Happy New Year!

Brain Balance of Summit would like to wish all of our followers a very happy and healthy New Year!

Get Screen Time Under Control

One of the hardest things for our families to get under control is screen time. We ask our families to limit screen time daily to about an hour. Screen time stimulates the left hemisphere, which we like to call the gas pedal of the brain. By stimulating the gas pedal we not only ramp kids up to the point of out of control behavior, but we also bring out negative emotions like anger. Kids today have so much access to screens, that we try to help our families as much as possible when they are trying to ween away the screens. If you are trying to limit screen time in your own household check out this awesome list that we found online! The link is below.

100 fun kids activities for Screen-Free Week

By Cathy James on April 29th, 2012

Just as a healthy diet can certainly include cake, so a balanced childhood can include screen time. Family movie nights, skyping with Grandma and typing stories on the laptop are all great fun. It’s just there are so many other fun thing to do if you step away from a screen.
This week is Screen-Free Week. It also happens to coincide with two birthdays in our household and an extra day off school for the girls. So, I’m not here. We’re embracing Screen-Free week, going offline and enjoying some fun family time. We’re probably baking birthday cake, visiting an art gallery or up to our knees in water beads as you read this. If you’d like to join in and spend a little more time with the kids and without a screen this week, whether for an hour, a day or the whole week, here are 100 fun kids activities you could try.

Click each idea to see the full details.

And you can print off the list at the bottom so you really can log off and go play.

Step away from the screen and play

1.With shadow puppets 2. In the jungle 3. With chickens 4. Under the sea 5. In space  6. With water beads 7. In a bath of jelly 8. On a building site 9. Camping 10. Yoga 11. Dressing up 12. Pirates 13. With potatoes 14. Dinosaurs 15. With homemade play dough 16. With toothpicks 17. Washing up 18. With salt dough 19. Mad hatters 20. With your feet

Step away from the screen and cook

21. Jam 22. Bunny rabbits 23. Lovehearts 24. Marshmallow lollipops 25. Child-made soup 26. Chop chop salad  27. A snowman 28. Homemade cornettos 29. Welsh cakes 30. Maths cocktails 31. Eggs 32. The alphabet 33. Snowflakes 34. Cookies 35. A rainbow 36. A gingerbread man 37.  A gingerbread house 38. Mini meringues 39. A car 40. Ice cream play dough

Step away from the screen and make

41. Caterpillars 42. Butterflies 43. A robot 44. A town 45. A playground 46. A marble run 47. An incy, wincy book 48. A superhero peg doll 49. Your own doll 50. A meadow 51. A horse riding stables 52. Chocolate play dough 53. A weather station 54. Beautiful candle holders 55. Rockets 56. A boat 57. A dinosaur land 58. A den 59. Story stones 60. A comic

Step away from the screen and be arty

61. Try blow art 62. Set up a painting station 63. Decorate flower pots 64. Explore symmetry 65. Reverse print 66. Make a roly poly painting 67. Try contact paper art 68. Use oil pastels 69. Print with flowers 70. Go big! 71. Paint with marbles 72. Create a self portrait 73. Make a marvellous hat 74. Thread an art bag 75. Try old materials new ways 76. Make a store cupboard collage 77. Spin! 78. Try waterpainting 79. Paint outside 80. With cotton buds

Step away from the screen and play outdoors

81. Make tree gargoyles 82. Make mud pies 83. Plant a tree 84. Create cement art 85. With worms 86. With bugs 87. Go on a treasure hunt 88. Play in a rock pool 89. Create a fairy garden 90. Make a miniature garden 91. Grow some seeds 92. Start a garden journal 93. Plant sunflowers 94. In a story tent 95. Build a sandcastle 96. Make a bird cafe 97. Wear woodland jewellery  98. Hand print a sunflower 99. Race snails 100. Hunt mini beasts

(http://nurturestore.co.uk/screen-free-week-kids-activities)

"Pesticides: Now More Than Ever"

Dr. Melillo has long recognized pesticides as one of the underling factors affecting children in the "perfect storm" that has led to the marked increase in incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders. Now pesticides are being called out by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) a factor in neurodevelopmental disorders as well as cancer and other significant health issues. The New York Times published an op-ed piece today citing pesticides on our produce affecting our children "now more than ever." From a neurodevelopmental perspective, this is "including lowered I.Q., autism, attention disorders and hyperactivity." Below find the article, "Pesticides: Now More Than Ever" written by Mark Bittman of the New York Times. 

By MARK BITTMAN

Mark Bittman on food and all things related.

How quickly we forget.
After the publication of “Silent Spring,” 50 years ago, we (scientists, environmental and health advocates, birdwatchers, citizens) managed to curb the use of pesticides[1] and our exposure to them — only to see their application grow and grow to the point where American agriculture uses more of them than ever before.
And the threat is more acute than ever. While Rachel Carson[2] focused on their effect on “nature,” it’s become obvious that farmworkers need protection from direct exposure while applying chemicals to crops[3] . Less well known are the recent studies showing that routine, casual, continuing — what you might call chronic — exposure to pesticides is damaging not only to flora but to all creatures, including the one that habitually considers itself above it all: us.
As usual, there are catalysts for this column; in this case they number three.

I was impressed by a statement by the American Association of Pediatrics — not exactly a radical organization — warning parents of the dangers of pesticide and recommending that they try to reduce contact with them. The accompanying report calls the evidence “robust” for associations between pesticide exposure and cancer (specifically brain tumors and leukemia) and “adverse” neurodevelopment, including lowered I.Q., autism, and attention disorders and hyperactivity. (Alzheimer’s, obviously not a pediatric concern, has also been linked to pesticide exposure.)
This reminded me of recently disclosed evidence showing that pesticide exposure in pregnant women may be obesogenic — that is, it may cause their children to tend to become obese. The mechanism for this is beginning to be understood, and it’s not entirely shocking, because many pesticides have been shown to be endocrine disruptors, changing gene expression patterns and causing unforeseen harm to health.
And that in turn prompted me to recall that genetically engineered crops, ostensibly designed in part to reduce the need for pesticides, have — thanks to pesticide-resistant “superweeds” — actually increased our pesticide use steadily over the last decade or so. (In general, fields growing crops using genetically engineered seeds use 24 percent more chemicals than those grown with conventional seeds.)
Although these all caught my attention, the most striking non-event of the last year — decade, generation — is how asleep at the wheel we have all been regarding pesticides. Because every human tested is found to have pesticides in his or her body fat. And because pesticides are found in nearly every stream in the United States, over 90 percent of wells, and — in urban and agricultural areas — over half the groundwater. So Department of Agriculture data show that the average American is exposed to 10 or more pesticides every day, via diet and drinking water.
This shouldn’t be surprising: pesticide drift is a term used to describe the phenomenon by which almost all pesticides — 95 to 98 percent is the number I’ve seen — wind up on or in something other than their intended target. (This means, of course, that in order to be effective more pesticides must be used than would be necessary if targeting were more accurate.)
Much damage has been done, and it’s going to get worse before it gets better. The long-term solution is to reduce pesticide use, and the ways to do that include some of the typical laundry-list items that find their way into every “how to improve American agriculture” story: rotate crops, which reduces attacks by invasive species; employ integrated pest management, which basically means “think before you spray”; better regulate pesticides (and both increase funding for and eliminate the revolving door policy at the Environmental Protection Agency) with an eye toward protecting the most vulnerable — that is, farmworkers, anyone of childbearing age, and especially women in their first trimester of pregnancy
[4]; give farmers options for “conventional,” that is, non-genetically engineered seeds (around 95 percent of all seeds for soy, corn and cotton contain a pesticide-resistant gene, which encourages wanton spraying); and in general move toward using more organic principles.
Note, please, that only this last strategy helps us protect ourselves and our families now. But although there’s the usual disclaimer that not everyone can afford organic food, at a time when organic food has been under attack it’s important to remember that part of the very reason for its existence is to bring food to the market that, if not free of all traces of pesticides — remember drift — at least contains none that have been applied intentionally. Charles Benbrook, in his excellent 2008 report “Simplifying the Pesticide Risk Equation: The Organic Option” estimates that organic food production would reduce our overall exposure to pesticides by 97 percent; that is, all but eliminate it.[5]
If I were of child-rearing age now, or the parent of young children, I would make every effort to buy organic food. If I couldn’t do that, I would rely on the Environmental Working Group’s guide to pesticides in produce. (Their “Dirty Dozen” lists those fruits and vegetables with highest pesticide residues, and their “Clean Fifteen” notes those that are lowest.) But regardless of age, we need to stay awake, and remember that the dangers of pesticides are as real now as they were half a century ago.

"Gut-Brain Connection? Leaky Gut? No longer “Crazy Talk” says AAP"

Today we came across this article where the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), is now beginning to recognize the connection between the brain and the gut! This is HUGE! Brain Balance has been addressing this underlying issue with all of our children, and we are so excited to hear that the AAP is getting on board! The reaction below, to the article released by the AAP, is written by Dr. Bob Sears, a pediatrician and TACA Physician Advisory Member.

