In this episode, Join Josh Davison on the Connected Kidz Podcast as he speaks with Gene Handyside, registered counselor and head of Adapticare.Gene shares his professional journey, why he explored the Melillo Method, and what practitioners value most when supporting autistic children and teens. He explains why the PACE model aligns so naturally with MMM and why consistency, measurable progress and individualized care are the foundations professionals look for, but often struggle to find, in traditional programs.Gene also touches on clinician burnout and the shift that happens when a method moves beyond symptom management and supports balanced, functional brain systems underneath. His insights are honest, practical and grounded, the kind parents and professionals genuinely benefit from.00:00 – Introduction to Connected Kidz Podcast00:33 – Meet Gene Handyside01:17 – Gene's Professional Background01:56 – The Importance of Support Workers05:47 – The PACE Model Explained09:49 – Gene's Involvement with Connected Kidz10:27 – The Melillo Method, A Counselor's Perspective10:44 – Primitive Reflexes and Brain Development11:58 – The Role of Occupational Therapists14:52 – Adapticare's Vision and Goals17:24 – How to Access Adapticare Services18:54 – Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Parents

In this episode, host Josh Davison sits down with Sarah, a devoted mum from Horsham, Victoria, to share her son Braxton’s incredible journey. Diagnosed with a brain tumour at just five years old, Braxton faced major medical challenges and therapies that often fell short of real progress.

That changed when Sarah discovered the Melillo Method through Connected Kidz. She explains how this approach brought new hope and visible improvements in Braxton’s energy, mobility, and learning, while also helping her reconnect with herself as a parent.

This heartfelt conversation highlights the importance of believing in every child’s potential and the impact of consistent, supportive therapy guided by the right approach.

00:00 – Introduction to Connected Kidz Podcast
00:25 – Meet Our Guest: Sarah
00:55 – Sarah’s Family and Daily Life
01:47 – The Challenge of Travelling for Therapy
02:36 – The Benefits of Online Therapy
06:30 – Braxton’s Medical Journey
08:55 – Rediscovering Myself Through Kyha
09:34 – Braxton’s Positivity and Enthusiasm
10:21 – Discovering the Melillo Method
11:34 – Beginning the Therapy Journey
12:48 – Noticing Positive Changes
16:05 – Sarah’s Advice for Other Parents
17:10 – Closing Reflections and Gratitude

In this episode of the Connected Kidz Podcast, co-founder and head coach Josh Davison interviews Sarah, the head coach at Connected Kidz. They discuss the fundamentals and success of the Melillo Method in helping children with autism and other neurological conditions. Sarah shares her personal journey, the integration of her passions for surfing and teaching, and how she tailors programs to fit each child's needs. The discussion highlights the importance of making activities fun, the impact of physical movement on child development, and personal success stories demonstrating significant progress. The episode emphasises the value of individualised programs and offers resources for parents and practitioners interested in the Melillo Method.

👉 Learn more about the Connected Kidz Program: https://bit.ly/ck1book

00:00 Introduction to Connected Kidz Podcast

00:25 Meet Sarah: Head Coach at Connected Kidz

01:14 Sarah's Background and Passion for Surfing

02:08 The Benefits of Water and Physical Activity

03:20 Combining Education and Fitness for Kids

07:15 Personalised Programs for Young Children

09:08 Success Stories and Measuring Progress

14:05 Lessons Learned from Working with Kids

18:47 Final Thoughts and How to Get Started