Integrative Therapy for Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Connecting Primitive Reflexes and Brain Imbalances to Polyvagal Theory to Improve Learning, Behavior and Social Skills

CPD

Handouts

Speaker

Robert Melillo, MS, MNeuroSci, DC, PhD (C) DABCN, FACFN, FABCDD Related seminars and products

---

ROBERT MELILLO, MS, MNeuroSci, DC, PhD (C) DABCN, FACFN, FABCDD, is a world-renowned expert in developmental functional neurology, brain imbalances, hemispheric integration and the diagnosis and correction of most neurobehavioral disorders and learning disabilities. He has graduate degrees in clinical rehabilitation neuropsychology, neurology, neuroscience, and chiropractic. Dr. Melillo is a prolific brain researcher, having authored five best-selling books, including Disconnected Kids, 50 peer-reviewed papers, and a major textbook Neurobehavioral Disorders of Childhood: An Evolutionary Perspective. He created Brain Balance Achievement Centers, which has approximately 150 centers and has helped tens of thousands of families.

Dr. Melillo has presented at numerous clinical and scientific conferences around the world and has taught his own course in a post graduate level for over 20 years. He is an associate professor of Developmental Disabilities at National University of Health Sciences, as well as cofounder and past president of the International Association of Functional Neurology and Rehab. Due to Dr. Melillo’s authority in the field, he has been featured in documentaries, appeared in thousands of radio and TV interviews, and hosts a TV show, radio show, and webseries.

Financial Disclosure:

Financial: Robert Melillo is cofounder of the International Association of Functional Neurology and Rehab. He is an associate professor at National University of Health Sciences. He is an author for Penguin Publishing and receives royalties. Dr. Melillo receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc.

Non-financial: Robert Melillo has no relevant non-financial relationship to disclose.

Objectives

1. Explain the relationship between brain development, primitive reflexes and developmental milestones to effectively treat neurobehavioral and learning disorders.
2. Summarize the role of retained primitive reflexes in the development of neurobehavioral disorders.
3. Complete a primitive reflex assessment in clients of all ages and implement specific exercises to inhibit each reflex and promote the development of postural reflexes.
4. Analyze the connection between autonomic, immune and social engagement dysregulation and discuss the clinical implications.
5. Implement clinical assessments of neurodevelopmental imbalances in clients.
6. Identify how attachment, Polyvagal systems and hemispheric imbalances relate to symptoms of ADHD, OCD, dyslexia, processing disorders, or autism, as well as other mental health, behavior, and educational issues.
7. Develop comprehensive treatment plans to improve and correct developmental neurological imbalances.

Outline

• Epidemiology of mental health, educational, and neurobehavioral disorders
• Movement and brain development
• Brain development through segregation, integration, and localization of networks
• Primitive and postural reflex development and retention, plus the relationship to brain development
• Brain asymmetry, development, function, and integration of the hemispheres, plus the relationship to learning disabilities, behavioral
• disorders and socialization issues

• What are primitive reflexes? Why and how do they develop?
• Assess primitive reflexes in infants, children, and adults
• Symptoms associated with specific primitive reflex retention
• Asymmetry of primitive reflexes and the relationship to brain imbalances, ADHD, dyslexia
• HANDS-ON LAB: Remediation exercises for primitive reflexes
• CASE STUDY: Adult female with multiple retained primitive reflexes, history of dyslexia, depression, digestive issues, and syncope

• Polyvagal theory and evolution of the autonomic system
• Fear paralysis reflex, the Moro reflex, and both the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems development
• Relate movement and primitive reflexes with Polyvagal Theory
• Autonomic and hemispheric regulation of immune system, gut function, and other issues
• Assess autonomic development, heart rate variability, and autonomic dysregulation
• Connect brainstem development, the development of the social engagement system, and attachment disorders
• HANDS-ON LAB: 35 ways to stimulate the Vagal system
• CASE STUDY: Child with ADHD, retained Moro reflex, and abnormal heart rate variability
• CASE STUDY: Patient with autonomic imbalance and autism

• Right brain vs left brain functions
  • Why and how the right and left brain become specialized
  • How imbalances can develop
  • How imbalance produces specific symptoms

• HANDS-ON LAB: Testing for brain imbalances
  • Cognitive style profile
  • Hemispheric checklist
  • Postural hemispheric exam
  • Cranial nerve exam

• Develop specialized hemispheric-based treatment to restore balance
• CASE STUDY: Patient with dyslexia, learning disabilities and retained primitive reflexes

• Understanding attachment and behavior
• Relate attachment with movement and discover the subconscious way we form and maintain relationships, and how this can affect us our whole life
• How the brain hemispheres contribute to attachment
• Functional neurology of human behavior, relationships and emotions
• HANDS-ON LAB: Use the adult attachment inventory as a diagnostic tool
• HANDS-ON LAB: Target functional neurology networks diagnostically and therapeutically
• CASE STUDY: Patient with reactive attachment disorder and ADHD

Target Audience

• Physical Therapists
• Occupational Therapists
• Speech-Language Pathologists
• Physical Therapist Assistants
• Occupational Therapy Assistants
• Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
• Educators
• Psychologists
• Counselors

Reviews