By Dr. Bob Sears, Pediatrician and TACA Physician Advisory Member

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has just taken a giant leap toward recognizing the association between gastrointestinal problems and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD.) The November 2012 issue of their journal, Pediatrics, has a 200-page supplement entitled Improving Health Care for Children and Youth With Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Note: this guide was not currently available online.) As I perused the various articles to see what the AAP was up to, one particular gem caught my eye: Gastrointestinal (GI) Conditions in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Developing a Research Agenda. Curiously optimistic, I decided to pause the Saturday-afternoon college football game and read the article. After a mere three sentences, my jaw dropped. “Many individuals with ASDs have symptoms of associated medical conditions, including seizures, sleep problems, metabolic conditions, and gastrointestinal disorders (the italics are mine), which have significant health, developmental, social, and educational impacts.” A few lines later I found there is a “lack of recognition by clinicians that certain behavioral manifestations in children with ASDs are indicators of GI problems (eg, pain, discomfort, or nausea).”
My first thought was that someone from ARI or MAPS had snuck into the AAP and switched a few words in the article before it went to press, and no one had noticed. But as I read the entire piece, I was shocked to see other crazy ideas such as:

• “Clinical practice and research to date indicate the important role of GI conditions in ASDs and their impact on children as well as their parents and clinicians.”
• “Gut-brain connection, immune function, and genome-microbiome interaction.” Yes, it actually said gut-brain connection!
• “Increasingly, evidence supports a combination of changes in gut microflora, intestinal permeability (intestinal what?), inappropriate immune response, activation of specific metabolic pathways, and behavioral changes.”
• “Endoscopic analyses of children with ASD and GI symptoms have revealed the presence of a subtle, diffuse inflammation of the intestinal tract.”
• “Autoimmune responses in children with ASDs and a familial history of autoimmunity have been reported.”
• “Autoantibodies could indicate the presence of inflammatory processes and/or an autoimmune component that could affect the integrity of the mucosal barrier and contribute to decreased mucosal barrier integrity.”
• “Leaky gut.” Yes! It actually used those two foreign words that have been scoffed at for so long, and explains the research supporting this theory so that we general pediatricians can understand and begin to believe it.
• “Nutritional status and nutrient intake are inextricably related in children with autism.”
• A table on “Biomarkers as potential outcome measures” includes testing for: intestinal permeability to assess leaky gut, calprotectin for intestinal inflammation, celiac disease serology tests to assess gluten sensitivity, food allergy panels (not sure what for . . . maybe food allergies play some sort of role in all this?), organic acid testing for B12 or folate deficiency, and analysis of gut microbiota.

The article ends with a discussion on the lack of accepted treatments for GI problems specific to children with ASD and outlines six key research objectives:

1. Determine the pathology of GI conditions in ASD.
2. Increase animal research in this area.
3. Identify biomarkers to guide treatment.
4. Better evaluate nutritional status.
5. Identify behavioral phenotypes related to poor nutritional status.
6. Develop evidence-based algorithms to help guide clinicians in the evaluation and treatment of GI problems in ASD.

By the time I finished reading, the cynical frame of mind with which I usually read mainstream articles about autism treatment was replaced with optimism. Finally, mainstream research is planning to look at the gastrointestinal and nutritional aspects of biomedical treatment for autism. For twenty years or more, biomedical physicians have been treating GI problems in autism without much support from thorough mainstream research, and we’ve endured much criticism for doing so. Even worse, parents of children with autism have been begging pediatricians for help, will little acknowledgement that there is any possibility of a gut-brain connection in autism. The tide began to turn in January 2010 with Dr. Tim Buie’s consensus report on GI problems in autism (Pediatrics. 2010;125(suppl 1):S1-S18). And now the tide is actually surging in our favor.
This article doesn’t actually support any particular treatments for GI problems in autism, and we are many years away from mainstream medical research coming to fruition in this area. But it is nice to know that mainstream help is on the way, and that if any doctor tries to ridicule parents for asking for help with their child’s GI problems, you now have the AAP on your side. You can waive this article in the doctor’s face. We pediatricians love that. But seriously, the full text of this article will likely become available online soon. You can view the first part of it here: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/130/Supplement_2/S160.extract?cited-by=yes&legid=pediatrics;130/Supplement_2/S160 . If you have an open-minded pediatrician, and need help, hand he or she this article, and you may be able to get your doctor to test and treat some of your child’s GI problems.
As a side note, this same edition of the journal has an article on the importance of evaluating and treating constipation in ASDs. Definitely a good read for your pediatrician if your child struggles with this, and it even suggests testing such kids for thyroid disease, lead overload, and, get this . . . celiac disease! Here’s a link: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/130/Supplement_2/S98.abstract
Thank you AAP!!!
Dr. Bob Sears
Pediatrician and TACA Medical Advisory
Pediatrician and author of The Autism Book: What Every Parent Need to Know About Early Detection, Treatment, Recovery, and Prevention and The Vaccine Book.

