Dr Renee O’Connor has undertaken years of study directly with Dr Robert Melillo - the founder of Brain Balance (USA) and The Melillo Method™ - and has now brought this method to Australia.
Our brain based circuit style exercise program utilises the new concept of brain integration training which creates long lasting changes in behaviour, social engagement and ability to learn.
We are all individuals with a unique set of connections within our brains. Sometimes there is a lack of communication, connection and synchronisation between the two sides (or hemispheres) of the brain. This is referred to as functional disconnection. It occurs when one side of the brain is delayed in its development which essentially allows the other side to mature or grow faster. This imbalance in growth and maturation prevents the two sides from properly communicating and results in an unevenness of functional ability - where one side of the brain is advanced or too strong relative to the other side. This means that those with a functional disconnection syndrome will show amazing capacity at some things but are exceptionally poor in others.
The good news is this can be changed! It takes hard work and dedication but your child is worth putting the effort into.
The centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls it a public health crisis and estimates that 1 out of every 88 children and 1 out of every 54 boys in the United States fits the diagnostic criteria for Autism. Recent research is indicating the prevalence is probably even higher. - Dr Robert Melillo
Children with left hemisphere deficiencies will often have good social skills early in life. They are friendly and well-liked by their peers. They rarely show hyperactivity. They often have poor fine motor skills, like having poor handwriting, but good gross motor skills and are good at sports.
They often struggle academically with reading letters and written words and this can later affect their ability to understand what they are reading, this is often because they are spending such a long time on reading the letters and sounding out the words.
A left brain deficiency often does not show up until it becomes an academic problem. They typically do not get into trouble at school, they are not picky eaters and they do not have behavioural problems. Parents often describe them as easy kids.
They often love playing outside and being active and have good non-verbal skills and can read other people. Some of the early issues they may have are being late at starting to talk, sometimes being seen as needy towards mum and dad and that they had lots of chronic infections when they were little – ear infections, sore throats, etc.
Children with a right hemisphere deficiency often have poor attention spans and behavioural problems. These kids keep their parents on their toes, often from the very beginning. They are curious and fast learners from a young age. They often have low muscle tone in the large muscles and are therefore un-coordinated and not great at sports.
They have difficulty interpreting social cues and non-verbal language and this can affect their ability to make and maintain friendships because they just cant seem to do things right, socially. Academically they are often strong early in life, and start school with good reading and spelling skills. However, as they get older they can struggle with maths and understanding the meaning of what they are reading, not reading the actual words.
They often struggle with the social settings in school early on and have frequent tantrums, meltdowns and act impulsively. Children with a right hemisphere deficiency can also struggle with sensory issues – either over or under sensitive. They are often very picky eaters and can seem to be addicted to certain foods – often gluten and dairy. They can be more at risk for autoimmune disorders.
The Brainsync program is based on the principles of The Melillo Method™ and draws on the practices of functional neurology, occupational therapy, vision therapy and cutting edge digital technology (Neurosage) currently being patented as digital medicine. Whilst similar programs exist in the United States of America few programs exist within Australasia.
The basic premise is that we need to strengthen the weaker hemisphere to function efficiently and thus creating synchronisation between the two sides of the brain and therefore creating a more balanced whole.
Each session involves an individualised program that combines the following:
Core strengthening/ Postural stability
Sensory/ Motor Integration Training
Balance/ Coordination Training
Visual Training
Auditory Training
Laser Therapy
Dr Renee O’Connor is a family chiropractor who is alarmed at the rapidly increasing number of children and adults being diagnosed with neurobehavioral disorders. This has lead her on a quest to find answers on how she can best support these children and their families find a better, brighter future.
In 2016, Renee first heard of Dr Robert Melillo’s work at a seminar she attended and felt that this information was the piece of the puzzle that she had been missing. Since this time she has invested her time in studying with Dr Robert Melillo directly and is proud to be one of the first to bring his Melillo Method™ to Australia.
Renee’s approach to providing care for all of her clients is gentle, caring and nurturing; she understands the challenges these children face in every day encounters and is aware of the need for patience, rapport building and supportive encouragement.
Qualifications:
Member of Australasian Academy of Functional Neurology'
Member of International Association of Functional Neurology and Rehabilitation
Fellow of the International Board of Functional Neurosciences (IBFN) in Childhood Neurodevelopmental Disorders (FIBFN - CND) (2021)
Post Graduate Diplomate in Neurodevelopmental Paediatrics (2016-2017)
Bachelor of Applied Science/ Chiropractic Science (2000-2003)
Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Biology) (1994-1996)
Occupational Therapist
Nicola Hayes started her career in 2019 providing traditional OT services, until she wanted to understand more about why children and adults presented with functional challenges in daily life. This was further deepened when Nicola became a mother in 2021 and her son presented with his own developmental delays. This kickstarted Nicola's career redirection and professional development into exploring bottom up approaches to supporting children's neurodevelopment. Nicola has undertaken multiple courses developing skills in the Melillo Method and MRNI with ongoing mentoring from Dr Renee O'Connor.
Outside of work, Nicola enjoys toddler-wrangling, riding horses, playing with her dogs and tending to her veggie patch.
One of the most respected specialists in childhood neurological disorders in America, Dr Robert Melillo has been helping children overcome learning disabilities for over 30 years. His areas of expertise include: autism spectrum disorders, PDD/NOS, ADD/ADHD, OCD, dyslexia, Asperger’s, Tourette’s, bipolar disorder, and other mental, attention, behavioural and learning disorders. He is also an expert in diet, nutrition and neuroimmune disorders in children and adults. Read more about him here.
