Brain Balance Achievement Centers

Kids With Autism Detect Movement Twice As Fast As Other Kids

Brain Balance Achievement Centers — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:20:25 +0000

Kids with autism can detect simple movements twice as fast as kids who don’t have the disorder according to new research from the University of Vanderbilt and the University of Rochester. This information may help explain why people with autism are uncomfortable in certain environments, particularly crowded or bustling ones. A recent NPR article about the results of the study states the following:

“One can think of autism as a brain impairment, but another way to view autism is as a condition where the balance between different brain processes is impaired,” says Duje Tadin, a co-author of the study out this week in the Journal of Neuroscience. “That imbalance could lead to functional impairments, and it often does, but it can also result in enhancements.”

To read more about how researchers quantified this substantial movement perception difference in people with autism, click here. This study lends further support to Dr. Robert Melillo’s theory of Functional Disconnection as it applies to neuro-developmental disorders in children. A well functioning brain communicates between both hemispheres and within each hemisphere at lightning speed. These communications are like runners in a relay race: They connect, pass information, and release, repeating this process millions of times a minute. In a poorly functioning brain, these “runners” are often out of sync, missing each other or passing on only partial information. At Brain Balance, we call this miscommunication Functional Disconnection Syndrome, and our program works by improving or correcting this underlying communication issue.

Once we understand the uniqueness and severity of your child’s challenges through our Comprehensive Assessment, we then custom design physical, sensory-motor, and cognitive activity plans to establish proper neural connections and improve rhythm and timing. As brain communication improves, symptoms of learning and developmental disorders are reduced or eliminated. We also offer nutritional guidelines and dietary support for a whole-child approach to improving behavior and functioning. Our proprietary, non-medical program has helped thousands of kids reach their physical, social, behavioral, and academic potential. We work with children who exhibit symptoms of ADHD, Dyslexia, Tourette’s, Asperger’s, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Contact us today to learn more!

Healthy Bites: May Is Celiac Awareness Month

Brain Balance Achievement Centers — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:22:11 +0000

In our May 2013 edition of Healthy Bites, the diet and nutrition newsletter for health-conscious families from Brain Balance Achievement Centers, we’re discussing Celiac Disease and its connection to ADHD symptoms. Find an excerpt below, and stop by your nearest center for a copy of our full newsletter and for more information about The Brain Balance Program.

Healthy Bites
May 2013
May Is Celiac Awareness Month
By Christie Korth, CHC AADP

May is Celiac Awareness Month
About 10 years ago, I recall walking into a health food store and seeing the words “gluten-free”. At the time, it was so new no one really understood what it meant. Today, of course, we know that gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, oats and barley. In some ways it is like glue, providing that elastic texture and chewiness we find in breads, pastas and cookies. Read below to learn more about Celiac Disease and how it may be contributing to symptoms of ADHD in your child.

What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac Disease can be defined as a permanent intolerance to the gliadin fraction of wheat protein and related alcohol-soluble proteins (called prolamines) found in rye and barley. Celiac Disease occurs in genetically susceptible individuals who eat these proteins, leading to an auto-immune disease where the body’s immune system attacks normal tissue. This condition continues as long as this food protein is in the diet. The inflammation and atrophy of the intestinal villi caused by continued gluten exposure results in poor absorption of critical vitamins, minerals, and calories. Signs and symptoms of the disease classically include diarrhea, short stature, iron-deficiency/anemia, and lactose intolerance. However, many patients will also present with “non-classical” symptoms, such as abdominal pain, “irritable bowel”, and osteoporosis.

Celiac Disease and ADHD
Many doctors and nutritionists have questioned a possible link between Celiac Disease and ADHD. Current research, however, confirms that there is a connection. If your child has a learning disability or signs of neuro-developmental issues, discuss a screening with your health professional. In a study conducted by the Department of Child Psychiatry, Psychiatric Hospital of Rodewisch in Rodewisch, Germany researchers concluded that Celiac disease is markedly overrepresented among patients presenting with ADHD. A gluten-free diet significantly improved ADHD symptoms in patients with Celiac disease in this study. The study included 67 subjects aged 7 to 42 years (mean = 11.4 years) and a gluten-free diet was initiated for at least 6 months in these Celiac-positive patients with ADHD. After initiation of the gluten-free diet, patients (or parents) reported a significant improvement in their behavior and function compared to the period before Celiac diagnosis and treatment. This was further quantifiably confirmed when retested for ADHD. If your child has been tested for Celiac and the results are negative, he or she may still be sensitive to gluten. Many health professionals understand that even gluten sensitivities can contribute to inflammation, bloating, cramps, skin issues, auto-immune disease, weight gain, and more. Consider an elimination diet for a minimum of 30 days to see if you detect any changes or improvement in your child.