Resources:
1) AAP Standards of care for Autism https://www.tacanow.org/family-resources/aap-standards-of-care/

The Ten Principles of Brain Balance, By: Dr. Robert Melillo

Buy Disconnected Kids Today! The Brain Balance Program is the most comprehensive approach to the treatment of autism, ADHD, Asperger's syndrome, dyslexia, and the host of other neurobehavioral and neuroacademic disorders. It is a totally holistic program that has proven to achieve measurable changes in behavior and academic performance. At best, it can permanently correct these disorders -- meaning symptoms totally disappear. At least, symptoms will markedly diminish so that a child can resume or begin to function in the real world, both socially and academically. The success of Brain Balance Program is based upon ten unique principles that we simply call The Ten Principles of Brain Balance.

1. Childhood neurobehavioral and neuroacademic disorders are actually one condition with different sets of symptoms. Brain Balance recognizes the majority of childhood neurological conditions as one disorder, Functional Disconnection Syndrome[FDS]. Children display different symptoms depending on the part or parts of the brain affected. 2. The underlying problem is a dysfunction in either the left or the right hemisphere that puts the brain out of sync. All human functions are distributed in either the left or the right side of the brain, not both. To function properly, however, the brain must work as a whole. Symptoms of FDS differ depending on whether the dysfunction is caused by a reduction of function on one side or an exaggeration of function on the other. 3. The problem and the dysfunctions must be accurately identified. Brain Balance is specialized to assess, document and objectively quantify FDS though the use of state-of-the-art testing in specific areas of function. 4. The only way to correct the problem is to fix the imbalance, not treat the symptoms. Fix the functional imbalance and the symptoms go away. Treat the symptoms with medication -- the current and most popular approach -- and brain function will never improve. Symptoms will return as soon as the medication wears off. 5. All functional problems in the brain must be addressed individually. If all the dysfunctions in the brain are not corrected, the symptoms will return and the problem will continue. Each function must be addressed one at a time.

6. Success is achievable through a hemispheric-based program. The only way to correct the imbalance is to stimulate the side of the brain that is out of balance without directly affecting the other side. Brain Balance uses a three-pronged program that includes sensory motor, academic exercises [with behavioral techniques] and a nutrition program. 7. Same Time Integration gets the brain back in sync. The Brain Balance Program addresses each impaired function individually at first and gradually integrates exercises to achieve balance in the timing and rhythm between the left and the right sides of the brain. Same Time Integration incorporates all modalities simultaneously within the same time frame to get the left and the right brains working in synchronization. 8. The brain and body must grow together. Brain Balance is based on new science that shows that if the body is out of balance, the brain is out of balance, and vice versa to an equal degree. 9. The problems are not primarily genetic and are therefore permanently correctable. Brain Balance is based on the scientifically backed belief that the various symptoms of FDS are primarily the result of environmental factors. Genetic predisposition is the result of environmental factors that only alter the way a gene or genes are expressed. In other words, genes are not destiny.

10. Parents play a crucial role in a child's individual success. Parents have the power to achieve success using the Melillo At-Home Brain Balance Program. To this end, they must be motivated and fully involved in the motivation of their child to complete the required tasks. Correcting a behavior and/or learning disability through professional guidance and school involvement alone is not enough. However, using them in conjunction with the program can be a great help to parents and can even help enhance results.

Change Your Child's Developmental Trajectory -- call your nearest Brain Balance Center today to schedule an Assessment for your child.

A Side by Side Comparison

Here at Brain Balance of Summit, we take the nutrition component of the program very seriously. All of our children have to take a comprehensive blood test to determine their food sensitivities. Food sensitivities are a product of the functional disconnection that we are addressing here at the center. Since the children coming to us have a functional disconnection between the hemispheres in their brain, they consequently have a deficit in their stomach. This deficit allows for food particles to leak out of the stomach and cause negative reactions, ranging from the inability to focus, skin conditions, digestive issues, and so much more. We address this deficit by creating a specific diet for each one of our children based on the results of their food sensitivities test. 

Even though the diets can sometimes be daunting we always find fun ways to motivate our children. We have a fun food chart, that helps the children visualize the goal that they have to keep in order to maintain the elimination diet, and we even have a one year old hamburger that teaches the kids that real food rots (pictures below)! 

The diet is important to the overall success of the program, and even though it can be tough at times, families are so happy to see the fabulous results that their child is able to achieve! 

The pictures below are of our one year old hamburgers! The picture on the left is one that our center director made out of all natural ingredients. The picture on the right is of a hamburger that we picked up from a fast food restaurant. You can see how the real hamburger, that our center director made, has been disintegrating for the past year. While our friend on the right, from the fast food place, has kept its good looks. Lesson learned? Real food rots. And to quote from one of my favorite books Food Rules written by Michael Pollan "Eat only foods that will eventually rot," "It's not food if it arrived through the window of your car," and "It's not food if it's called by the same name in every language (Think Big Mac, Cheetos, or Pringles)."  

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A Happy Family!

Today at Brain Balance of Summit we received a heartwarming testimonial, from a very happy family. Their son, was one of the first kids through the door when we opened last summer, and since then he has only flourished! This young man and his family took what Brain Balance gave them and really emulated a star student! They rarely missed a session, they were diligent with doing their home exercises, and they were all troopers when it came to the specialized elimination diet. We could not be PROUDER of this graduate! Please read along to see what this mom has to say about her son's sessions with us.

"Nicholas was a healthy 9 year-old boy the March he was injured. That night he began making noises that I assumed were a soothing mechanism. Within a few days he sounded like a car horn. It was at that point that Tourette’s Syndrome became all too familiar to me. In June of 2011, he was officially diagnosed. Within a week, I saw an ad for Brain Balance Centers in a magazine. I mentioned it to him, and he was all for trying it. In August 2011, he began his first program term. By the time the 12 weeks were up in November, Nicholas had made great improvements in regards to the exhibiting of tics, as well as improved confidence and socialization.

Because tics have been known to peek during the middle school years, we decided to enroll him in a second session to try to “get ahead of the game.” At that time, Nicholas was only exhibiting some mild grunting, unnoticeable to others around him. In March 2012, he began his second program term at Brain Balance. Throughout this session he continued to improve functionally, as well as socially. He also continued to perform well in school.
During a class game on his second day of school this year – new school, new classmates, new teachers – Nicholas told his class something unique about himself: he has Tourette’s Syndrome. He did this on his own, his decision, his way. It was a huge difference from me having to be in the room the prior year and explaining it to his classmates while he sat quietly next to me, looking down. His confidence had grown over the year in that he wasn’t ashamed of having Tourette’s and wasn’t letting it get in his way. I had tears in my eyes when he told me after school. Tears, because this disorder is not my friend, but also because my little boy has accepted this disorder into his life and he is giving it his all to overcome it. That has been our philosophy since day one – this is not going to stop him from doing anything that he wants to do.
For any parent who sees the ad for Brain Balance and thinks it’s going to be a quick & easy fix: I’m telling you that you’re wrong. It is not going to be easy. What it is going to be is an intense 12 weeks for you & your child. The home exercises need to be done to enhance the program; the music needs to be listened to; the elimination diet needs to be followed without cheating; the positive reinforcement needs to be there; the patience needs to be there; your child needs to see that you believe in this program. The progress may be slow in the beginning but then all of a sudden you will blink and see that positive changes have been made right before your eyes. Your child will balk at the idea of the elimination diet (you may, too – you need to get creative!), but the differences you may see as a result of it all will be your reward. Quick, easy – not at all – but so worth it.
We enrolled my son in two 12 week sessions because we saw such a positive change and knew that there was room for more growth & development. We took the challenge full force both times, had the blood work done again as our choice and followed through with the elimination diet again as our choice. Yes, it was tough. Yes, he fought going to the sessions at times because he wanted free time. Yes, he cried at times during the elimination diets. Yes, it was worth it. Yes, I would do it again.
Looking back at our time with our Brain Balance family, I am so happy that we gave the program a chance. It has made such a positive impact on Nicholas. As of today, he is ‘tic free’ with the exception of the pencil twirling that is just sticking with him and some very seldom, random noises – but I’ll take it! He is still the same happy child that walked into the program making noises, but he walked out with the confidence to speak about Tourette Syndrome for himself and continue his journey to overcome it.
The staff in the Summit Center has been so amazing from that first day we walked into their office. The support from each and every one of them as Nicholas gained success was genuine and unconditional. Once he was there, he enjoyed his sessions and built a relationship with each one of them throughout our 24 weeks with them. Nicholas finished the program months ago, yet their support is still there if I need it. It’s a great feeling to know they are vested in each and every child who walks through their door."

End-of-Year Promotion

It is snowing again here at Brain Balance of Summit! Just a reminder that the end of the year is fast approaching! With the holiday right around the corner and the kids counting down the days to their coveted days off, what better time to save a few bucks and start your child's new year off with a bang!
Brain Balance of Summit is offering to any family that gets their child evaluated and signed up for our program a $500 discount! To learn more about our program and to inquire about the promotion contact us at (908) 517-1101. Also we will be having an Open House on December 5th at 6:30 PM, so feel free to join us to learn even more about our program!

