Melillo Method of brain therapy comes to Rockville Centre

Neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have long been treated solely by managing their symptoms, such as limited attention spans and socially awkward behavior. Using a new approach that he calls the Melillo Method, Dr. Robert Melillo, of Rockville Centre, treats the root causes of the disorders, which, he says, changes his patients’ lives.

Infants are equipped with certain primitive reflexes, or instincts, that help them do such things as grasping objects or rooting to begin feeding. As a baby develops, these basic reflexes are normally replaced by more complex brain functions. If the primitive reflexes don’t recede when they are supposed to, however, they can delay brain development on one side of the brain. This can create a functional imbalance between the two brain hemispheres.

Melillo, an expert in developmental neurobehavioral issues who has been in practice for over 30 years, has concluded that this imbalance can lead to the development of disorders such as ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, Tourette’s syndrome, autism, and others. The Melillo Method aims to identify the core issue in an individual’s brain and devise a specific treatment plan for it.

The treatment begins with an extensive physical and neurological examination. Then a personalized program is developed to stimulate one side of the brain using a combination of physical exercises and sensory as well as electrical stimulation. The problem is attacked at its root, and functional connectivity of the brain can be enhanced, improving or eliminating symptoms of the disorder.

Melillo’s holistic approach does not use medication, instead relying on more natural approaches such as physical activity and nutrition.

“I got interested in brain development in 1995, when a friend in Rockville Centre approached me about her son with ADHD, wondering if there was something more that could help him, since she had tried all the traditional approaches and nothing seemed to help,” Melillo recounted. “I think what’s unique about our approach is our level of understanding about what the core problem is, and that we’re doing things to actually change and correct that core problem.”

The Melillo Center for Developing Minds, on North Park Avenue in Rockville Centre, has been operating for several months, and is planning an official grand opening and open house in the fall, when community members can tour the center and learn more about Melillo’s practice. He treats patients of all ages. Treatment depends on the severity of the issue, but is typically done on a weekly or biweekly basis.

Melillo has published eight best-selling books, including “Disconnected Kids,” which explains neurodevelopmental disorders in more detail. For more information, call (516) 240-2897 or go to www.drrobertmelillo.com.