Recipe Of The Month
Almond Butter & Jelly Breakfast Pizza
Free of: gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, corn, fish,
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Yields: 6 servings
1 cup ground flax seed
1 cup water
1/4 teaspoons sea salt
1 teaspoon coconut oil, (for batter)
1 teaspoon oil coconut (for greasing skillet)
1/2 cup of almond or cashew butter
1/2 cup of jelly of your choice
1/2 toasted coconut flakes
Fresh fruit like banana or berries

Preheat a skillet to medium high. Melt oil in skillet. Mix 1st four ingredients. Drop into skillet to make pancakes. Cook for 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Once the pancakes are completed, spread almond butter over the pancake as if you were adding sauce on a pizza. Add jelly over nut butter. Top with toasted coconut flakes to look like cheese. Top with sliced banana to look like pepperoni. Get the kids involved. Serve and enjoy!

Contact us today to learn more about the Brain Balance Program and the connection between diet and developmental disorders.

Brain Balance Creator To Speak At 2013 AutismOne Conference

Brain Balance Achievement Centers — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:38:11 +0000

Brain Balance Program creator, Dr. Robert Melillo, is scheduled to speak at the upcoming 2013 AutismOne Conference. This exciting event is scheduled to take place at the Intercontinental Hotel at O’Hare in Chicago, IL from Wednesday, May 22 to Sunday, May 26. Dr. Melillo will share his take on recent developments and research as it relates to diagnosing, treating, and preventing autism. To learn more about the conference and register for this event, click here.

More About Dr. Robert Melillo
Dr. Robert Melillo is an internationally known author, researcher, and clinician specializing in neurology, rehabilitation, and neuro-developmental disorders in children. He is a co-founder of Brain Balance Achievement Centers and creator of the Brain Balance Program. Read more about Dr. Melillo here.

Dr. Melillo Share His Expertise With Moms
Dr. Melillo recently shared his take on preventing autism with Oakland County Moms. In this fascinating interview, he shares the following:

“What we’re talking about is that these environmental influences affect gene and gene expression. So, that means that before a couple is even pregnant, they can have genes that are turned off by different environmental factors. And, when they get together and conceive a child, those genes can be passed on to a child in the turned off position.”

Read the rest of this article about preventing autism through preconception strategies here. In his question and answer session with Akron Ohio Moms, Dr. Melillo shared the following when asked if autism begins at birth:

“According to Dr. Melillo, autism begins in the womb and results from a developmental imbalance in the right side of the brain. This often results in a learning delay. Dr. Melillo explained environmental factors are responsible for altering the brain, turning off genes that should turn on to build the brain properly. He believes the genes can be turned back on, however, with the correct approach.”

Find the rest of Dr. Melillo’s question and answer session here. To learn even more about neuro-developmental disorders in children and how The Brain Balance Program can help, contact us today!

No More Sensory Issues After Brain Balance

Brain Balance Achievement Centers — Tue, 07 May 2013 12:31:52 +0000

A grandmother from Plano, TX shares that her grandson is no longer experiencing sensory issues after completing The Brain Balance Program! Read her heartfelt testimonial below:

When A started pre-k in an exclusive private North Dallas school we were devastated when they called and said he was having issues in class. They suggested that it was a parenting issue and required that his parents hire a “super nanny” to observe him at school and at home to determine where they were going wrong.

Luckily, the nanny realized that there was nothing wrong with their parenting, but realized that there was something wrong with A. She observed that he was unable to hold the weight of his head for a long period of time. While sitting at his desk, he would lay his head on his arm while continuing to attempt to write on his paper. In group settings, he would slide away from the group to lean against the wall or just roll around on the floor. And while writing, his grip was all wrong for successful penmanship. All of these facts led us to a diagnosis of “sensory integration disorder”.

