Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Non Linear Learning - Rethinking Education for Neurodivergent Learners

The biggest barrier in your child’s education isn’t Autism, Down syndrome, or even learning disabilities. It’s low expectations.

When a 12-year-old is handed board books or toddler math, the hidden message is: “This is all I think you can do.” That belief shapes motivation, behavior, trust, and hope for the future.

In this episode of Non Linear Learning, Dr. Vaish Sarathy unpacks the true cost of low expectations and shares the #1 shift to break free: speaking to your child with age appropriate language.

You’ll hear:

1. Why “presuming competence” isn’t enough

2. How low expectations create a vicious cycle of poor behavior and lost trust

3. ONE Simple way to change this and expand your child’s thought process

👉 Ready to raise the bar? Join Dr. Vaish for her free live webinar on How to Teach your Child ANYTHING!. Save your spot here: www.drvaishsarathy.com/learningskills.

In this episode of Non Linear Learning, Dr. Vaish Sarathy speaks with Dr. Robin Harwick, founder of The Pearl Remote Democratic High School, a groundbreaking online school designed for teens who don’t fit into traditional education especially autistic, ADHD, and otherwise neurodivergent learners.

Together, we explore:

1. Why compliance-based systems harm learning (and why they persist)

2. How democratic education gives back autonomy, voice, and safety

3. What it actually looks like to co-create curriculum with neurodivergent students

4. How to spot when your child’s IEP is a red flag, not a lifeline

5. Why some students with PDA or ODD thrive when given real choice

Whether you’re homeschooling, advocating at an IEP meeting, or simply wondering if there’s any alternative to the status quo—this episode will expand your thinking and offer a glimpse into what education could be.

🔗 Learn more about The Pearl:

https://thepearlhighschool.org

🧠 Join the limited time free workshop offered by Dr Vaish Sarathy "What if your Autistic child could learn Anything?"

https://www.drvaishsarathy.com/learningskills

🎧 Like the show?

Leave a rating or review and share this episode with someone who’s tired of the compliance trap.

In this edition of Non Linear Learning, Dr. Vaish Sarathy and co-host Searmi Park unpack the buzz around “productive failure”and flip it on its head for neurodivergent learners.

Inspired by Manu Kapur’s work and his recent conversation on 10% Happier, Vaish and Searmi explore when failure can deepen learning, when it harms, and why the word we’re actually looking for is exploration, not failure at least for this audience. 

In this episode

1. Productive failure what we think it means

2. Why we don’t “design failure” for autistic students

3. Parents as the ones who “fail productively”

4. Real-life stories

5. A challenge for listeners

Key takeaways

1. Exploration > evaluation. Our learners already face constant performance tests; they don’t need “engineered” failure.

2. Hold the bar high, detach from outcomes. You can keep rigor and still protect nervous systems.

3. Make the “failure” yours. Parents and educators can iterate on the environment, task, and supports instead of labeling the child.

4. Build a web, not a bridge. Let detours teach the terrain.

Resources & Links

1. Book: Productive Failure: Unlocking Deeper Learning Through the Science of Failing by Manu Kapur

2. Podcast that sparked this convo: 10% Happier with Dan Harris “Let’s Normalize Failure (The Right Kind) | Manu Kapur.” (Spotify)

Try this at home (Quarterly Challenge)

Pick one stretch experience your child “can’t do”—museum hour, library time, a short concert, a new trail, and scaffold it respectfully (sensory-wise, regulation-wise). Debrief afterwards: What worked? What needs one tweak? What surprised you?

About your hosts

1. Dr. Vaish Sarathy — TEDx speaker, PhD educator, creator of Non Linear Education, and mom to a non-speaking autistic poet with Down syndrome.

2. Searmi Park — Concertmaster, Eugene Symphony; founder of Autism Mustang Alliance; mom to a non-speaking autistic young adult.

Support the show

1. 💌 Get the free guide: Turn ON your child’s learning switch

2. 🎓 Join the Non Linear Education waitlist

3. ⭐ If this episode helped, please leave a 5-star review—and if it didn’t… maybe skip the review this time 😉

When we think of dyslexia, most people imagine a reading problem. But the real story is far more complex and non linear - and the lessons from dyslexia research can open new doors for autistic learners (yay!).

