Connect with Anne Marie:
Anne Marie is working on connecting with parents of kids with learning difficulties. She has 2 books – “Nurturing the Neurodiverse Child” – which is all about what she addresses in her clinic and a book that she’s been writing for 20 years – “Hidden Thoughts” – which is about the mind, client stories and techniques that she’s learnt over the years.
In this episode we talk with Anne Marie Smellie, a neuroplastician and kinesiologist with over 20 years of experience in helping both children and adults navigate the complexities of learning behaviors and emotional challenges.
Understanding Neurodiversity and Learning Challenges
Anne Marie begins by discussing the challenges faced by neurodiverse children within traditional educational systems. During her presentation at the TES Send Show 2025 in London, titled “Wired to Fail,” she explored the root causes of these struggles and emphasized the need for more supportive environments. She notes that many children face blockages due to retained primitive reflexes and auditory processing issues, which can hinder their academic performance and emotional well-being.
A Journey of Transformation
Anne Marie’s path to becoming a neuroplastician was not linear. Initially, she worked in television at the BBC but faced a turning point after having four children in two and a half years. This life change prompted her to explore hypnotherapy, which not only helped her regain confidence but also sparked her interest in helping others. “I went through a really bad time in my life and I had hypnotherapy sessions… It was just mind-blowing,” she recalls. This experience motivated her to delve deeper into the fields of neurodevelopment and kinesiology, combining various techniques to support her clients more effectively.
The Role of Kinesiology in Learning
Kinesiology, a key focus in her practice, involves muscle testing to tap into the body’s own intelligence. By understanding how the body responds to different stimuli, she can uncover underlying issues affecting a child’s learning process. “With kinesiology, I can find out what they’re feeling and be able to help correct some of these thought processes as well,” she explains. This approach allows her to address not just academic challenges but also emotional and psychological barriers.
The Importance of Primitive Reflexes
Anna Marie highlights the significance of primitive reflexes, which are essential for early brain development. She explains that if these reflexes do not integrate properly during infancy, they can lead to difficulties in reading, writing, and social interactions. For instance, the asymmetrical tonic neck reflex can cause children to struggle with eye coordination, resulting in skipped words or sentences while reading. This insight is crucial for parents and educators seeking to understand the challenges faced by neurodiverse learners.
Building Confidence and Self-Esteem
A central theme of her work is fostering confidence and self-esteem in her clients. She believes that by addressing the root causes of learning challenges, individuals can develop a stronger sense of self and better coping mechanisms. “If you can just find out what’s going on underneath, what’s on the foundations, you can really support them,” she asserts. This focus on mental and emotional well-being is vital for helping children thrive both academically and personally.
Conclusion: Empowering the Next Generation
In this episode, Anne Marie Smellie’s insights shed light on the complexities of learning and the importance of understanding neurodiversity. By addressing the root causes of learning challenges and fostering a supportive environment, we can empower children to reach their full potential.
The key takeaway is that every child is unique, and with the right support, they can navigate their learning journeys successfully.
Tags: neuroplasticity, neurodiversity, learning challenges, kinesiology, hypnotherapy, education, child development, self-esteem, emotional well-being, supportive learning environments.
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