Empowering Neurodivergent Children: Our Services and Approaches
At Neurostars Tutors, we understand that every neurodivergent child is unique, with individual strengths, challenges, and needs. We are dedicated to providing a variety of support services to help these children thrive in all aspects of their lives—whether academically, socially, or emotionally.
Here are some of the services and approaches that can make a significant difference:
Reece Smith | Naturopathic Health Coach and Professional Chef
My name is Reece Smith, Professional Chef and Accredited Naturopathic Health Coach and Sound Healer, specialising in personalised nutritional strategies and holistic wellness for neurodivergent individuals, with a particular focus on supporting those with ADHD. Having been diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 11 and revisiting my diagnosis as an adult, I have spent over a decade integrating culinary expertise with naturopathic principles to help others navigate their own journeys with greater confidence and clarity.
My formal training includes professional chef qualifications from Westminster Kingsway College, naturopathic nutritional education from the College of Naturopathic Medicine in London and Somatic Qualifications at the Sound Healing Academy. These foundations are further enriched by international studies in Ayurvedic and holistic health practices, enabling me to offer a comprehensive approach to wellbeing.
Over the past five years, I’ve worked privately with a number of high-profile and celebrity families as their dedicated chef and nutritionist, delivering discreet, one-to-one support tailored to their individual lifestyles and health goals. These experiences have allowed me to collaborate closely with some of the world’s leading holistic doctors, deepening my integrative approach to wellness. I’ve also had the pleasure of discovering and working with some of the world’s finest natural products, which has further enhanced my ability to support optimal health through high-quality, holistic solutions. The results have been consistently positive, with noticeable improvements in energy, focus, and overall wellbeing demonstrating the powerful impact of personalised, holistic nutrition at the highest level.
I work closely with each family and individual to create personalised nutrition support that fits their unique needs. This includes customised meal planning, engaging food education, hands-on kitchen guidance, and supportive coaching for parents who want to use nutrition to strengthen both emotional and physical health. I believe that food should be healing, approachable, and genuinely enjoyable. Whether your child is currently taking medication, or you are considering a nutrition-led alternative, I am here to support you with care and expertise every step of the way.
Primitive reflexes
We work with children and adults who present with ‘neuro-developmental delay’. This refers to an immaturity in the functioning of the central nervous system, as highlighted by the presence of retained ‘primitive’ reflexes.
‘Primitive’ reflexes are automatic, involuntary responses which develop when we are in the womb and are essential to the birthing process as well as our survival and development in the first year of life.
The primitive reflexes should inhibit (‘switch off’) by the time we are 12 months old. If they remain active beyond this time, they can act as a barrier to normal development of the central nervous system and this can result in a host of behavioural, emotional, learning and physiological issues.
We offer a non-invasive, drug-free neural stimulation programme (carried out at home) that combines tactile skin stimulation with physical exercises and is designed to inhibit any residual primitive reflexes. This enables normal development of the central nervous system to be restarted and to proceed unhindered; in other words, the brain is given a second chance to develop.
In our experience, this can lead to reduced anxiety, greater ease of learning, improved emotional self-regulation, more age- and socially appropriate behaviour and better motor control and co-ordination.
Perhaps most importantly, the programme also tends to have the effect of bringing to maturity an immature psyche which so often goes hand-in-hand with neuro-developmental delay. The children and adults we work with tend to develop greater confidence and a stronger sense of ‘self’, enabling them to realise their true potential.
Brighter Life Therapy
We are an award-winning, private counselling practice offering CBT Therapy and Psychotherapy. We are qualified to support children age 7+ right up to older adults. We particularly excel in supporting people with anxiety, depression and stress.
What is Cranial Sacral Therapy?
Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, non-invasive hands-on technique that focuses on the cranial bones, spine, and sacrum to improve the body’s natural healing abilities. This therapy works with the body’s craniosacral system—the membrane and fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord—to promote relaxation, alleviate tension, and enhance overall well-being.
While CST is best known for its calming effects, it goes beyond simple relaxation. By gently manipulating the cranial bones, sacrum, and surrounding tissues, this therapy helps to release restrictions in the central nervous system, which can improve how the body functions and responds to stress.
Why is Cranial Sacral Therapy Helpful for Neurodivergent Children?
For neurodivergent children, the world can often feel overwhelming, with challenges related to sensory processing, emotional regulation, and physical tension. Cranial Sacral Therapy can offer profound benefits, including:
- Reducing stress and anxiety: By calming the nervous system, CST can help neurodivergent children cope with the overwhelming feelings that often accompany sensory overload or social situations.
- Improving emotional regulation: CST supports the release of physical tension, helping children manage emotional dysregulation, which is common among neurodivergent individuals.
- Enhancing focus and concentration: By encouraging a state of relaxation, CST can help children improve attention and focus, which can be especially beneficial for those with ADHD or similar conditions.
- Promoting relaxation and restorative sleep: Regular sessions can help children with sensory sensitivities and sleep difficulties achieve better rest and restore their energy.
- Supporting sensory integration: CST can help children who struggle with sensory processing issues by supporting the body’s natural ability to manage and integrate sensory input more effectively.
How Does It Work?
During a CST session, a trained therapist uses very light touch to assess the cranial sacral system and identify any restrictions or blockages. The therapist then gently works with the body’s rhythms to encourage a sense of balance and relaxation. Many children find the process soothing and calming, and some even fall asleep during sessions.
Why Choose Cranial Sacral Therapy for Your Child?
- Non-invasive: CST is a gentle, non-invasive therapy, making it ideal for children who may be sensitive to other forms of intervention.
- Holistic approach: CST works with the body as a whole, addressing both physical and emotional needs.
- Safe and effective: With its gentle nature, CST is suitable for children of all ages, including those with neurodivergent traits like autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorders.