Dr. Robert Melillo is a name widely regarded for innovation and expertise in the field of childhood neurological disorders. He is a rare combination of a researcher, clinician, academic, professor, and author that few have achieved. He is truly helping give a voice to the voiceless by challenging the way the world treats brain-related conditions. Over the past thirty years of his practice, he has treated cases related to autism spectrum disorders, PDD/NOS, ADD/ADHD, OCD, dyslexia, Asperger’s, Tourette’s, bipolar disorder, and other mental, attention, behavioral, and learning disorders. His particular focus is nonspeaking autism.
His innovative work aims to address issues such as neurobehavioral disorders, mental health, and neuroimmune issues. Dr. Robert Melillo is working to answer questions that have long remained unsolved, the questions that are redefining how we understand our brain, physical well-being, and emotional health. His notable work offers hope and clarity to many families all over the world. His research continues to explore what is happening in the brains of individuals with neurodevelopmental issues such as autism and seeks to develop the most effective treatments. Dr. Melillo’s research has also suggested that early movement and postural development may play a role in the foundation for acquiring more advanced cognitive skills such as reading, attention, and speech.
A Career Built on Expertise and Dedication:
Dr. Melillo holds an impressive array of graduate degrees and certifications. He has a PhD in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience from Haifa University, an MS in Clinical Rehabilitation Neuropsychology, a Doctorate in Chiropractic medicine, and a board-certified subspecialty in Neurology, to name a few. He also has a fellowship in Childhood Neurodevelopmental Disorders from the International Board of Functional Neurology and Rehabilitation. He has been a professor of postgraduate education in Developmental Functional Neurology for 30 years. Currently, Dr. Melillo is the director of a research lab for Brain and Rehabilitation sciences.
As an expert in childhood developmental disorders and an adjunct professor at the National University of Health Sciences, he has devoted his academic pursuits to advancing knowledge and practical solutions in developmental functional neurology/neuroscience.
He’s a former president and co-founder of the International Association of Functional Neurology and Rehabilitation (IAFNR) and is committed to training clinicians around the world to address neurobehavioral disorders.
The Challenge with Autism:
One of the most challenging causes Dr. Melillo has been studying is why children with autism cannot talk. Non-speaking autism has puzzled experts for decades but has been explored through Dr. Melillo’s extensive research, and it is not at all what most researchers think. He delves deep into the ‘Developmental disconnections’ in the brain, particularly caused by connectivity imbalances in the hemispheres. His work provides extensive insights into the root causes of autism and other developmental disorders, offering targeted interventions to address these imbalances. This research aims to identify the root cause and develop potential solutions to heal, treat, and improve the brain in specific and targeted ways. While many other professionals have begun exploring brain health, Dr. Melillo has been a leading figure in not only how to help the brain function but also in proving that the brain is the source of all health, a concept still gaining understanding.
Understanding the Root Causes of Developmental Neurological Issues:
The Melillo Method is based on important research by Dr. Melillo, which addresses the root causes of developmental neurological disorders. This research also examines the attendants’ physical health conditions, such as leaky gut, food sensitivities, and eczema. He has long emphasized that many adult mental health issues may stem from childhood and are tied to brain development. Since publishing his first major textbook in 2004, Dr. Melillo has advocated for addressing the root causes of neurodevelopmental issues rather than merely managing symptoms.
His belief, “If you don’t address the root cause in the brain, you are just managing symptoms,” has long been the foundation of his approach. Dr. Robert Melillo has shed light on the long-unresolved question of why some children with the condition struggle with speech through his extensive research.
The Melillo Method
The Melillo method lies in the heart of Dr. Melillo; it has a crucial approach to addressing brain imbalances in children. Brain imbalances occur when one side of the brain matures unevenly compared to the other, often known as functional disconnection syndrome.
‘Functional disconnection syndrome’ refers to an imbalance in communication between the two hemispheres of the brain, which Dr. Melillo considers to be the core issue in conditions like autism and ADHD, and his research shows this all starts with brain development.