In this episode, I talk with Russell Van Brocklen, founder of Dyslexia Classes and known as The Dyslexia Professor. Russell shares why dyslexia is less about reading and more about how the brain organizes ideas - and how strategies that work for dyslexic learners may also translate to autistic students who think and learn in unique ways.

We explore:

• Why dyslexia is not just a reading issue but a brain organization issue.
• How focusing on a child’s special interest unlocks motivation and comprehension.
• Why writing (typing) before reading is the breakthrough many students need.
• The crossover between dyslexic and autistic learners as specialists, not generalists.
• And of course, what you can do RIGHT NOW!  

Listen, I know your autistic child may struggle outside their super special interests - and you may be struggling with how to help them move laterally to a different topic. THIS conversation will give you some ideas to think about.

Here’s the freebie Russell mentioned in the podcast: https://dyslexiaclasses.com/nonlinearlearning/

You are a non linear parent, and you deserve a non linear path!    Next Step: Get on the waitlist for my course, https://www.drvaishsarathy.com/nonlineareducation?utm_source=chatgpt.comNon Linear Education, where I teach parents how to build advanced, age-appropriate learning for their kids with disabilities. And if you found this episode helpful, please leave a review. Your words may be exactly what another parent needs to discover this podcast and know they’re not alone.

In this episode of Nonlinear Learning, we challenge the conventional path parents often take when preparing children with disabilities for higher education.

We discuss why focusing solely on life skills, physical independence, and basic academics can leave students unprepared for the real demands of college.

Instead, I outline the true foundation that fosters genuine readiness for higher education and guess what - there is a key factor there - MOTIVATION. How do we build that?  Tune in to learn more.

You’ll discover:

• Why physical independence, while valuable, doesn’t guarantee college readiness.

• How fluent academic communication—whether through speech, AAC, or spelling-based systems—unlocks learning potential.

and more...

Links & Resources:

• Join the waitlist for the Nonlinear Education

• Learn more about Dr. Vaish Sarathy

Why are so many of us terrified of math—but not history, art, or reading? In this episode of Nonlinear Learning, Dr. Vaish Sarathy sits down with Dr. Aditya Nagrath, founder of Elephant Learning, to why math anxiety exists and why it disproportionately affects children with disabilities.   Tune in to learn:  

• Why math anxiety shows up earlier and more intensely than other academic anxieties
• How early gaps in understanding compound into full-blown learning trauma by 3rd grade
• What the phrase “I’m not a math person” is really masking—and how to dismantle it
• The problem with waiting until a child is “ready” for math

  This is for parents burned out by the grind of addition, AND educators trying to find a new way forward ...   Key Quotes: “The real problem isn’t the math—it’s the meaning we’ve assigned to our struggles with it.” — Dr. Aditya Nagrath “There is no diagnosis that disqualifies someone from understanding math. You just have to meet them at their level.” — Dr. Vaish Sarathy Resources & Mentions:

• Learn more about Dr. Nagrath and Elephant Learning: www.elephantlearning.com
• Listen to Vaish’s TEDx talk: "Who Decides How Smart You Are?" https://www.drvaishsarathy.com/

One of the biggest hurdles in disability education is the Insistence on Completion / Perfection.   In this episode, Dr. Vaish Sarathy breaks down the one rule that every parent and educator of disabled children needs to hear: Progress in Learning requires gaps.   And refusing to move forward until every milestone is mastered is the fastest route to stagnation.   She uses the lens of game theory to map out a “payoff matrix” that compares the risks of moving forward (even when skills are shaky) to the devastating cost of waiting. Spoiler: the risks of progressing are minimal. The potential payoff? Life-changing.   You can sign up for the waitlist for Vaish's path breaking course: Non Linear Education here: www.drvaishsarathy.com/nonlineareducation   Drop a queestion for Vaish to answer at nonlinearlearningpodcast@gmail.com

I am joined by Ayurvedic practitioner Anuradha Gupta in this episode to look at how Ayurveda can support emotional regulation, and learning of neurodivergent children and their caregivers.   We talk about:  

• What doshas and gunas really are, and how they shape your child’s emotions, attention, and learning
• The Ayurvedic principle of chatushpad and why a child’s progress is inseparable from a parent’s wellbeing
• Strategies for Vata, Pitta, and Kapha imbalances in autistic and non-speaking children
• How to regulate when breathwork isn’t possible, and why co-regulation matters more than ever
• Why honoring your child’s natural tendencies isn’t permissive parenting—it’s transformational

  Learn Sudarshan Kriya (SKY Breath Meditation): https://www.artofliving.org/us-en/sky

Is your child's speech meaningful?