Unfortunately, the private school would not put up with his differences and expelled him from the school before Christmas break. We were left high and dry with no school for him. Fortunately we found a day care school with an open spot in their kindergarten program and a teacher who was fresh out of school and very in tune with A’s problem, as her younger brother also had the same issues. The following year he went into public school for a second year of kindergarten.

For 1 1/2 years A went twice a week for therapy. One day was OT for the fine motor skills and one day was PT for core muscle strengthening. He did improve somewhat physically but continued his ornery behavior and had a very difficult time socially. From there we decided, because of the high cost, to see how he did in first grade without therapy.

In 1st grade he hung in through Christmas break but after returning it was an immediate downhill slide. He was completely unable to focus , disruptive in class, argumentative with everyone and refused to do a lot of his work.

Then along came Brain Balance. His mother found an ad in a children’s magazine while searching for a non medical approach to address A’s focus issues. She looked up the web site and forwarded it to me on Monday morning. I finally had time to look at it on Friday morning. I was at the center picking up the book at 1:00pm and had it read by 4:00. When mom picked him up from my house after school, I told her that she and Dad were to have the book read by Monday morning and call for an appointment. Reading the book was like Dr. Melillo knew A personally. The most intriguing part was all the physical symptoms of a right brain weak child that A exhibited. He had difficulty breast feeding, he didn’t walk until 18 months and was a toe walker, he hated tummy time and currently has eczema, allergies and asthma. Amazing! A came for testing in mid January. He began therapy on Feb 2. He is 10 weeks into therapy and tomorrow he will receive a “special award” from the principal at an all school assembly for “the most improved student”.

The changes have been dramatic. He is now making friends at school instead of tattling on them. He is holding his head up while sitting at his desk. He is willing to do his school work and at group time does not pester the other kids. This week is the first week that he has completed all of his homework by Wednesday and had perfect behavior at school for all 5 days. He takes his vitamins and minerals with little or no fuss. He does his exercises easily in the morning before school and if he doesn’t finish is willing to complete them after school with no argument. He has made amazing progress and is a much happier child. This is the best money we could have spent on A and we pray for sustained improvement.

Thank You Brain Balance!!!!

-Nana/Grandmother, Plano TX

Click here to read more Brain Balance reviews from satisfied parents, grandparents, and even students! To contact the Plano, TX center directly, call 972-248-9482.

Brain Balance Creator: Autism Dos and Don’ts for ...

Brain Balance Achievement Centers — Mon, 06 May 2013 15:26:10 +0000

Dr. Robert Melillo, creator of The Brain Balance Program, recently shared some helpful dos and don’ts for parents of kids with autism and other developmental disorders with Expert Beacon, an online consumer advice magazine. Find his suggestions below, and follow the links for more specific information on these helpful dos and don’ts from the article:

Do

pay attention to motor milestones

gather specifics on your child’s disorder

restrict screen time

be aware of food sensitivities

Don’t

leave young children in front of the television

allow certain foods and chemicals

let older children eat alone

believe nothing can be done

For even more specific rules to help kids with neuro-developmental disorders like Asperger Syndrome and ADHD succeed, check out these tips from Dr. Melillo, which include daily rules for scheduling homework, screen time, physical activity and more!

More About Brain Balance
At Brain Balance, our program is based on improving the communication issues between and among the hemispheres of the brain that contribute to symptoms of neuro-developmental disorders like autism and ADHD. After completing a comprehensive assessment of your child’s brain and body function, our team integrates physical, sensory-motor, and cognitive exercises to correct or improve neural activity, which leads to a reduction or elimination of symptoms. These customized activities address issues with bilateral coordination and integrating primitive reflexes. In addition, our students and their families receive nutritional guidelines to promote optimal health and an at-home program for continued success. Each child’s program is tailored to his or her specific needs! Contact us today to learn more!

Is Autism Caused By An Imbalance In Brain Communication?

Brain Balance Achievement Centers — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:54:04 +0000

Is autism caused by an imbalance in brain communication? Dr. Robert Melillo’s theory of functional disconnection in the brains of kids with neuro-developmental disorders led him to create The Brain Balance Program, which has helped thousands of kids reach their academic, social, and emotional potential. Caryn Talty at Healthy Family recently interviewed Dr. Melillo about his theory of functional disconnection and how it relates to autism. Ms. Talty shared the following on her website:

“In his book as well as his practice, Melillo offers a fresh perspective on diagnosing and treating autism spectrum disorders. He believes the many conditions commonly considered causes of autism are actually symptoms of a left brain right brain imbalance. I was able to spend a great deal of time talking with Dr. Melillo about this theory of autism caused by a brain imbalance, including risk factors, preventative measures, and treatment options.

