Ten Principles of Brain Balance

Brain Balance Center Danvers MA. Helping kids reach their goals.

The Brain Balance Program™ was designed based upon the following ten unique principles with regard to our approach to helping children with various neurobehavioral and developmental disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, ADD/ADHD, Learning Disabilities and others:

  1. Brain-Based Approach: We use a brain-based approach which recognizes that AD/HD, Dyslexia, LDs, Autism etc. have similar primary underlying problems, and areas of the brain involved in these disorders require similar intervention strategies.
  2. We Assess Functional Disconnection Syndrome (FDS): All human functions are distributed differently in each side of the brain. Symptoms are caused by under-connectivity and desynchronization between or within one side of the brain, or an exaggeration of function on the alternate side… Simply stated there is an imbalance of function when comparing the two halves of the brain. Brain Balance Centers offer the only program designed to assess, document and objectively quantify FDS through the use of extensive testing in all areas of function.
  3. Hemispheric-Based Program Is The Key: Since an imbalance is the core problem, it is not enough to just generally stimulate the brain. We must stimulate one side more than the other. So a hemispheric-based approach, or activities directed toward a primary goal of achieving a balance between the two sides of the brain, is the key to success. To do this, one must use hemispheric-specific activities that include sensory, motor, academic, behavioral, and biochemical modalities.
  4. Problems Can Be Permanently Correctable: It is now understood that the difficulties associated with AD/HD, LD, Dyslexia and Autism are primarily a result of environmental influences effecting genetic expression and are therefore are often correctable.
  5. Measure and Improve Actual Function: Brain Balance Centers address and correct underlying brain dysfunction. It is recognized that as function improves, through neuroplasticity, symptoms abate. However, if you simply address symptoms, function will never improve. For example when medication is effective in reducing symptoms, these same symptoms return once the medication is discontinued.
  6. Complete Individualized Assessment: A deficiency in any one or a combination of functional areas related to motor (gross or fine, rhythm/timing), sensory (visual, auditory, tactile (touch), vestibular (balance & body position) olfactory (smell)), behavioral, academic, immune (nutritional, biochemical) can produce the symptoms associated with AD/HD, LD or Autism. Each area of function must be measured individually.
  7. All Functional Problems Addressed: If an intervention simply addresses one component of the disorder one cannot expect all of its related difficulties to improve or be corrected.
  8. Same-Time Integration: Not only must all components of a disorder be addressed, it is also necessary that activities utilized for correction of each component be performed together within the same time frame.
  9. Brain/Body Balance: If the brain is out of balance it stands to reason that the body will be out of balance as well. Therefore balance one and the other is effected.
  10. Children Require a Different Approach: Our program is presented in a nurturing and enjoyable fashion while improving brain function through sensory-motor and academic activities, which have been developed specifically for children. This has been proven to be much more effective than extra help in school or behavioral counseling alone.

Want to know more?  Read the newly released book Disconnected Kids, written by Brain Balance founder Robert Melillo!

Brain Balance Center Danvers. Call today 978-705-9570.

Shore School in Beverly Massachusetts offers a host of Summer programs for kids aged 5-12

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Owl Prowl Hike at Appleton Farms

Learn all about owls at Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts for kids older than 12
Join us for a very special evening hike to see the owls who might be out and about in the dark winter woods and fields of Appleton Farms. This hike will take place along the trails of Appleton, known to have multiple species of owls. Before our hike, you’ll learn about wintertime nocturnal animals...
4:15 pm to 5:45 pm

Friday, January 23

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Winter Family Field Trip: Terrific Animal Tracking

Families will learn about identifying animal tracks at Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport Massachusetts!
Mammals such as squirrels, rabbits and deer leave many signs that they are active in winter. Learn how to interpret the tracks and signs or clues of active animals in winter. Stay active and warm with a group challenge about hibernation. Conduct an experiment about snow insulation.
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Kidleidoscope at Breakheart Reservation

Kidleidoscope is a program designed for preschoolers at Breakheart Reservation in Saugus Massachusetts
Come join our park interpreter for a story time and nature walk! Complete a small craft and explore the woods! Walks are gently paced and approximately 1 mile, though not accessible for strollers. Appropriate for families with children 3-5 years old. Meet at the Visitor Center.
10:30 am to 11:30 am

Unraveling Winters Wild Tales - Animal Tracking for Families

Kids will learn about tracks and signs and how they can tell a story at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield Massachusetts!
Welcome to the wild world of animal tracking! Participants will learn how to identify animal tracks by focusing on key details such as number of toes, toenail impressions, and overall size of the print.
3:00 pm to 4:30 pm

Saturday, January 24

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Nice n' Easy Hike at Breakheart Reservation

Nice and Easy winter hike at Breakheart Reservation in Saugus Massachusetts
Join the Park Interpreter for this weekly guided hike! Each trip will highlight natural and historic features unique to Breakheart. Hikes are moderately paced and range from 2-3 miles over sometimes uneven and rocky terrain. Best for ages 8 years and up. Meet at the Visitor Center.
9:30 am to 11:30 am

CraneOutdoors: The Castle Hill Hike

CraneOutdoors: The Castle Hill Hike at the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts
Come explore the lesser-visited corners of Castle Hill and its surroundings with us this season. This hike is a CraneOutdoors guide favorite because it’s got a little bit of all the things that make the Crane Estate such a special place…
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Gloucester's So Salty 2026

Celebrate Gloucester Massachusetts recognizably salty character with local cultural institutions in the heart of downtown.
Celebrate the fish city’s recognizably salty character with local cultural institutions and businesses during the 5th Annual Gloucester’s So Salty festival sponsored by the Cape Ann Museum in partnership with Discover Gloucester! This annual event brings over 2,000 people to the downtown area each...
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Native Seed Sowing at Long Hill

Seed Sowing Workshop at The Trustess of Reservations' Long Hill Gardens in Beverly Massachusetts
Join Cole Campbell, production horticulturist at Native Plant Trust, for this native seed-sowing workshop at Long Hill Public Garden in Beverly, MA. Learn about our native plant seeds, and then get your hands in the soil to sow some seeds that you can take home with you.
11:00 am to 12:30 pm

Sunday, January 25

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm