As we continue following the Brain Development Blueprint, we are going to focus on the brainstem nuclei and the development and function of the autonomic and immune systems.

In this module, we review basic dietary needs and normal growth and developmental charts. We will also in great detail discuss the Preconception and Prenatal prevention of Autism and other neurobehavioral disorders. Dr. Melillo has written a book about this program. In the book he outlines a 10-step clinical program that can identify and lower the risk factors that are documented to increase the risk of autism in a child. This program is focused on adults and optimizing their health, especially their brain health. This will also continue the learners’ self-exploration of their own brain and body. We discuss the evolutionary development of human diet and digestive function and its relationship to brain growth. We review neurophysiology of the taste, smell and digestive systems. We also review the neurophysiology of the autonomic nervous system and its relationship to central neurological control mechanisms. We discuss the use of standardized blood testing and a basic review of immunology. We look at the role of lymphocytes and the difference between Th-1 or T cell and Th-2 or B cell mediated immune responses. We discuss the differences between the five types of human antibodies and their role in various types of food and chemical sensitivities. We discuss cytokines and their role in inflammation. We will review 30 years of research regarding hemispheric regulation of the immune system. We will talk about the specific roles of the hemispheres in immune function, gut regulation, digestion, endocrine responses and how this relates to left and right brain syndromes. The immune system is regulated by the brain and innervated by the autonomic nervous system. In this context, we will discuss in detail the Polyvagal System, the sympathetic and parasympathetic controls, especially in regard to immune regulation. We will study in detail the stress response and its relationship to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. We review detoxification pathways. We discuss food aversions, gut dysfunction and the relationship between right and left hemisphere regulation of gut and interoceptive function. We look at food elimination diets and food challenges. We review the testing for deficiencies and the use of various vitamin, mineral, and amino acid supplements in neurobehavioral disorders. We will discuss in detail PANDAS, PANS and the neuroimmunolgy, diagnosis and treatment of these disorders and their relationship to hemispheric development. We will also present various live and videotaped cases of autistic children and discuss as a group the various treatment options. We will go through specific physical, autonomic, metabolic, genetic and other lab tests and their significance. As with each module, we will also look at how we can utilize Digital Health tools to influence neurological, immune and autonomic function. We will present specific protocols for specific conditions.