A Fresh Perspective on Autism: How Dr. Robert Melillo’s Approach to Autism Can Help Your Child Thrive

Dr. Melillo believes we all have unique brains, and that’s something to celebrate. His work in the autism field emphasizes that every child has potential, and with the right support, they can reach their full capabilities. 

By Jeremi Fulmore, Communications Associate at ABS Kids 

This week on the Autism Weekly Podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Robert Melillo, a leading expert in childhood neurological disorders. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Melillo’s mission is understanding how the brain develops and how imbalances can contribute to autism, ADHD, and other learning disorders. 

Dr. Melillo’s approach – known as the Melillo Method – offers a new way of looking at and supporting children with autism. It’s a holistic, brain-based approach that’s practical, effective, and, best of all, empowering for families.  

The Melillo Method is a treatment approach that focuses on neuroplasticity – the brain's amazing ability to reorganize and adapt throughout life. This method isn’t about masking symptoms or "fixing" your child, but rather supporting their brain to grow in a healthy and balanced way. 

Dr. Melillo explains that by targeting specific areas of the brain we can help children with autism develop skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Whether your child is speaking or non-verbal, these brain areas can be trained to function better, helping your child feel more in control and better able to engage with the world around them. 

Movement plays a huge role in brain development. In fact, the brain evolved to grow and develop because of movement. 

Dr. Melillo explains that children with autism often have issues with movement, either they don’t move enough, or their movement is disrupted. This can cause delays in brain development, leading to the symptoms we often see in autism. But the good news? With targeted exercises and activities, we can encourage the brain to grow and develop in a more balanced way. 

One of the most interesting parts of this episode was when Dr. Melillo discussed the overlap between ADHD and autism. Both conditions stem from imbalances in the brain, but they can look very different. 

For example, children with ADHD may have underdeveloped areas of the right side of their brain, which impacts things like attention, social awareness, and self-control. On the other hand, children with autism often show delays in both the right and left hemispheres of the brain, affecting everything from social interactions to communication skills. 

Dr. Melillo emphasizes that these brain imbalances don’t make kids “bad” or “broken.” Instead, it means that certain brain areas may need more help developing. 

And this is where the Melillo Method comes in by identifying where these imbalances are and working to address them, we can help your child unlock their full potential. 

The Melillo Method is about integrating physical, cognitive, and sensory activities to target specific areas of the brain. Here’s a quick rundown of how it works: 

1. Dr. Melillo uses physical exercises and sensory activities to stimulate brain growth. These exercises can be as simple as balance exercises, jumping, or activities that challenge the senses (like sound or touch). 
2. As part of this approach, children do specific cognitive exercises that challenge their brains in a fun, engaging way. These activities help develop skills like attention, focus, and social awareness. 
3. Just like the body needs proper nutrition to stay healthy, the brain needs the right nutrients to function well. Dr. Melillo encourages families to focus on a brain-healthy diet to support cognitive development. 
4. Behavior is still an important part of this method, but it’s integrated with brain development. Rather than focusing solely on behavior modification, Dr. Melillo’s approach helps address the underlying neurological causes of challenging behaviors

If you’re a parent raising an autistic child, you may have heard a lot of different advice about therapies and treatments. The Melillo Method stands out because it goes beyond treating surface-level symptoms. Instead, it focuses on helping the brain grow in a way that supports the whole child. 

If you’re interested in the Melillo Method, here are a few things you can start doing today: 

• Physical activity is key to brain development. Try incorporating movement into your child’s daily routine – whether it’s playing outside, doing balance exercises, or just encouraging them to move more throughout the day. 

• Sensory integration is vital for brain development. Introduce activities that stimulate the senses – playing with different textures, listening to music, or experimenting with different scents and tastes. 

• A healthy diet supports healthy brain development. Dr. Melillo recommends making sure your child’s diet includes plenty of brain-boosting nutrients, like Omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals. 

• If you’re interested in trying the Melillo Method, there are resources available, including Dr. Melillo’s books, his podcast, and even a certification course for clinicians interested in learning his methods. 

To hear the full conversation with Dr. Melillo, check out this week’s episode of the Autism Weekly Podcast.