Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Brainshape, our assessments, therapies, and personalised neurodevelopment programs.

General Question

  • Brainshape is a neurodevelopmental clinic that helps children experiencing challenges with attention, learning, behaviour, sensory processing, emotional regulation, coordination, and development. We use a personalised, brain-based approach that combines functional neuroscience, sensory-motor rehabilitation, nutrition, chiropractic care, and advanced assessments to support healthy brain development.

  • We support children who may experience:

    • ADHD and attention difficulties

    • Autism-related challenges

    • Dyslexia and learning difficulties

    • Sensory processing difficulties

    • Emotional dysregulation

    • Developmental delays

    • Coordination and motor skill challenges

    • Primitive reflex retention

    • Headaches and migraines

    • Concussion recovery

    • Dysautonomia and nervous system challenges

    Every child is different, which is why our programs are tailored to their individual needs.

  • If your child is experiencing challenges with attention, learning, emotional regulation, sensory processing, coordination, behaviour, headaches, or developmental milestones, a comprehensive assessment may help identify the underlying factors contributing to those difficulties.

  • No. You can contact Brainshape directly to book a Discovery Call or Initial Consultation.

  • We primarily support children and adolescents, with programs tailored to each child's developmental stage and individual needs.

  • Yes. We regularly collaborate with paediatricians, GPs, psychologists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, educators, and other healthcare professionals as part of a child's support team.

  • Our approach combines functional neurology, sensory-motor rehabilitation, chiropractic care, advanced neurodevelopmental testing, and cutting-edge technologies to create highly personalised programs focused on long-term brain development and meaningful outcomes.

Neurodevelopment & Brain Function

  • Neurodevelopment refers to how the brain and nervous system grow, organise, and mature throughout childhood. This development influences learning, movement, behaviour, emotional regulation, attention, communication, coordination, and social skills.

  • The brain works through complex networks that communicate with one another. Sometimes certain areas develop more slowly than others, creating what is often referred to as a functional disconnection.

    This may contribute to difficulties with:

    • Attention and focus

    • Reading and learning

    • Emotional regulation

    • Coordination and balance

    • Sensory processing

    • Social interaction

    By strengthening under-performing networks, we aim to improve how different parts of the brain communicate and function together.


  • Children may experience difficulties with:

    • Focus and attention

    • Reading and learning

    • Emotional regulation

    • Sensory sensitivities

    • Coordination and balance

    • Sleep

    • Confidence

    • Communication

    • Academic performance

    Every child is unique, which is why a thorough assessment is important.

  • Functional neurology evaluates how different areas of the brain and nervous system are functioning and communicating. Rather than focusing solely on diagnosis, it helps identify areas of neurological under-performance and guides personalised interventions designed to support brain development and function.

  • Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to adapt, reorganise, and create new neural connections throughout life.

    This ability allows the brain to strengthen skills, improve function, develop new patterns, and recover from challenges. Brainshape's programs are built around the principles of neuroplasticity to help support meaningful and lasting changes in brain function and development.

  • Primitive reflexes are automatic movement patterns present during infancy that help support early brain development.

    When certain reflexes remain active beyond infancy, they may interfere with balance, coordination, posture, attention, learning, sensory processing, and emotional regulation. Primitive reflex integration activities may be included in a child's program when clinically appropriate.

  • Yes. With the right support and intervention, many children can strengthen under-developed brain networks and develop new skills that improve learning, behaviour, regulation, confidence, and overall function.

Chiropractic Care for Children

  • Yes. Paediatric chiropractic care uses gentle techniques specifically adapted for children of all ages, from infants through to adolescents.

  • Children may benefit from chiropractic care when experiencing challenges related to posture, movement, coordination, nervous system regulation, developmental milestones, headaches, or physical tension.

  • No. Paediatric adjustments are very gentle and designed to be comfortable and appropriate for a child's age and stage of development.

  • Healthy movement and nervous system function provide important sensory input to the developing brain. Chiropractic care may help optimise communication between the brain and body, supporting overall neurological development.

  • Chiropractic care does not treat learning or behavioural conditions directly. However, improving nervous system function may support a child's ability to engage more effectively with therapies, learning, and daily activities.

  • Recommendations vary depending on your child's assessment findings, goals, age, and individual needs. Your practitioner will discuss an appropriate care plan during your consultation.

The Melillo Method

  • The Melillo Method is a hemispheric-based approach developed by Dr Robert Melillo that focuses on improving communication and balance between the left and right sides of the brain.

    The method is designed to identify and address under-developed brain networks that may contribute to learning, behavioural, sensory, motor, and developmental challenges.

    At Brainshape, we draw upon principles from The Melillo Method while creating individualised programs tailored to each child's specific neurological profile.

  • Dr Robert Melillo is an internationally recognised clinician, researcher, educator, and author in the field of developmental functional neurology.

    His work focuses on brain development, hemispheric integration, neuroplasticity, and the neurological factors that influence learning, behaviour, and development. His research has helped shape modern approaches to understanding neurodevelopmental challenges in both children and adults.