In this unfiltered episode of Non Linear Learning, co-hosts Dr. Vaish Sarathy and Searmi Park talk about the difference between speech and language, and why that may be everything in educating our kids with disabilities.

 

Here's what they talk about:

1. Why scripting and echolalia aren’t proof of limited cognition

2. The danger of over-labeling learners as "gestalt processors"

3. How presumed competence starts where speech ends

4. Why academics—not behavior—is the best way to detect intention

 

This is the episode for you if you’ve ever wondered:

1. Is my child’s speech meaningful?

2. How do I know if they understand but can’t express it?

3. What should I do when I don’t know what’s motor, comprehension, or behavior?

 

👉 If this episode made you think or gave you hope, please leave a review so others can find us. It makes all the difference.

Does your child echo everything you say—but struggle to express their own thoughts?

In this episode of Non Linear Learning, Dr. Vaish Sarathy tackles one of the most misunderstood differences in developmental education: the gap between speech and language—and why recognizing this difference can completely shift how you teach your autistic child.

You'll learn:

• How speech apraxia and motor planning issues can mask true intelligence

• Why “presuming competence” often means “presuming apraxia"

• A powerful mindset shift that could change everything for your child’s learning journey

Free Resource
Download your free guide to Non Linear Learning:
www.drvaishsarathy.com/nonlinearlearning

 Do :) Leave a Review
If this episode gave you a new perspective, help us reach more parents and educators by leaving a review wherever you listen.

In this deeply honest episode, I talk with Syed Abbas—global meditation teacher, disability advocate, and father—about how a life-altering diagnosis of muscular dystrophy pushed him into the world of breathwork, mindfulness, and inner transformation.

 

We talk about:

1. His journey from depression and chronic medication use to mental clarity and peace

2. What it’s like to live with a progressive disability—and find pride and power in it

3. The science and simplicity of breathwork

4. Why caregivers, especially parents of children with disabilities, are stuck in constant fight-or-flight—and what they can actually do about it

5. How just a few deep breaths can shift your nervous system, your energy, and your life

 

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

1. Learn Sudarshan Kriya (SKY Breath Meditation): https://www.artofliving.org/us-en/sky

2. Sahaj Samadhi Meditation course info: https://www.artofliving.org/us-en/meditation/sahaj-samadhi

3. Upcoming in-person event with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in the Bay Area (July 2025):
   https://event.us.artofliving.org/us-en/lp1/sfba/wellness-with-gurudev/

🧪 Studies & Science Behind Breathwork and Pranayama

1. Breath-based meditation can reduce anxiety and enhance well-being:
   Streeter, C.C., et al. (2020). Effects of Yoga on the Autonomic Nervous System, Gamma-aminobutyric-acid, and Allostasis in Epilepsy, Depression, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11: 782.
   Read the full study on PubMed Central

2. Pranayama improves cardio-respiratory efficiency and endurance in healthy young adults:
   Satheesh, R., & Bindu, C.B. (2020). Pranayama improves cardio-respiratory efficiency and physical endurance in young healthy volunteers. International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 8(7), 2421–2425.
   Read the full article on MSJOnline.org

3. Pranayama and aerobic exercise enhance heart rate variability and VO₂ max in sedentary middle-aged men:
   Hariprasad, R., Prabhu, N., & Karishma, S. (2024). Effect of Aerobic Exercise and Pranayama on Heart Rate Variability and Maximal Oxygen Consumption in Sedentary Middle Aged Males. International Journal of Current Medical and Applied Sciences, 42(2), 20–25.
   Read the full article on IJCMAA

Access to communication is the first step—what comes after?   In this episode of Non Linear Learning, Dr. Vaish Sarathy and Searmi Park sit down with award-winning researcher and advocate Dr. Edlyn Peña to talk about inclusion, spelled communication, and what happens when we stop settling for access and start building actual community.   Dr. Peña shares her journey raising her non-speaking son Diego—from fighting for AAC in preschool to full inclusion in high school using a letterboard. She also opens up about her newest venture: the DREAM Community Center, a post-high school model for neurodivergent teens and adults that centers autonomy, learning, and joy.   We talk about:

• Why spelled communication is a civil rights issue
• The real risks (and rewards) of pushing for inclusion in traditional systems
• How to navigate accusations of influence—and why “proof” standards for non-speakers are inherently unjust
• Why college doesn’t have to follow a neurotypical timeline
• The power of “crip time,” self-defined success, and post-secondary options beyond degrees

  This episode is a grounded and generous look at what advocacy looks like in real life—and what happens when parents, educators, and communities believe that communication is non-negotiable.   Links + Resources

• Learn more about the DREAM Center: dreamcommunitycenter.org
• Leaders Around Me by Edlyn Peña: Amazon link
• Communication Alternatives in Autism (Edlyn Peña, editor): Amazon link
• Follow Vaish on Instagram: @drvaishsarathy

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Diwakar Krishnamurthy—engineer, AI researcher, and parent of a non-speaking autistic teen—about what it takes to build truly accessible communication tools. We discuss:

• Why most autism tech fails non-speakers
• How apraxia—not cognitive delay—affects communication
• What happens when you design technology with non-speaking autistic users
• How augmented reality tools can support motor planning, regulation, and independence
• What it means to integrate AI without removing human connection

We also talk about the real cost of gatekeeping, the burden placed on parents, and why presuming competence isn’t idealism—it’s the foundation for meaningful progress.   Links + Resources:

• Learn more and explore the research: etherealresearch.ca
• Follow me on Instagram: @drvaishsarathy
• Get the free Non Linear Learning Ebook www.drvaishsarathy.com/nonlinearlearning

In this episode of the Tiger Moms Chat, I sit down with my brilliant friend and co-host, Searmi Park—concertmaster of the Eugene Symphony and founder of Autism Mustang Alliance—to talk about letting go of neurotypical dreams to make space for radical possibility.

 

As we talk about "Lesser Dreams" - we discuss

1. How some dreams can hold you back!

2. The critical concept of Apraxia (even in how you dream)

3. What happens inside Non Linear Education

4. We also answer a listener’s heartfelt question:

 

And some Q/A about speaking and going to school and AAC!

 

🔗 Links + Resources:

1. Learn about Non Linear Education (Enrollment closes May 1!):

2. Follow me on Instagram: @drvaishsarathy

3. Learn more about Autism Mustang Alliance: https://autismmustangalliance.org/

 

Vaish and Searmi return for another Tiger Moms Chat—they talk about “Non Linear Education”. 

From abandoning division to rediscovering the power of poetry, Vaish shares the personal story behind the name Non Linear Education, and both moms reflect on what happens when you stop chasing curriculum and start chasing connection.

Whether you’re new to presuming competence or have been supporting a non-speaker for years, this episode is your permission slip to step out of the box—and into the zone.

What you’ll hear in this episode:
– Why learning doesn’t have to be (and often shouldn’t be) linear
– The myth of the “fluke” and how it holds our kids back
– What flow states and horse training have to do with math and poetry
– Why scaffolding doesn’t always mean breaking things down
– How to shift from building a bridge to weaving a web

✨ Ready to rethink how your child learns?
Non Linear Education is now open for enrollment.
This course is for parents of autistic and neurodivergent learners who are ready to teach real academics—with joy, flexibility, and full respect for how their children think, move, and grow.

🎓 Enroll now: www.drvaishsarathy.com/nonlineareducation

Resources Mentioned:
– Searmi Park’s Autism Mustang Alliance: autismmustangalliance.org
– Glenn Doman’s work on early learning
– Body, Mind, and Sport by Dr. John Douillard

Connect with Vaish:
– Instagram: @drvaishsarathy

 

Can food actually support your child’s focus, regulation, and learning?

In this tender AND practical episode of Non Linear Learning, I’m joined by Allison Schaaf—registered dietitian, trained chef, and founder of PrepDish—for a conversation that goes far beyond food prep.

We explore how nutrition is not just fuel—it's a tool for regulation, attention, and connection, especially for autistic children, but really just for all children. 

And how even the busiest families can find calm and clarity in the kitchen.

Tune in now to hear:

• Why nutritional therapy is different from nutritional support!

