attack the body’s own cells, with autoantibodies potentially crossing the placenta and affecting the developing brain. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding these mechanisms without blame, instead focusing on practical steps for healing. Parents will learn about the roles of inflammation, nutrition, and therapies in managing autoimmune conditions and improving outcomes for children with autism. This episode empowers families with knowledge, hope, and actionable tools for positive change. KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding Autoimmunity: The immune system may attack healthy cells, which can influence brain development if present during pregnancy. Link to Autism: Research suggests parental autoimmunity may increase autism risk, as autoantibodies can affect the fetal brain. Diet & Nutrition: Removing gluten, addressing deficiencies (like vitamin D), and focusing on whole foods can improve outcomes. Personalised Healing: Every child’s path is unique—families benefit from tailored care and supportive practitioners. BEST MOMENTS “If we do have an autoimmune condition… we can pull back inflammation in ourselves.” – Vicky “These autoantibodies will cross the placenta and impact the child’s brain.” – Vicky “You can’t have an autoimmune condition without huge inflammation.” – Vicky “If you have an autoimmune condition, get gluten out of your diet. It’s kryptonite for you.” – Vicky HOST BIOLara Barnes, a successful woman in tech, found herself navigating behavioural, learning, and speech challenges with her son. She discovered functional neurology and how to change the brain to correct his symptoms and strengthen his left brain. The Building the Brain Podcast is for parents who want to understand how to help their children thrive and become their best selves. GUEST BIOVicky, founder of The Happy Healthy Unicorn, is mum to her inspiring autistic daughter, Rose. With a BSc in Human Biology, she initially planned to work as an NHS dietitian, but her daughter’s needs changed her path. Immersing herself in research on autism and neurodevelopment, she focused on root-cause healing and whole-person care. Rose’s transformation shaped Vicky’s mission: combining scientific knowledge, lived experience, and empathy to support families. Today, she provides compassionate, science-backed guidance through The Happy Healthy Unicorn. The Happy Healthy Unicorn - Autism, Nutrition SOCIAL LINKS TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@braindevelopmentuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braindevelopmentuk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larakelly/ Website: www.braindevelopment.co.uk
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    44 分
  • Food Chaining and Mindset Shifts: A Journey to Healing Through Nutrition

    Food Chaining and Mindset Shifts: A Journey to Healing Through Nutrition
    2025/09/11
    In this episode of the Brain Development Podcast, hosts discuss the challenges parents face with picky eaters, particularly in children with neurodiversity. They welcome Vicky Finlayson from Happy, Healthy Unicorn, who shares her insights on the gut-brain connection and the importance of a healthy diet for improving behaviour and learning outcomes. Vicky emphasises the need for a tailored approach to dietary changes, highlighting strategies such as food chaining and the significance of mindset in the process. The conversation also touches on the addictive nature of certain foods and the impact of gut health on emotional regulation and overall well-being. Listeners are encouraged to embrace small, manageable changes and to seek creative ways to make food enjoyable for their children, fostering a positive relationship with eating. KEY TAKEAWAYS Mindset Matters: Parents' emotional states significantly impact their children's willingness to try new foods. Approaching mealtime with calmness and no attachment to the outcome can help children feel more secure and open to change. Gradual Changes: Transitioning a child's diet should be done in stages, especially for those with strong food preferences. Small, manageable changes, such as altering the shape or texture of familiar foods, can help ease the child into a more diverse diet. Food Addiction Awareness: Many common foods, particularly those high in gluten and dairy, can be addictive due to their effects on the brain. Recognising this can help parents understand the importance of removing these foods to promote better health and behaviour in their children. Gut Health is Crucial: A healthy gut microbiome is essential for overall well-being, including mood regulation and immune function. Parents should focus on nourishing their child's gut with a variety of whole foods to support brain development and reduce inflammation. BEST MOMENTS "If your child was addicted to heroin, would you keep giving him the heroin? Or would you just remove it and go through the withdrawal, which you will get? But actually to help them for the greater good." - Vicky "Your mindset in this is so important. If you are serving food from a place of desperation, fear, and anxiety, your child is so sensitive because they have neuroception." - Vicky "The way I like to liken this... is that if you imagine your child's gut as like this beautiful garden... you have to have vegetables and you have to have diversity." - Vicky "You can actually break it down. And I think that's what you've really taught me." - Lara HOST BIO Lara Barnes a successful woman in tech found herself managing behavioural, learning and speech difficulties with her son, she learn functional neurology and how to change the brain to correct his symptoms and build his left brain. The Building the Brain Podcast is for parents needing to understand how to help their children and show them what can be done to change little lives to allow them to shine and be their best version. SOCIAL/IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@braindevelopmentuk https://www.instagram.com/braindevelopmentuk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/larakelly/ www.braindevelopment.co.uk
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    29 分