To Melillo the autism epidemic is the crisis of our generation and bold new perspectives are needed to push research into a new cutting edge direction. Melillo tells me that the preliminary research he’s done on his theories look promising. He hopes to change the way research is done in the field of autism. Today over 95% of autism research funding is devoted to finding a gene associated with autism. Melillo believes that autism is caused by genes being turned off and that those same genes can be turned back on again. This is the basis of his work. He also believes that environmental factors also contribute to the autism epidemic.”

To read this article in its entirety and to hear Ms. Talty’s podcast interview with Dr. Melillo, click here.

More About Dr. Robert Melillo
Dr. Robert Melillo is an internationally known author, educator, researcher, and clinician specializing in the areas of neurology, rehabilitation, neuropsychology, and neuro-developmental disorders in children. He is a co-founder of Brain Balance Achievement Centers and created the Brain Balance Program, a multi-modal, hemispheric approach to the remediation of ADHD, dyslexia, Asperger Syndrome, Tourette Syndrome, learning disabilities, and processing disorders. Read more about Dr. Melillo here, or contact us today to learn more about Brain Balance Achievement Centers!

Abnormal Placenta Folds May Indicate Autism Risk In Newborns

Brain Balance Achievement Centers — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:38:50 +0000

A report from the Yale School Of Medicine that recently appeared in the Journal of Biological Psychiatry indicates that abnormal folds in a newborn’s placenta may reveal autism risk. Since the brain is the most folded organ in the body and is effected by even the smallest of abnormalities, researchers began to look for ways to predict autism risk at birth through other abnormally folded tissue.

Yale News reports the following:

Senior author Dr. Harvey Kliman, research scientist in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences at the Yale School of Medicine, and research collaborators at the MIND Institute at the University of California, Davis, have found that abnormal placental folds and abnormal cell growths called trophoblast inclusions are key markers to identify newborns who are at risk for autism.

The at-risk placentas had as many as 15 trophoblast inclusions, while none of the control placentas had more than two trophoblast inclusions. Kliman said a placenta with four or more trophoblast inclusions conservatively predicts an infant with a 96.7% probability of being at risk for autism.

The Denver Post shared the following about this new development:

When Chris Sullivan became pregnant with her daughter, Dania, she was a counselor in Moorsville, N.C., who saw families with autistic children. Her clients would ask if there were a way to detect the disorder early. When her obstetrician mentioned hearing Kliman speak at a conference, Sullivan looked him up and had Dania’s placenta tested. The test result was positive for possible autism.

Without the test results, “I wouldn’t have even noticed that she was not rolling to both sides,’ Sullivan said. “We would make her roll in the other direction.’ Among the signs of being on the autism spectrum are movements that favor one side, not following with the eyes or not reacting to sounds.

Dr. Kliman hopes this new information will help experts create standard autism screening for newborns, leading to early intervention and an improved quality of life for at-risk children like Dania.

At Brain Balance Achievement Centers, we’ve long contended that an imbalance in communication between and among the hemispheres of the brain contributes to symptoms of neuro-developmental disorders like autism. After completing a comprehensive assessment of your child’s brain and body function, our team integrates physical, sensory-motor, and cognitive exercises to correct or improve neural activity, leading to a reduction or elimination of symptoms. These activities address issues with bilateral coordination, like favoring one side over the other, and integrating primitive reflexes. In addition, our students and their families receive nutritional guidelines and an at-home program for continued success. Each child’s program is tailored to his or her specific needs! Contact us today to learn more!

Listen: Preconception Strategies For Preventing Autism

Brain Balance Achievement Centers — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:43:32 +0000

Brain Balance Program creator, Dr. Robert Melillo, discusses preconception strategies for preventing autism on the Edgington Post Show! Listen below for specific information about why autism rates are increasing dramatically and what you can do now to prevent autism in your own family.