  • The brain consists of two hemispheres that must communicate effectively. When one side develops more slowly or functions less efficiently than the other, challenges may appear in learning, attention, movement, emotional regulation, sensory processing, or social development.

  • A functional disconnection occurs when brain networks are not communicating as efficiently as they should. This can affect how a child processes information, learns new skills, regulates emotions, and responds to the world around them.

  • The Melillo Method focuses on identifying areas of under-development within the brain and nervous system. Through targeted sensory, motor, cognitive, and neurological activities, programs are designed to strengthen specific brain networks and improve communication between different regions of the brain.

  • No. Every child receives a personalised program based on their assessment findings, developmental profile, strengths, challenges, and goals.

Assessments, Technology & Therapies

  • Our assessment process may include:

    • Developmental history review

    • Functional neurology examination

    • Primitive reflex testing

    • Balance, muscle tone, and coordination assessments

    • Vestibular testing

    • QEEG brain mapping

    • Autonomic vagal nerve assessment

    • Heart Rate Variability (HRV) analysis

    • Timing and attention assessments

    This information helps us understand your child's strengths, challenges, and developmental priorities.

  • QEEG (Quantitative Electroencephalography) is a non-invasive assessment that measures brainwave activity. It provides valuable information about how different areas of the brain are functioning and communicating.

    QEEG brain mapping may help identify patterns associated with attention difficulties, emotional regulation challenges, sensory processing concerns, learning struggles, and nervous system dysregulation.

  • Yes. QEEG is completely non-invasive, painless, and safe for children. It simply records brainwave activity using sensors placed on the scalp and does not deliver any electrical stimulation.

  • Depending on your child's needs, programs may include:

    • Photobiomodulation (PBM)

    • QEEG brain mapping

    • Primitive reflex integration

    • Vestibular rehabilitation

    • Visual and auditory processing activities

    • Vagal nerve rehabilitation

    • Rhythm and timing training

    • NeuroSage digital neuro-therapy

    • Balance and coordination exercises

    • Sensory-motor rehabilitation

    • Chiropractic care

    All therapies are selected based on individual assessment findings.

  • Photobiomodulation is a gentle, non-invasive therapy that uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to support cellular energy production and neurological function.

    At Brainshape, PBM may be incorporated into a broader neurodevelopmental program to support brain health, nervous system regulation, and neuroplasticity.

  • Photobiomodulation has been widely researched and is generally considered safe when delivered by trained professionals. Your practitioner will discuss whether it is appropriate for your child's individual needs.

  • Technology helps us gather objective information about brain and nervous system function, allowing us to create more precise, targeted, and personalised programs.

Intensive Neurodevelopment Programs

  • Intensive programs provide concentrated therapy over a shorter period of time using the principles of neuroplasticity.

    By combining the right intensity, frequency, and duration of stimulation, intensive programs aim to accelerate neurological change and developmental progress.

    Brainshape offers both short-term intensive programs and structured after-school intensive programs depending on your child's needs.

  • Research shows that intensity, repetition, and consistency are important factors in supporting neuroplasticity. Intensive programs allow us to deliver targeted therapy over a concentrated period to encourage meaningful neurological change.

  • Programs may include a combination of movement therapy, sensory integration activities, primitive reflex work, vestibular rehabilitation, visual and auditory stimulation, rhythm and timing exercises, photobiomodulation, and home-based activities.

  • Every child develops differently. Some families notice improvements in attention, emotional regulation, coordination, sensory processing, sleep, or confidence within the early stages of care, while others require longer-term support.

    Progress depends on many factors, including developmental history, consistency, individual neurological needs, and participation in home-based activities.

  • Following an intensive, families receive ongoing recommendations, home-based activities, progress reviews, and guidance to help maintain and build upon gains achieved during the program.

  • Yes. Home activities are often an important part of the program and help reinforce neurological changes between clinic visits.

ADHD, Autism & Learning Difficulties

  • Many families seek support for challenges commonly associated with ADHD, including attention, emotional regulation, executive functioning, coordination, and learning. Programs are tailored to each child's individual needs.

  • Yes. We support children experiencing challenges with sensory processing, emotional regulation, communication, coordination, and nervous system function through individualised neurodevelopmental programs.

  • Learning challenges can sometimes be influenced by underlying developmental factors involving attention, sensory processing, timing, coordination, and brain network development. Assessments help identify areas that may benefit from targeted support.

  • Yes. Sensory processing challenges are one of the most common reasons families seek support. Programs may include sensory-motor activities designed to help children process and respond to sensory information more effectively.

  • No. Brainshape does not diagnose medical, psychological, or educational conditions. Our services are complementary and designed to work alongside your child's healthcare providers, specialists, therapists, educators, and support team.

  • No. Brainshape does not prescribe medication. Our focus is on supporting brain and nervous system development through personalised, non-invasive neurodevelopmental programs.

Still Have Questions?

Whether you're exploring support for ADHD, autism-related challenges, learning difficulties, sensory processing concerns, emotional regulation, developmental delays, or nervous system challenges, our team is here to guide you through the next steps

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