• How to simplify meals without sacrificing nourishment or joy

• Real-life tips for getting unstuck with restrictive or overwhelming food plans

• How Allison’s journey led her to create PrepDish and the nonprofit Miscarriage Hope Desk

• What a true inside-out approach to learning and regulation looks like
  
  

Conversations about food aren’t ever just about food. It’s about dignity, autonomy, and laying the groundwork for thriving—in body, brain, and spirit.

Listen now:

Resources Mentioned:

• Learn more about PrepDish and get 2 weeks free!
  
  
• Visit Miscarriage Hope Desk
  
  
• Follow Allison on Instagram: @prepdish
  
  
• ROAR (Roadmap to Attention and Regulation) is open for enrollment: drvaishsarathy.com/roar
  
  
• Follow me on Instagram: @drvaishsarathy

 

What if your child’s brain could literally rewire itself—with the right kind of input?

In this empowering episode of Non Linear Learning, I sit down with neuroscientist and BrainHQ CEO Dr. Henry Mahncke to explore the incredible science of neuroplasticity—and what it means for our neurodivergent kids.

We break down:

• The real difference between brain games and effective brain training
  
  

• How sensory input and motor function impact learning and attention
  
  

• Whether structured brain training can help kids with autism, ADHD, and Down syndrome stay focused and regulated
  
  

Dr. Mahncke shares the research behind BrainHQ and how their tools are helping people of all ages (yes, including our kids!) build the cognitive skills that make a real difference in everyday life.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• Can my child’s brain actually improve, even with a diagnosis?
  
  

• Is there science behind all this brain training talk?
  
  

• How can I support learning without adding more pressure?
  
  

…this episode is for you.

Because when we presume competence and lead with science and soul, radical growth becomes possible.

🔗 Links + Resources:

• Explore BrainHQ: www.brainhq.com
  
  

• Connect with Dr. Henry Mahncke: LinkedIn
  
  

Follow me on Instagram: @drvaishsarathy

 

Food impacts brain health, learning and behavior! Are you surprised?

In this episode, I chat with Julie Matthews, a nutrition expert and mentor I’ve learned from, about how food impacts learning, behavior, and focus—especially for kids with autism.

We break down picky eating, gut health, and why simple nutrition changes can make a big difference. Julie shares practical tips parents can start using right away.

• Can food really help kids focus and learn?

• Are artificial additives making things worse?

• What’s the link between gut health and brain function?

Julie also introduces her upcoming book, The Personalized Autism Nutrition Plan, which empowers parents to create tailored nutrition strategies for their children.

• Follow Julie: @bioindividualnutrition
• Connect with me: @drvaishsarathy
• Get my easy 6 step picky eating cheat sheet here

I spoke with Madeleine Lauf, founder and CEO of Begin Health, about the critical role of gut health in children's overall wellness and their learning. These are some really powerful connections we uncovered:

 

• Can Prebiotics actually help Picky Eating?

• Does the Gut Microbiome impact digestive health?

• What are the differences between Probiotics and Prebiotics?

• And small daily habits that can make a big difference in your child’s eating AND learning

🌱 Follow Madeleine: @beginhealth
👉 Connect with Dr. Vaish Sarathy: @drvaishsarathy

GET OUR FREE GUT HEALTH TOOL KIT HERE

 

The Tiger Moms Chat is a series of unfiltered hard-hitting (sometimes) conversations. As Searmi and Vaish wonder what it is to be a tiger mom - they think that being a tiger mom partly means pushing past comfort zones.

We discuss a few controversial topics in this episode - including the Telepathy Tapes - both for and against. 

From Vaish: "The question is not if telepathy is real. It is - is it necessary to sensationalize an already marginalized group?"

We discuss if presuming competence is the same as presuming genius and more. 

Please check out Episode 171 for more on Apraxia. 

 

Do you ever feel like your child is falling behind their peers?

In this episode of Non Linear Learning, we talk about the gaps that Traditional Education can create in Neurodivergent learners and 3 ways you can address that right now! 

I’ll explain how sensory needs, Apraxia, and an under-resourced education system contribute to the illusion of "lagging behind." Plus, three actionable steps to reframe, support, and empower your child's learning journey.

Tune in and let's obliterate the gap!

