About this episode

Dr. Vic Manzo reframes ADHD as a neurological glitch in children's development, emphasizing the importance of foundational brain functions.

Overview In this episode, Dr. Vic Manzo challenges the traditional view of ADHD, reframing it not as a behavioral defiance but as a neurological "glitch" in a child's foundation. He explains how many children diagnosed with ADHD are actually trapped in a body running on "infant survival software," where primitive reflexes that should have integrated in infancy remain active, causing constant overstimulation and physical exhaustion. The Neurodevelopmental Ladder Dr. Vic describes the brain's development as a four-story building. If the lower floors are unstable, the top floor (learning and emotional control) cannot function optimally. Here is the breakdown of the Neurological Developmental Ladder as discussed in the episode, organized by how your child’s brain builds its foundation: Level 1: The Basement (Brainstem) Focus: Primitive Reflexes & Survival Function: This is the "automatic" center. It is designed to move a baby from horizontal to vertical. Impact if "Glitched": The child stays stuck in "Survival Software." This leads to constant fight-or-flight, high anxiety, and a shaky foundation that disrupts every level of growth above it. Level 2: The GPS (Cerebellum) Focus…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Vic Manzo

Topics covered

• ADHD
• neurological development
• primitive reflexes
• childhood behavior
• mental health

Keywords

• ADHD
• neurological glitch
• primitive reflexes
• brain development
• child behavior

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