Scientific basis

References
and academic sources

The questionnaire items and diagnostic sheets were developed based on modern neuroscience, developmental psychology and the work of leading global experts.

Our methodology draws on the groundbreaking findings of world-leading experts

Expert / works	Contribution to the methodology
Dr. Stephen Porges Polyvagálna teória, Safe and Sound Protocol, Rest and Restore Protocol™	Nervous system regulation, sense of safety, social connection and recovery. How the nervous system evaluates safety and threat.
Dr. Jaak Panksepp Afektívna neuroveda a 7 primárnych emočných systémov cicavcov (SEEKING, FEAR, RAGE, CARE, PLAY, PANIC/GRIEF, LUST)	Understanding the biological foundations of emotions and motivational systems of behaviour.
Dr. Laurence Heller Neuroafektívny regulačný model – NARM, 5 biologických potrieb prežitia	Recognising disrupted needs and defensive strategies, the path to inner regulation.
John Bowlby Attachment theory	The importance of secure attachment for healthy brain and psychological development in children. The influence of attachment on the child's brain and psyche.
Peter Levine Somatic Experiencing®, Trauma a pamäť	Releasing trapped stress energy and restoring natural body regulation. Trauma stored in the nervous system and body.
Bessel van der Kolk Telo si pamätá	Trauma changes the body and brain – healing must include the body, not just the mind. The impact of trauma on the brain, body and behaviour.
Gabor Maté Keď telo povie nie, V ríši hladových duchov, Držte sa svojich detí, Rozptýlená myseľ	Connections between stress, emotions, health and child development. Stress, addictions and developmental wounds.
Arthur Janov Biológia lásky, Primárna terapia, Prvotné otisky	The importance of primal emotional imprints and the need for love for psychological survival. The influence of early emotional imprints on the nervous system.

Key scientific studies underpinning the methodology

🧠

Key study — Thalamic filter

Halassa, M. M. et al. (Nature Neuroscience, 2014) / Ahrens, S. et al. (Neuron, 2015)

„Thalamic reticular nucleus gating of sensory information."

The thalamus — our brain's 'filter'. When a child is under stress, the filter collapses and only lets threats through — which is why they become overwhelmed, anxious and unable to sustain attention. The role of the thalamic filter in gating sensory information to the brain.

🔗

Key study — Corpus callosum

Serrien, D. J., Nirkko, A. C., & Wiesendanger, M. (European Journal of Neuroscience, 2001)

„Role of the corpus callosum in bimanual coordination."

Corpus callosum — hemispheric connection. Its maturity influences coordination, learning, reading, concentration and emotional flexibility. The role of the corpus callosum in hemispheric coordination and bimanual motor control.

⚖️

Key study — Cerebellum

Fatemi, S. H. et al. (Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2012) / D'Mello, A. M., & Stoodley, C. J. (2015)

„Cerebellar function in autism spectrum disorders."

The cerebellum — more than just movement. Key for language, social behaviour, prediction and emotion regulation. Cerebellar function in autism and neurodevelopment.

💭

Key study — Hippocampus and trauma

Teicher, M. H. et al. (The American Journal of Psychiatry, 2012) / Fogaça Doretto, V. et al. (2025)

„Childhood maltreatment and the structural development of hippocampus."

Childhood trauma alters hippocampal development — affecting memory, learning, fear processing and sense of safety. The impact of trauma on hippocampal structural development.

🎯

Key study — Prefrontal cortex

Arnsten, A. F. T. (Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 2009)

„Stress signalling pathways that impair prefrontal cortex structure and function."

Chronic stress weakens the prefrontal cortex — the centre of attention, planning, self-control and decision-making. How chronic stress impairs prefrontal cortex structure and disrupts executive functions.

Referencesand academic sources

References
and academic sources