Friendly Reminder

Today, is the day before Dr. Melillo comes! The Brain Balance of Summit staff is all busy finishing up last minuet details. We all know how busy we have been over the past few days and weeks, so we just wanted to remind you about the three amazing opportunities that you have this week to meet and greet with Dr. Melillo: 

Dr. Melillo has been working with children with neurodevelopmental disorders for the last 20 years.  His long-held belief that such disorders are the result of uneven brain connectivity (known as a functional disconnection in the brain) has been borne out in extensive independent research, and thousands of children have been helped by his methods of using natural means of exercise, sensory stimulation, cognitive stimulation and dietary change to strengthen neural pathways and improve behavior, socialization, and academic skills.  Dr. Melillo has lectured extensively around the world on neurology and neurodevelopmental disorders, has authored multiple books on neurodevelopmental disorders in children (including Disconnected Kids, Reconnected Kids and his new book, Autism: The Scientific Truth About Preventing, Diagnosing and Treating Autism Spectrum Disorders And What Parents Can Do Now, which is being published by Penguin Books and due out at the beginning of 2013), and is shortly to start co-sponsored research with Harvard University neurologists.   

Everyone is invited to attend Dr. Melillo's speaking events:

An Invitation to Meet 

Dr. Robert Melillo
 

Ground-breaking Neurologist

Pioneer in Childhood Neurodevelopmental Disorders

NY Times Best-Selling Author

Founder of Brain Balance Achievement Centers

  

 Tuesday, November 13

10:30am: Book Signing Event

 Barnes & Noble Bookstore – Livingston Mall, 112 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston, NJ 07039

7:00pm: Free Lecture for Parents & Professionals

Summit High School Auditorium, 125 Kent Place Boulevard, Summit, NJ 07901    

Wednesday, November 14

10:30am: Book Signing Event

[words] Bookstore, 179 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood, NJ 07040

www.wordsbookstore.com

We hope to see you there! RSVP to (908) 517-1101

First Snow of the Season

On the heels of Hurricane Sandy, I am sure that many of you are just as shocked as Brain Balance of Summit is to have received all of this snow yesterday! In Summit we got anywhere from 4-6 inches! All of this weather has caused a lot of our families to be stuck at home and unable to come to sessions! In light of that we just wanted to reiterate that even though we are encouraging all of our families to be diligent with their home exercises that there is always time for fun!
Winter time is tough for a lot of our kids because it is hard to get outside - it's either too cold, or too dark. But Brain Balance of Summit is here to tell you that we should capitalize on those impromptu snow storms and to work and play outside!

Building snow men requires following direction, planning, core strength, and fires those mirror neurons!

A snow ball fight causes little ones to use their fine motor skills, eye muscle coordination and upper body strength!
Snow angels are not just for decoration any more! They actually stimulate a primitive reflex that a lot of our children still display, and by strengthen it, it helps our children sit still! So bring on the snow angels!
Ice skating builds balance and synchronization as well as coordination and core strength.
Shoveling and cleaning off the car works both the core and upper body. So don't be afraid to put those kids to work!

There are so many fun things to do outside in the snow and who would have thought that it could actually be benefiting our children other than getting them outside and away from the video games!

Schedule of Events: Dr. Robert Melillo

 

Dr. Melillo in Summit NJ
11/13 & 11/14

 

Please join us the 13th and 14th of November as Brain Balance of Summit hosts 3 different events with Dr. Melillo. Details below.
RSVP for all events to:
(908) 517-1101 or bbacsummit@brainbalancecenters.com

Book Signing Event: Disconnected Kids

Where: Barnes and Noble – Livingston Mall
When: 10:30am 11/13
Address: 112 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston, NJ 07039

Free Lecture for Parents and Professionals

Where: Summit High School Auditorium
When: 7:00pm 11/13
Address: 125 Kent Place Boulevard, Summit, NJ 07901

Book Signing Event: Disconnected Kids

Where: [words] Bookstore
When: 10:30am 11/14
Address: 179 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood, NJ 07040

Sandy Can't Stop Us

The Brain Balance Center is alive and well. We did not sustain any damage and maintained power throughout the storm. Our beautiful City of Summit was not as fortunate. Most of our surrounding neighbors are still without power, and the line is out the door for our building mate Dunkin' Donuts. We are keeping all of our families and friends in our thoughts, and we hope that everyone has a warm, safe place to be.

In the mean time! Here are some fun games/things that can be played while the power is out. These games will work on your child's fine motor skills, strategy, turn taking, multi-step rule following, and more. As a plus these games are fun! The whole family can enjoy them, and your child won't even know that they are doing more than having fun!

Here are some ideas:

·        Playing with LEGOs (the small ones)

·        Chinese Checkers (using marbles)

·        Kerplunk

·        Traffic Jam

·        Jenga

·        Operation

·        Molding and rolling play dough into balls

·        Bed Bugs the game (using tweezers to pick up tiny plastic bugs)

·        Playing with finger puppets

·        Lacing and sewing activities such as stringing beads, Cheerios, macaroni, etc.

·        Turning over cards, coins, checkers, or buttons, without bringing them to the edge of the table.

An Invitation: Come Meet our Founder Dr. Robert Melillo

Our founder, Dr. Robert Melillo, will be visiting Brain Balance of Summit to celebrate our one year anniversary!

