According to the World Health Organisation, 10 - 20% of all children experience mental health conditions such as behavioural disorders (e.g., ADHD); developmental and learning disorders (e.g., dyspraxia DCD; dyslexia and autism spectrum disorder), and emotional disorders (e.g., anxiety and depression). It is estimated that 20% of the world's population suffers from allergies. Each year, approximately 400,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer, which, despite an 80% cure rate, is still the leading cause of death in children from high-income countries.

Written by Alda Smith, a mother searching for ways to support her son with debilitating dyspraxia DCD, apraxia, and ADD, The Firefly Theory is the result of an eight-year journey of personal experience and research in the hopes of finding a simplified model for optimal nervous system development and immune priming in children.

Delivering hard science with compassion, the book explores the intricacies of the human body's nervous, immune, and energy systems. It offers a universal model for optimal health and development for all children and those with special needs and illnesses.

It will guide you to:

- Improve your health literacy for sound decisions before and after birth.
- Discover why genetics are not your child's only developmental and healthy destiny.
- Develop a collaborative strategy to prevent and counter adverse developmental and health events.
- Understand the value of different therapies.
- Support all children in reaching their full potential.


Expert Reviews

"Alda Smith has produced a wonderfully accessible explanation of how we are made, as unique human beings, that integrates scientific facts with her experiences as a mother. The Firefly Theory makes so much sense from the medical point of view - the three-way balance between genetics, nutrients and stimulation is exactly what we all need." - Steve Reid, Professor and Chair: Primary Health Care, University of Cape Town

"It was an exciting and enlightening experience to read IGNITE! The Firefly Theory by Alda Smith. A must for every parent with a neurodiverse child, those with neurotypical children, as well as educators, medical personnel, and support teams who need to comprehend the complexity and psychosocial dynamics that parents with these amazing children have to champion." - Prof Pieter Fourie, BSc. Eng.(Electrical), M.B.Ch.B., PhD (Medical Physiology), M.Med. (Paediatrics), Professional Engineer

"Alda Smith engages the reader through sharing her personal journey with her son, which sparked investigation in important scientific pillars that will serve to inform both parents and professionals alike. Her practical inquiry involves the reader in the process of discovery, which ultimately leads to more in depth understanding of development and the body itself - a wonderful resource for families of today!" - Maude Le Roux, Occupational Therapist, OTR/L, SIPT, Expert DIR/Floortime Training Leader, Pennsylvania, USA