I first spoke with Dana Johnson nearly 4 years ago, and that conversation completely changed how I saw vision and learning. I call it my "ocular motor awakening"—when I truly understood that vision has three components, and only one of them is corrected by glasses.

Dana is the co-creator of the Spellers Method and the founder of multiple centers dedicated to helping non-speaking individuals communicate and learn with purpose. As both an occupational therapist (OT) and a Spellers Method practitioner, she brings a unique approach to supporting individuals with autism, apraxia, dyspraxia, and sensory-motor differences.

In this episode, we talk about the power of purposeful motor skills, breaking down barriers for non-speakers, and what real communication means.

Key Takeaways:

•  Vision isn’t just about eyesight—it’s about how the brain processes what we see.

• Apraxia is a motor planning challenge, not a cognitive one.

• Communication is possible when we focus on purposeful motor skills.

• What does right support look like?

Get in Touch:

👉 Learn more about Dana Johnson’s work at Spellers Method Tampa👉 Connect with Dr. Vaish Sarathy on Instagram: @drvaishsarathy

 

 

Is there an expiry date to Autism / Down Syndrome Support Groups?

Join self-proclaimed Tiger Moms Searmi Park and Vaish Sarathy as they discuss:

a) Why Searmi has never joined a support group, and

b) Why Vaish repeatedly leaves every group she joins. 

Key Takeaways:

• Support groups can be both helpful and limiting.
• Venting is necessary, but it shouldn't cement negativity.
• Creating a new kind of support group could be beneficial.

Join Searmi and Vaish in their A-Ha moments in the Tiger Moms series!

Searmi Park is the founder of the Austism Mustang Alliance and the Concermaster at the Eugene Symphony. 

 

I learned about the fascinating link between brain function and glucose from Dr. David Stephens, founder of Humanity Restored. With expertise in neuropsychology, neuroscience, and mental health, Dr. Stephens sheds light on how trauma impacts cognition and how glucose therapy might aid recovery.

Key Takeaways:

• Trauma significantly affects learning and cognitive function.

• Glucose is a crucial brain fuel and may support healing.

• Dietary interventions can influence neurodevelopmental health.

• Consulting a healthcare provider is essential before considering new interventions.

Get in Touch:

👉 Learn more about Dr. David Stephens' work at https://restoredhumanity.com/s/about.php

👉 Connect with Dr. Vaish Sarathy on Instagram: @dr.vaishsarthy

 

Disclaimer - I do have a caveat for this episode - and that is this : Dr. Stephens does talk about some specific interventions - glucose therapy is this case. Please take care and make sure you consult with your child’s primary doctor if you decide to follow through on this. The views expressed in this episode are just for education and not for treatment.

 

Searmi Park [Concertmaster at the Eugene Symphony] and I [Vaish Sarathy] are both mothers to non-speaking Autistic young men.

This is the the very first of many casual conversations on All Topics Disability [unfiltered].

Searmi and I talk about the TOP 3 Interventions that worked for our kids - and it turns out we have a similar list!

 

I learned about the revolutionary concept of what I call now “unconditional teaching” from Glen Doman’s book “Teach your baby to Read”. And today I am with his grandson - Spencer Doman, the current director of Doman International. 

We discuss neuroplasticity, the role of challenge and newness in learning and immense necessity of presuming competence in children with disabilities.

Key Takeaways:

• Physical exercise, diet, challenge, newness, and love drive neuroplasticity.
• Teaching children in short, fast sessions enhances learning.
• Critiques of the Doman Method
• The importance of Family involvement

Get in Touch:

👉 Learn more about Doman International and Spencer’s work at www.domaninternational.org

 👉 Connect with Dr. Vaish Sarathy on Instagram for more updates, tips, and podcast highlights: www.instagram.com/drvaishsarathy

• A change in perspective is crucial for effective learning.

  What if 2025 is finally the year where we shift our perspective toward our students, our kids, our learners?   I introduce my brand-new 3-step framework for addressing learning challenges in neurodivergent students in this episode.    Once you have a different way of looking at things you can apply it to Math, Picky Eating, Behaviors and EVERYTHING!   Let's change the way our learners are educated, treated and valued. 

Onward!  

Guest: Dr. Mary Bove, Herbal Medicine Expert
Host: Vaish Sarathy, Math and Science Teacher, Learning Strategist

This December, as I immerse myself in the Art of Living Ashram in Boone, North Carolina, training to become a breathing and meditation teacher, I’m bringing you one of our most-loved episodes to revisit!

