Abbie, my first child, was born in late August 1999 following an uneventful pregnancy. She reached each developmental milestone at the average age; however, her crawling technique was commando style and not on her knees. 

Starting Kindergarten, Abbie experienced quite a significant separation anxiety but would have a great day once settled. She excelled through her daily tasks, sight words and readers. Following the government eye screening at the end of the year, the results showed a problem with one of her eyes. A recommendation for Abbie to see an Optometrist for further investigation was given, which led to an additional referral to a Behavioural Optometrist.

Early in Year 1, we visited a Behavioural Optometrist, and he informed us that Abbie’s eyes had a teaming problem meaning her eyes were not working together. She was prescribed glasses for all close work and sold a computer program consisting of daily exercises to improve the teaming. It was a daily struggle getting Abbie to complete the program, and the arguments increased which did not make for a happy home environment. 

Yearly reviews, glasses and the computer program ceased when Abbie was nine years old. Both the Optometrist and Behavioural Optometrist concluded that they could do no more for Abbie and we just had to accept that this is how she would be for life, “teach her some coping strategies” we were advised. Allegedly, the only effect it would have would be on her 3D vision “which is not much use”. Her enjoyment of 3D movies was not my concern, her depth perception was. Abbie’s schooling, at this stage, was still pretty good. She was reading independently, and all reports showed she was at the acceptable level.

All was well until Year 3 when I noticed that Abbie wasn’t comprehending what she was reading. It wasn’t just English that was being affected, maths, her handwriting and speech were being affected too. Her teachers continually told me that all was fine and we had nothing to worry about with her progress. I recall teachers repeatedly saying, ‘she's okay, she is a lovely girl with a beautiful smile”.  

By Year 5 Abbie’s school reports were starting to concern my husband and I as she was slipping further and further under the average, despite trying her hardest. Abbie was beginning to lose confidence as well, and at the recommendation of her teachers, we started down the tutoring path. We persisted until Year 6 when, after little progress with the tutor, the only advice given by her teachers was to try another tutor. We were becoming desperate. We saw how hard our daughter was working and the results she was achieving weren't reflecting the effort. Abbie was sitting just below average; this was still considered acceptable by the school. However, I couldn’t ignore my gut feeling any longer.

Hearing our plight, a friend suggested we investigate the Alison Lawson Program. She had attended with her daughter and was extremely happy with the results following the treatment course. Maria, whom my friend had encountered on the Central Coast, had returned to the Moss Vale Clinic. I contacted her and arranged an assessment appointment. 

Abbie and I embarked on what was to be a life-changing journey for both of us. I was astounded at the results they said they were able to achieve and that she was the perfect patient for their treatment. We booked in for the ten sessions over a fortnight period in June 2011.

Initially, we noticed a change in her commitment and dedication towards her work. Abbie loved the treatment, including the homework. I had not seen her this enthusiastic about learning in a very long time. Abbie’s confidence was returning!

Following treatment, Abbie’s newfound confidence continued to grow. Gone were the Cs and Ds on her report cards, she was now receiving As and Bs in her projects. Even her times tables were improving and she could remember them, this really gave her a confidence boost as this was a new accomplishment for her. Abbie would read for hours, not because she had to but because she wanted to. It was a difficult task at bedtime to make her stop. There were also changes aside from her schoolwork. Abbie became more assertive and wouldn’t tolerate mistreatment by her friends, Abbie would no longer be a follower. Throughout all this time Abbie played her beloved sport, netball. The young girl who would repeatedly fumble and miss the ball (remember the unnecessary need for depth perception?) was now catching and intercepting passes without error. 

The Alison Lawson Program significantly improved many aspects of Abbie’s life. She is currently attending Newcastle University, a goal she used to think she was “too dumb” to achieve. 

The journey did not end there.

After several years of parents/clients reporting “they can hear me better” and “they are following verbal instructions better”, I decided to train in the Auditory Processing field. After all, I was correcting visual fixation and establishing new visual pathways, but I was curious to know how the auditory was showing improvement.

I studied with Tracey, owner of the Australian Head Office for The Listening Program and learnt that the brain has both visual and auditory pathways. Learning that 20% of the paths are the same explained why I was achieving auditory improvements while I was treating the visual. The Listening Program is another fantastic program that compliments the visual program to reach the highest of results. 

Three out of four of my children, and I, have completed The Listening Program. This program can be tailored to improve a range of conditions, with many of my clients, have experienced learning or behavioral problems. Other examples of conditions/disorders that I have used this program for are; stroke victims, children on the autism spectrum, anxiety and ADHD.

The Listening Program assisted Abbie through the stress leading up to the HSC. Gone was the girl who would cry in the morning from the extreme anxiety, she was now walking into exams with confidence. 

I also used this program with my son, Brayden. Who at the time was having behavioural problems at school and occasionally at home. He was lashing out, very impulsive and couldn’t control his anger. This program not only calmed him it also helped him with being organised and planning. I too found it calming. It also gave me more energy to get through the daily tasks of being a busy mum. I found I was able to think and talk much faster.

And the journey continued...

In 2018 I became aware of Dr Robert Melillio's work with Primitive Reflexes and Brain Balance!!! So the learning continued and I now incorporate the new knowledge I have learnt about the brain and how it works to add to my abilities to help adults and children reach their full potential.

In 2019, Brayden suffered with a banging noise in one ear, that would be loud and fast sometimes and quiet and soft other times. We visited doctors who couldn't explain it. So we then went to an ENT, who wasn't sure either so he sent him for an MRI. Still no idea, he said "Just see how he goes over the next 4-6 months". 

Well, knowing a bit about the brain and its plasticity and all the new possibilities of treatment through lasers etc I thought there has to be something out there that can help him. So when my friend in New Zealand came accross the Rezzimax for her Tinnitus, I bought one for Brayden. I dont know who was more excited Brayden or my husband (who had been suffering with a bad knee for a couple of months).

Brayden's banging disappeared in less than a week. Mark was back to jogging, in less than 2 weeks!!!

To say I was impressed with this little machine is an understatement!

I also use it when working with anyone completing The Alison Lawson Program or The Listening Program. It is a great tool to stimulate brain deficiency and  speed up the results of inhabiting Primitive Reflexes.