Natasha Smit - Clinical Neuropsychologist

31/10/2025

Yes! 👏

Your child isn’t giving you a hard time — they’re having a hard time managing big impulses with a small brain still under construction.
Connection teaches regulation far more effectively than consequences. 💛

📖 More on understanding your child’s behaviour in my book Guidance from The Therapist Parent, available on www.thetherapistparent.com and Amazon.

30/10/2025

Brain Bits: random yet relevant 🧠🫐

Did you know?

Sleep isn’t just rest — it’s recovery for your brain.
But even a sliver of light can reduce melatonin by up to 50%, keeping your brain from switching fully into repair mode.

So tonight, go darker — it’s one of the simplest ways to sleep smarter. 💤

28/10/2025

🧠NeuroTruth:

Gratitude doesn’t erase the hard things — it helps your brain face them.
When we practice gratitude, our brain shifts focus from threat to balance, lowering stress hormones and boosting resilience.

It’s not pretending everything’s fine — it’s reminding ourselves there’s still good among the chaos.

26/10/2025

Tiny Tweaks!
A 10-week journey of small, practical shifts that make a big difference for your brain and body.

Week 1: The Slow Morning Start ☕🌄

This week’s challenge: wake up just 15 minutes earlier (yip — only a few minutes!).
Use that time to stretch, take a few deep breaths, say your mantra or gratitude (“Today is going to be a good day”), and enjoy your coffee without hurry.

Research shows that calm, unhurried mornings help lower cortisol levels and improve emotional regulation throughout the day.
✨ Your morning sets the tone for your day.

Stay tuned for the next Tiny Tweak — dropping every Sunday!

24/10/2025

Brain Bits: random yet relevant 🧠🫐

🎶 Did you know?
When you listen to music you love, your brain lights up with dopamine — the same “feel-good” chemical released when you eat your favourite food, exercise, or fall in love!

Brain scans show that music activates the reward centres deep in the brain (like the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area) — the very circuits that drive motivation, pleasure, and emotion.

That’s why the build-up to your favourite chorus or that unexpected key change can literally give you chills — your brain is predicting, rewarding, and reacting all at once! 🎧

23/10/2025

Neuro A to Z: every diagnosis explained 🧑‍🏫📖

C: Cerebral Palsy

A lifelong condition caused by early brain development differences or injury that affect movement, posture, and coordination.

In South Africa, it is estimated that roughly 10 babies per 1 000 births may develop CP — considerably higher than the global average.

🧠 What kinds of challenges can happen?

‣Movement and posture: muscles may be stiff (spasticity), floppy, or uncoordinated.

‣Other possible issues: delays in motor milestones (sitting, crawling, walking), seizures, vision/hearing problems, communication difficulties.

‣While CP itself doesn’t get worse over time, without appropriate support secondary issues (joint contractures, pain, mobility loss) may develop.

There’s no cure for CP — but there is lots we can do to help children live full and meaningful lives!

20/10/2025

ASD social meetups in Cape Town 😃👇

We’re down to the last few spots for our 3 upcoming ASD Social Events! 🌟

Each event is designed for autistic individuals to connect with others in a supportive environment, featuring activities that are inclusive, fun and engaging.

Limited Spots Available!

📩 To find out more or to sign up, email us at info@neurohub.org.za