A focus area of the Melillo Method concerns the role of Retained Primitive Reflexes in developmental disorders. Primitive reflexes are ordinary automatic movements at the time of birth that resolve as the brain matures. However, if these reflexes persist, they can hinder the brain’s development and contribute to neurobehavioral conditions.
He addresses these imbalances through brain plasticity, an adaptive ability for changing neural relationships that the brain performs through well-aimed exercises such as sensory stimulation, brain stimulation, and even cognitive preparation. Dr. Melillo pairs these methods with personalized diet plans, specific supplements, and therapies that are non-invasive. The results have shown life-changing transformations in both children and adults. Harvard’s independent studies have also backed Dr. Melillo’s work, validating his research and showing measurable changes in the brain that align with his theories.
Dr. Melillo celebrates strengths and builds confidence:
Dr. Melillo’s philosophy centers on helping individuals become the ideal versions of themselves. “Every patient, young or old, starts with the fact that they are gifted,” he says. His approach acknowledges that areas of the brain are naturally stronger in some individuals, often leading to delays or deficits in other areas. By addressing these imbalances Dr. Melillo’s work not only dulls symptoms but also highlights the unique strengths to become the optimal version of themselves.
The study “The Relationship between Retained Primitive Reflexes and Hemispheric Connectivity in Autism Spectrum Disorders” is a report on groundbreaking research into how developmental imbalances in the brain hemispheres contribute to autism spectrum disorders. This paper is part of a series relating to a randomized age-matched control, a double-blind study looking at retained primitive reflexes and autism in children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Melillo has approximately 100 peer-reviewed published papers in some of the premier journals in the world. His last paper was published in the British Medical Journal.
This work explores the root causes of ASD through interventions that aim to target these imbalances, offering hope for restoring speech and function in children.
In 2006, Dr. Melillo co-founded the Brain Balance Achievement Centers, learning centers based on his work. With approximately 70 plus centers in the U.S., its drug-free approach to many learning disabilities and behavioral issues has helped countless children. The Melillo Method is the ultimate creation of Dr. Melillo and a very different approach that uses cutting-edge tools in a healthcare model to address the most severe issues like nonspeaking autism in children, adolescents, and adults. He has two active Melillo Center Clinics in New York that see patients from all over the world. The Melillo Method is also spreading internationally and is a growing, recognizable global brand.
Being a good educator and trainer, he has taught numerous health professionals from all parts of the globe. Dr. Melillo provides an understanding to caregivers on implementing treatment for childhood neurological disorders. His lectures, media appearances, and podcasts have brought complex neurological concepts to a broad audience and helped raise awareness about these conditions. He has a very popular online fellowship course that is available to clinicians around the world. He is well-known for his podcast with his singer-songwriter daughter Eliis, ‘The Write Brain,’ which addresses mental health issues in the creative right brain world.
Dr. Melillo has built strong relationships with celebrities, including musician Zac Brown, with whom he assisted in the early development of Camp Southern Ground, an all-inclusive non-profit organization dedicated to children with neurodevelopmental challenges. His work has also been praised by actor Kevin James, who shared his experience on the podcast The Joe Rogan Experience. James recounted how Dr. Melillo and his team helped his daughter, who was struggling with severe tics due to autism, tics that other doctors claimed were untreatable. Within weeks, Dr. Melillo was able to help them significantly subside. Post-treatment, James noted remarkable improvements in his daughter’s social skills, sleep, anxiety levels, and even her reduced eczema, which were the common challenges faced by those on the autism spectrum.
Dr. Melillo’s work has been widely recognized and published, and he has written over 8 influential books on developmental disabilities and neurology. The 3rd edition of his well-known book Disconnected Kids was released in 2024. It has been translated into 18 languages and is one of the most widely recognized books in the genre of child development. Dr. Robert Melillo is breaking new ground in research and innovative methods, paving the way for a brighter future in neuroscience and healthcare. His relentless dedication to understanding the brain and its root causes of neurological disorders inspires hope and brings about changes in lives worldwide.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, nor does it replace professional medical expertise or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.
Published by Mark V.