In this encore, we explore how natural, plant-sourced herbal alternatives can support chronic challenges like attention issues, digestion, and immune health for both kids and adults.

Dr. Bove breaks down the practical applications of herbal medicine, what makes it effective, and common mistakes in its use. She also shares her favorite herbs for children under five, including:

• Fennel Seed

• Chamomile Flowers

• Lemon Balm

Tune in to discover how to integrate these herbs into teas, extracts, baths, and more to support your child’s health naturally.

Key Takeaways:

• Herbal medicine can provide safe, natural alternatives for managing chronic issues.

• Herbs like fennel seed and chamomile flowers are gentle yet effective for young children.

• Herbal remedies can be used in various forms, including teas, glycerin extracts, or even baths.

 

Get in Touch:

• Email Dr. Mary Bove: herbaldocmb@gmail.com
• Get your Free Gut Health Kit: www.drvaishsarathy.com/guthealth

Enjoy this episode as you settle into the season. Share your thoughts with me on Instagram @drvaishsarathy, and let’s connect!

🌏 Whether you’re enjoying winter or summer, I’ll see you next week with more ways to support your child’s learning journey. Until then, take care!

 

Kathy Shean-Jones, movement specialist, specializes in helping children with neurological and physical challenges unlock their potential through the brain’s incredible ability to form new neural pathways. 

We dive deep into how movement can transform the way children learn and interact with the world around them.

Kathy shares her insights on how movement isn’t just physical—it's an essential component of learning, especially for neurodivergent learners. By creating brain-friendly environments and using movement-based strategies, she helps children overcome challenges and find their unique path to growth.

Key Takeaways:

• The connection between movement and learning for neurodivergent children.

• How to incorporate movement into everyday learning strategies to support physical and emotional regulation.

• The power of radical acceptance in facilitating a child’s growth and learning.

Get in Touch:

👉 Find Kathy Shean-Jones and her work at Move Abilities LLC: www.moveabilities.com 👉 👉Connect with Dr. Vaish Sarathy on Instagram for more updates, tips, and podcast highlights: @drvaishsarathy
👉For more resources on neurodivergent learning and education strategies, visit the website.

 

In this episode of Nonlinear Learning, I talk to Dr. Brent Hogarth, who shares his extraordinary journey from a tumultuous youth to discovering emotional regulation and self-awareness through his time living in a Buddhist monastery. Dr. Brent delves deep into the concept of the flow state—a state of consciousness where we are fully immersed, intrinsically motivated, and performing at our best.

We explore how flow is not just about peak performance but also about living in harmony, both for our children and ourselves as parents. Dr. Brent explains the neuroscience behind flow, the challenges of achieving it in today’s distraction-filled world, and the transformative role of autonomy, competence, and connection.

This conversation highlights how being in flow helps neurodivergent children thrive, empowers parents to step into radical acceptance, and fosters collaborative growth for the whole family.

Key Takeaways:

• What the flow state is and how it enhances learning and living.

• The neuroscience of flow: What happens in the brain and body.

• The importance of autonomy, competence, and connection in achieving flow.

• Common obstacles to flow, like distractions and self-consciousness, and how to overcome them.

• The four-stage cycle of flow and why struggle is a necessary part of the process.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or learner, I am hoping this episode will inspire you to create conditions for flow in your own life and in the lives of those you support.

Get in Touch:

👉Find Dr. Brent Hogarth’s work here. 

👉 Explore resources on mindfulness and emotional regulation: https://drvaishsarathy.com

👉 Stay connected: Follow us on Instagram for more tips and stories

 Let's talk about the complexities of finding happiness as parents of children with disabilities.    - Find roadmaps or embrace the present? -  When are Roadmaps important? -  What are the 6 important check points before delving into Radical Acceptance?      

In this episode, I talk to Dawnmarie Gaivin, a powerhouse in the world of spelled communication, about her journey raising two remarkable sons with autism and their path to becoming skilled communicators. Dawnmarie, or DM as many know her, opens up about her journey in parenting—and ultimately advocating for—her sons.