Dr. Melillo is recognized as a ground-breaking neurologist, a pioneer in childhood neurodevelopmental disorders, and a NY Times best-selling author. He will be visiting Brain Balance of Summit November 13th and 14th. During that time we would like to invite anyone who is interested to hear Dr. Melillo speak at a free lecture as well as get a chance to meet him briefly and get your copy of Disconnected Kids or Reconnected Kids signed! Details about all the events that Dr. Melillo and Brain Balance of Summit will be hosting will be below.

Events Schedule:

Tuesday, November 13th

• Book Signing Event - Barnes & Noble
• When: November 13th, 2012 @ 10:30am
• Where: Livingston Mall - 112 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston, NJ 07039
• Please RSVP: (908) 517-1101 or bbacsummit@brainbalancecenters.com
• Free Lecture for Parents and Professionals
• When: November 13th, 2012 @ 7:00pm
• Where: Summit High School Auditorium - 125 Kent Place Boulevard, Summit, NJ 07901
• Please RSVP: (908) 517-1101 or bbacsummit@brainbalancecenters.com

Wednesday, November 14th

• Book Signing Event - [words] Bookstore
• When: November 14th, 2012 @ 10:30am
• Where: 179 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood, NJ 07040 
• Please RSVP: (908) 517-1101 or bbacsummit@brainbalancecenters.com

Still more events to come so keep checking back!
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If you have any questions or concerns about the events please do not hesitate to contact us at (908) 517-1101 or bbacsummit@brainbalancecenters.com

Testimonals

Below please find three testimonials from very happy parents of Brain Balance of Summit graduates! 
We are so proud of each and every one of our graduates, and we wish them all the best of luck! 

1. Our first young man, came to us about a year ago. He brought a smile to each one of our faces, and his hard work and determination was an inspiration to all of us:

Joseph is a sweet, very active 10 year-old boy. Joseph was diagnosed with Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAP), and he had difficulty focusing and attending in the classroom. It wasn’t until the summer going into the 4th grade that I noticed his auditory processing was getting in the way of his keeping up with conversations among his peers. It was heartbreaking for me to watch him and know he wanted to contribute, but just couldn’t get the words together in time. I knew I had to do something, and more tutors were just not the answer. We needed to make a change from within.

We were referred to Brain Balance (BB) by a fellow soccer mom. We used to share our concerns for our boys sideline every Saturday, and when she enrolled her son, I began to learn more about BB. My curiosity was peaked: After reading extensively about BB we decided to have our son, Joseph, tested. The test validated many issues and behaviors and actually made a lot of sense in terms of why Joseph would react to certain situations. As it turned out Joseph was holding onto many primitive reflexes.

We enrolled Joseph with the main goal of improving his oral expression, ability to focus and attend in the classroom, and his reading comprehension. At first, the program was very daunting, but as my mother always said, “you eat an elephant piece by piece,” and we did. We embraced all the demands and routines immediately as there was no time to waste if we wanted to get the most out of this program. Within two weeks, we had our routine down: we did exactly what was recommended as far as exercises, class attendance and diet. Oddly enough, I thought Joseph would give me a problem going to sessions 3 times/wk, but he loved it! I always got an “Awesome!” when I asked, “How was your session?” He loved each instructor, and they really seemed to keep the kids engaged and motivated.

We started seeing positive and negative changes a third of the way through the program. One big positive change was that Joseph started asking more questions about everything, almost like a switch was turned on and he began to notice his surroundings in a whole new way. His teachers noticed a better focused Joseph, and his eye contact was improving. As we had been warned, there was also some regressive behavior (the negative) that was very evident and persistent for a good 4-5 weeks. He became argumentative and obstinate as if he was revisiting his terrible 3’s. We weren’t too worried as we were advised to hang in there while his right hemisphere was actually playing catch up with the other side, and it eventually did. Since Joseph has completed the program he has achieved increased focus and attention in class and at home, is better able to follow written directions, his eye contact is fantastic, his oral expression has greatly improved, and he increased multiple grade levels in areas more specific such as math and reading. He is also more willing to share his experiences with other adults and friends and isn’t as shy. Although we were not looking for increased athletic ability, his hand eye coordination and balance have greatly improved.

It is too difficult to pick just one, single-most-important change because there are so many. However, I would say it is Joseph’s overall awareness of where he is and his ability to follow the conversation or topic in the room. In the past he would either drift off or simply walk away as it was too overwhelming. Now he get’s it! We can really see he is following the conversation and shows sincere interest.

