From Reflexes to Results: How Primitive Reflex Integration and Vagus Nerve Stimulation Transformed a Child’s Life
Featuring Lara Barnes, BSc, Melillo Method Certified
When it comes to supporting children with neurodevelopmental challenges, small changes in the right direction can make life-changing differences. This case study, shared by Lara Barnes — a Melillo Method–certified practitioner — illustrates how integrating primitive reflexes and supporting vagus nerve function can dramatically improve focus, behavior, and emotional regulation.
And through her work and discussion on the Rezzimax Podcast with founder Sharik Peck, Lara also highlighted how tools like the Rezzimax Tuner can amplify these results through gentle, non-invasive vagal stimulation.
The Growing Challenge of ADHD and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
source: Cambridge University Press
In the UK alone, ADHD diagnoses have risen twentyfold between 2000 and 2018, with prescriptions increasing nearly fiftyfold (BJPsych Open, July 2023). Globally, parents and practitioners are seeking new approaches that go beyond medication—methods that get to the root cause of dysregulation in the nervous system.
That’s where reflex integration and functional neurology come in. Primitive reflexes are automatic movement patterns babies are born with, helping them survive and begin to develop. By the end of the first year, these reflexes should integrate, giving way to more mature motor and sensory control. But when these reflexes remain active—or “retained”—they can contribute to challenges in focus, sensory processing, and self-regulation.
The Case: A Four-Year-Old with Autism and ADHD
Lara began working with a four-year-old boy diagnosed with Autism and ADHD who displayed strong retained primitive reflexes on both sides, especially the left. He was non-verbal, highly active, easily overstimulated, and struggled to engage with others.
He also showed signs of convergence insufficiency—difficulty aligning the eyes for near focus—leading to challenges in visual attention. After referral to a behavioral optometrist, he was prescribed glasses to support eye alignment.
The Melillo Method Approach: Integrating the Whole Brain and Body
Lara’s care plan focused on integrating retained reflexes through specific movement exercises (targeting ATNR, Moro, Spinal Galant, Rooting, and Babinski reflexes), alongside core stability and sensory stimulation.
To further activate and balance the nervous system, the family incorporated vagus nerve stimulation using the Rezzimax Tuner, blue light therapy, gentle aromatherapy, and dietary adjustments (gluten- and dairy-free).
“The Rezzimax Tuner became a key part of his home program,” Lara explained.
“It provided gentle stimulation that helped calm his system, improve facial symmetry, and activate cranial nerves involved in speech and focus.”
Remarkable Results Over One Year
After six weeks, the child showed fewer distress episodes and began engaging with other children at the park.
By three months, his retained reflexes had decreased significantly, and he could sit for meals and play longer with toys.
By six months, he could stand calmly in line, interact with cousins, and participate in family activities.
By nine months, his constant noise subsided, reflexes had integrated by 80%, and he could play independently for up to 10 minutes.
His mother described the change as “life-changing”—not only for him, but for the entire family.
Why the Vagus Nerve Matters
Lara and Sharik discussed in the podcast how the vagus nerve serves as the body’s main communication highway between brain and body, influencing digestion, mood, heart rate, and focus. Stimulating this nerve can help regulate the autonomic nervous system—calming the “fight or flight” response and improving communication between the two hemispheres of the brain.
The Rezzimax Tuner uses gentle vibration and frequency patterns designed to naturally stimulate the vagus nerve through areas such as the face, neck, and ears. When combined with reflex integration and sensory exercises, this creates a powerful synergistic effect.
A Holistic Path to Healing
Lara’s case study demonstrates how a structured, brain-based program—using The Melillo Method, targeted sensory input, and vagal activation tools—can help children with neurodevelopmental disorders progress in ways that medication alone may not achieve.
“You can’t separate the nervous system from the sensory and emotional systems,” Lara emphasized.
“When you give the body the right tools, the brain begins to reconnect and self-regulate.”
Watch the Full Conversation
You can hear Lara’s full story and discussion with Sharik Peck on the Brain Development Podcast, where they dive deeper into brain hemispheric balance, parent empowerment, and how practitioners can bring hope to families worldwide.
Empowering the Brain to Heal
This story is one of many demonstrating how non-invasive neurosensory stimulation and reflex integration can change lives. Whether you’re a practitioner or a parent, the Rezzimax Tuner offers a practical, research-supported tool to help regulate the nervous system and unlock potential.
About Lara Barnes
Lara Barnes, BSc, Melillo Method Certified Practitioner
Lara Barnes is a neurodevelopmental practitioner specializing in primitive reflex integration and brain balance approaches for children and adults. With certification in The Melillo Method and a background in chiropractic neurology and functional brain development, she helps families address the root causes of behavioral, sensory, and learning challenges. Lara is passionate about empowering parents with practical tools to support their child’s nervous system through movement, sensory input, and vagus nerve activation. She works closely with multidisciplinary teams—including behavioral optometrists and functional health specialists—to create holistic care plans that foster lasting improvements in focus, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. You can follow Laura on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook at @braindevelopmentuk and also at www.braindevelopment.co.uk.