Lara and Vicky discuss the underlying causes of various behavioural and learning symptoms in children with autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Vicky Finlayson from the Happy Healthy Unicorn joins the conversation to explore how surface-level behaviours, such as stimming and pica, are often driven by biological imbalances, including gut health issues and nutrient deficiencies. The discussion emphasises the importance of understanding these behaviours as not merely part of a child's personality but as symptoms that can be addressed through holistic healing approaches. Parents are encouraged to look beyond the symptoms and focus on restoring their child's overall health, which can lead to significant improvements in behaviour and learning. The episode aims to empower parents with knowledge and hope, highlighting that change is possible through targeted interventions and support. KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding Symptoms: Many behaviours in children with learning and behavioural difficulties, such as stimming and pica, are often driven by underlying biological imbalances rather than intentional actions. Recognising this can help parents approach these behaviours with more empathy and understanding. Importance of Gut Health: Conditions like high oxalate levels and yeast overgrowth can significantly impact children's behaviour. Addressing gut health through dietary changes and appropriate treatments can lead to improvements in these symptoms. Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in essential nutrients, such as zinc, B12, and lithium, can contribute to various issues, including speech delays and behavioural problems. It's crucial to identify and address these deficiencies rather than solely focusing on symptomatic treatments. Role of Primitive Reflexes: Retained primitive reflexes can affect a child's ability to communicate and regulate their body. Addressing these reflexes through targeted therapies can improve speech and overall functioning. BEST MOMENTS "What we see on the surface is almost like the tip of an iceberg... if we look beneath that... we can look at all of the reasons why those things might be happening." - Vicky "When we're really oppressive and trying to stop our kids doing things, it almost builds more stress in the body and makes them do it more." - Vicky "Pica is where the child will eat non-edible items... the body's kind of like... always trying to be well innately." - Vicky "When I truly realised that he just couldn't help some of these things... you've got to forgive yourself, but also forgive them." - Lara HOST BIOLara Barnes a successful woman in tech found herself managing behavioural, learning and speech difficulties with her son, she learn functional neurology and how to change the brain to correct his symptoms and build his left brain. The Building the Brain Podcast is for parents needing to understand how to help their children and show them what can be done to change little lives to allow them to shine and be their best version. SOCIAL/IMPORTANT LINKShttps://www.tiktok.com/@braindevelopmentukhttps://www.instagram.com/braindevelopmentuk/https://www.linkedin.com/in/larakelly/www.braindevelopment.co.uk GUEST BIO Vicky, founder of The Happy Healthy Unicorn, is mum to her inspiring autistic daughter, Rose. With a BSc in Human Biology, she initially planned to work as an NHS dietitian, but her daughter’s needs changed her path. Immersing herself in research on autism and neurodevelopment, she focused on root-cause healing and whole-person care. Rose’s transformation shaped Vicky’s mission: combining scientific knowledge, lived experience, and empathy to support families. Today, she provides compassionate, science-backed guidance through The Happy Healthy Unicorn.⁠⁠https://thehappyhealthyunicorn.com/