
Disconnected Kids: Helping Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders with Dr. Melillo, Episode #173
From The Child Psych Podcast by Institute of Child Psychology
March 11, 2026 · 57 min · Season 3 · Episode 173
About this episode
Dr. Robert Melillo discusses understanding and supporting children with neurodevelopmental challenges, sharing insights from his research and clinical work.
In this sneak peak from our upcoming summit , we are joined by renowned clinician, researcher, and author Dr. Robert Melillo for an in-depth conversation on understanding and supporting children with neurodevelopmental challenges. Dr. Melillo, a leading expert in functional neurology and creator of the Brain Balance Program, shares insights from decades of research and clinical work with children experiencing difficulties such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, OCD, and other learning and behavioral challenges. Drawing from his best-selling book Disconnected Kids, he explains how subtle imbalances in brain development can affect behavior, learning, attention, and emotional regulation. Throughout the episode, Dr. Melillo breaks down the concept of functional disconnection syndrome, describing how differences in communication between brain regions — particularly between the hemispheres — may contribute to many of the struggles children experience. He also discusses how the brain’s remarkable ability to change through neuroplasticity opens the door to meaningful intervention and growth. Listeners will hear practical, research-informed strategies that can be used at home, in schools, or in…
People in this episode
Host: Institute of Child Psychology
Guest: Dr. Robert Melillo
Topics covered
- neurodevelopmental disorders
- functional neurology
- ADHD
- autism
- dyslexia
- neuroplasticity
- holistic approaches
Keywords
- neurodevelopmental challenges
- functional disconnection syndrome
- behavior
- learning
- attention
- emotional regulation
- movement-based therapies
- sensory stimulation
- nutrition
- cognitive exercises
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Brain Balance Program
Books & works: Disconnected Kids
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