Billee Wynen, 3, has lissencephaly caused by an arrest in the development of the fetal brain during pregnancy that results in profound mental disability and severe seizures.

Twelve months ago she started MAPS (Monitored Multi-cortical Activities for Additional Pathways and Synapses), which is a program developed by Canadian-based neuroscientist Claudie Gordon-Pomares to improve the brain's natural ability to repair itself through daily sensory exercises.

"The theory behind the MAPS program is that by enhancing a person's sensory environment, you trigger the brain to grow," Ms Gordon-Pomares said.

"The innovative MAPS program gives people who suffer from cerebral injuries or disabilities the opportunity to correct a myriad of dysfunctions."

MAPS is based on neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to recognise neural pathways or "messages" that help a person memorise a new skill or fact. In lissencephaly, people have four, rather than the normal six layers of neurons in the cerebral cortex, the top layer of the brain that controls higher thought.

The MAPS treatment costs $8000 a year. Billee's parents Kerri and Glenn Wynen said their daughter would be on the program for the rest of her life.

"As far as her condition is concerned, we were told [by doctors] to expect nothing," Mrs Wynen said. "We were told she won't walk, she won't talk ... she won't basically do anything more than what a newborn would."

"With MAPS, after about six months she just seemed more alert, she was happier, you could get more from her, would acknowledge you more. She responds more than she did before MAPS."

To help cover some of the costs of Billee's treatment, which includes leasing a physical therapy machine for $2500 each year, the family is holding a special screening of the Jennifer Aniston film Horrible Bosses at Cronulla Cinema on September 1 at 6.30pm.

Tickets: $20 at 0466 497 451, beautifulbillee.com.au or 0431 989 100.

DETAILS: www.gordonpomarescentre.com/