Hope For Neuro-Developmental Disorders Like Autism
Clinical research indicates that neuro-developmental disorders like autism and ADHD share an imbalance of electrical activity in the brain that we call Functional Disconnection Syndrome. The Brain Balance Program works by directly addressing this issue. After conducting a comprehensive assessment of your child’s brain and body function, our team creates a program tailored precisely to your child’s needs based on the results of the assessment. Each child’s program is custom designed to include physical (sensory-motor) and cognitive activity plans coupled with easy-to-follow dietary changes to establish proper neural connections and improve the brain’s rhythm and timing. This whole-person approach helps your child achieve optimal body and brain function, leading to a reduction or elimination of negative symptoms and behaviors. We work with children who have symptoms of learning disorders, ADHD, Asperger Syndrome, and more. Contact us today for more information about our program!

Autism Awareness Roundup

Brain Balance Achievement Centers — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:07:49 +0000

April is Autism Awareness Month, so we’re sharing the latest and most relevant information about autism spectrum disorders all month long! Find links below to our must-read articles and media about autism:

What’s happening in the brains of kids with autism and other neuro-developmental disorders? Get answers by watching Dr. Robert Melillo’s presentation at the AutismOne conference. Dr. Melillo is the creator of The Brain Balance Program and co-founder of our achievement centers!

Need more specific information about autism? Find signs and symptoms of Asperger Syndrome here. PDD-NOS can be a confusing diagnosis and is generally referred to as atypical autism. Read this article for more about this disorder.

Sensory processing problems are often co-morbid with autism spectrum disorders. Learn more about sensory processing disorder, and get tips for minimizing sensory overload in kids with neuro-developmental disorders.

Read about the most recent developments in autism research from Autism Speaks! Learn what we know in 2013 that we didn’t know about autism in 2012.

Listen as the creator of The Brain Balance Program discusses strategies for autism prevention and potential causes of the disorder on America’s Radio News Network.

Help us raise awareness about autism spectrum disorders by sharing these great resources!

More About Brain Balance Achievement Centers
Brain Balance Achievement Centers offer the Brain Balance Program ® in more than 50 nationwide locations and growing! Our program is an individualized and comprehensive approach to helping children with developmental and learning difficulties connect with success. Our non-pharmaceutical, non-medical program has been successful in helping thousands of kids reach their physical, social, behavioral, and academic potential. We work with children who suffer with ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Autism Spectrum Disorders regardless of label or diagnosis. Contact us today to learn more!

Brain Balance Creator To Speak in MN

Brain Balance Achievement Centers — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:40:50 +0000

We’re excited to announce two lectures hosted by Dr. Robert Melillo in conjunction with Brain Balance Achievement Centers in Minnesota! If you are in the Woodbury and Excelsior / Lake Minnetonka areas, please join us for the following events tonight and tomorrow:

Two Free Parent Lectures with Dr. Robert Melillo, Creator of the Brain Balance Program®
Tues., April 23, 2013 at 7pm, Eisenhower Theater at Hopkins Community Center, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins, MN
Wed., April 24, 2013 at 7pm, Stage Theater at Woodbury Eastridge High School, 4200 Pioneer Drive, Woodbury, MN

As one of the leading specialists in the assessment and remediation of neurological disorders in children, Dr. Robert Melillo, creator of the Brain Balance Program® and author of Disconnected Kids, will discuss childhood neuro-developmental disorders using a brain-based perspective. Dr. Melillo’s years of research and clinical experience with these challenges in children led him to develop the Brain Balance Program. The program has successfully “re-connected” thousands of children struggling with ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, Asperger Syndrome, and more. Dr. Melillo’s lecture will address why this is happening to so many children, what is happening in the brain, and how parents can help their children now. Click here to register for either of these lectures!

Contact Our Minnesota Centers
Brain Balance Achievement Center of Woodbury, MN
783 Radio Drive Suite #106
Woodbury, MN 55125
(651) 731-6163

Brain Balance Achievement Center of Lake Minnetonka, MN
386 Oak Street
Excelsior, MN 55345
(952) 474-4535

More About Brain Balance Achievement Centers
Our non-medical after school learning centers have helped thousands of kids reach their physical, social, behavioral, and academic potential. Through customized sensory-motor, cognitive, academic, and behavioral plans, in addition to our simple but important dietary changes, we address the underlying cause of neuro-developmental disorders like ADHD and learning difficulties. Our centers offer the Brain Balance Program® in more than 60 nationwide locations. Contact us today to learn more!