The best advice I could give anyone considering the program: it is a lot of work, but do exactly what is recommended for your child. There are no excuses for 12 weeks: do the exercises, don’t cheat (you are only cheating your child), stick with it and you will see the results. It really works. This is one of those many commitments in life that truly is you only get out of what you put in. Remember, it’s only 12 weeks! I remember our last session riding up the mountain to Summit and Joseph said “Wow I can’t believe this our last time, this went really fast!” As parents, we will do anything to help our children, and this program pushes the limit, but the reward is priceless.

We got so lucky to find such a great program that works, but we also were very fortunate to work with Betsy and her very professional staff. Betsy’s thorough knowledge and experience was always a great source of support. Erin who runs the office was always pleasant and knowledgeable and if she didn’t know the answer she would always get back to me in a timely manner. Sara Ann and Chrissy are wonderful educators who were tough but kind and supportive and always motivating Joseph to try harder. Lastly, Casey went over the top to help with Joseph’s elimination diet, and my endless nutrition questions. She was always suggesting new foods or web sites and couldn’t have been more supportive. Overall, it was very obvious the Summit Brain Balance staff truly cares for their students and they were integral in Joseph’s success at Brain Balance.

2. Our next young man came to us over the summer. He traveled a very long way to see us three times a week. We are so proud of the success that he was able to achieve:

My son was an easy-going loving boy until he turned 3.  Then something changed. He couldn’t stay still and would get very aggressive and abusive.  We started getting phone calls from school. That’s when we started looking for a reason and a solution. A Psychologist evaluation, occupational therapist evaluation, neurologist evaluation, the list is never ending. By the time he turned 7, we finally got an ADHD and Sensory Disorder diagnosis. When I was browsing the bookstore, I came across “Disconnected Kids”. I read the first 10 pages in the store, went home, found the closest Brain Balance Center to us and called them.  We started the program 2 months later. Can I say he’s a completely different child now that he’s done with the program- no, he’s not. But the small changes that happened throughout the program are amazing. 

The child, who would only eat one meal a day, forcefully, because he was never hungry, now eats 3-4 times a day. He experiments with his food, and eats foods I never thought he would touch.  

The child, who never liked to be hugged or kissed (couldn’t stand the skin to skin contact), now hugs and kisses me every day.

The child, who used to have tantrums because he couldn’t get what he wanted, now rationalizes, and asks me what he can do to earn what he wants.

The child, who I used to spend 2 hours trying to catch so he could do his homework, now comes home and sits down to do his homework all by himself.

This is just a small portion of the changes we see. If you look at each change separately- it doesn’t look like a big deal, but all of them together have made our life so much easier. Now I have a mature 8-year old boy, who I can have full and interesting conversations with, who understands his responsibilities, and follows through with his promises.

The Summit Brain Balance Center has people who really care about your child and kids feel that. My son loved going there, and not once complained that he wouldn’t go.  Would I do it again, now that I see the results? In a heartbeat.

3. Our third testimonial is from one of our few young ladies that have gone through this program. She worked so hard, and in the end left with an amazing experience:

Our daughter “Sam” had been suffering with a multitude of issues from a very young age that were getting worse and worse with each passing year – severe anxiety, phobias, frequent temper tantrums, poor eating and sleeping habits, sensory issues, and learning disabilities.  In the fall of 2009, she began pulling out her eyelashes at the age of seven, and we began a three-year journey into a disorder called trichotillomania.

We sought help for our daughter from numerous health care professionals such as psychologists, social workers, neurologists, and psychiatrists, trying cognitive behavioral therapy, habit reversal training, and ultimately, medication.  They all kept saying, “it’s anxiety…” but we felt it was deeper-rooted than that.  Anxiety lived inside something else going on in her brain. 

I read a lot of information online and came across Dr. Melillo’s book, Disconnected Kids.  It caught my eye as a revolutionary new approach to treating kids with emotional, social, and academic problems – all issues we were dealing with! At that time, I put the book aside and continued conventional measures, but still saw no real improvement.  After a meeting with her IEP team last spring, after a year of her being pulled out to a resource room for her learning disabilities, we decided we needed a new plan. 

After seeing an add in a Kid’s Guide booklet in my pediatrician’s office for the Brain Balance Center in Summit, I was brought back to a feeling that Dr. Melillo’s approach might be the answer we were looking for.  The owner, Betsy, and her staff of coaches there were so knowledgeable and supportive.  Everything made sense – we were impressed with the testing process and the in-depth individualized instruction we received there.

Most importantly, Samantha thrived with each passing week!  She became more focused, calm, and confident.  At some point during the course of the program, it was like a light switched on and eyelashes began to come in!  By the end of the program, the eyelashes are fully grown in, and we have not seen any evidence of the trichotillomania returning.  We had tried everything before, and have no other explanation than that Brain Balance works!  We now have a confident, thriving, ten-year-old daughter. As in all parts of life, there is always room for improvement, but we have to say that Brain Balance changed our family’s life and we are forever grateful.