DM talks about presuming competence, we dive into her work with Spellers, and she reflects on the importance of recalibrating ourselves in the face of setbacks, trusting your instincts, and keeping the bigger vision in mind. She reminds us that no matter how challenging the journey may feel, staying grounded can make all the difference.

 Spelled Communication, she tells us, is much more than a method; it’s a path to connection for individuals who’ve faced incredible communication barriers. We talk about how co-regulation, staying attuned to our kids’ sensory needs, and creating an environment of trust can help unlock their potential. 

 

Key Takeaways:

• How to recalibrate your expectations as a parent

• What mindfulness and being present brings us

• The critical importance of patience in letterboarding techniques.

• What it means to presume competence

Get In Touch:

👉Learn more about the Speller Center: https://spellers.com/

👉Watch the Spellers Documentary: www.spellersthemovie.com

👉Explore more ways for your child to thrive: https://www.drvaishsarathy.com/nonlineareducation

 

Guest: Elizabeth Vosseller, Founder of Growing Kids Therapy Center and I-ASC  

Host: Vaish Sarathy, Math and Science Teacher, Learning Strategist

 

This episode challenges the assumption that low cognitive skills in children with disabilities are due to a lack of intelligence. Instead, the conversation focuses on how motor skill limitations can significantly impact a child's ability to communicate and learn. 

Elizabeth Vosseller is a speech therapist and founder of S2C (Spelling to Communicate). She talks to me this week about how Motor Issues Autism can seem like cognitive disorders.For  more details visit here.

“What we observe often is the body. We can’t really observe intelligence directly.” Tune in to listen to how powerful using motor-skills appropriately can be.

Key Takeaways:

• Traditional assessments of intelligence often rely on motor skills, which can be misleading for children with motor difficulties.

• Speech itself is a fine motor skill, and difficulties with speech production can be a sign of underlying motor challenges.

• Sensory processing issues can further complicate motor skills and communication.

• Many children with disabilities, including Down syndrome and autism, experience difficulties with motor skills.

• The "least dangerous assumption" is to believe a child may be capable of more than they can currently demonstrate.

Get In Touch: 

👉Learn more about S2C at Growing Kids Therapy Center: https://growingkidstherapy.com/

👉Visit the I-ASC website: https://i-asc.org/advocacy-campaign/raise-expectations/

👉Explore a different way for your kid to learn: https://www.drvaishsarathy.com/non-linear-education

 

In this episode of Nonlinear Learning, I address a listener's concern about their child's reluctance to learn.   We explores the concept of readiness to learn, learning that behaviors often misinterpreted as defiance may stem from a) communication differences, b) sensory overload, or c) a lack of emotional safety.    Tune in to learn about what a low-demand teaching environment may look like!   For a short time, I am offering a FREE Training on Building Focus regardless of so-called "readiness to learn".   You can register for the Building Focus Training here     Key Ideas:

• Learning readiness can be misunderstood by parents and educators.
• Tantrums may indicate a lack of emotional safety.
• Eye contact is not a necessary indicator of learning.
• Walking away can be a child's way of coping.

At least 5% of autistic adults may have Aphantasia - image free thinking. This number may be higher for non-speaking kids, especially with ocular apraxia. Is this a learning disability?   TJ, the creator of the popular social media account - nigh.functioning.autism, discusses their experience with visualization and image-free thinking.   Here are some key takeaways:

• Visualization and image-free thinking can vary among individuals, with some processing thoughts in text rather than mental images.
  
  
• Presuming competence and adapting teaching methods to individual students is crucial for effective learning.
• Multimodal learning, incorporating movement, touch, visuals, and music, can enhance learning and memory.

Follow TJ / Tiffany on social media for updates and more resources:  nigh.functioning.autism

 

 Let's explore the critical balance between life skills, independent living, and education for children with disabilities.   The importance of academic learning in building logical and critical thinking, as well as emotional regulation is often ignored or trivialized in the lives of children with a disability.    If your school team is focusing on life skills at the expense of education,   If you find yourself asking what about independece, what about college,

this is the right discussion for you!   

In this episode, we address a crucial and often daunting question for parents of children with disabilities: 

How will my child be supported when I am no longer around? 

Many of us, as parents, carry the weight of this question, wondering about our children’s future in our absence. Today, my guest Sangeetha Chakrapani offers a powerful and hopeful answer.

Sangeetha is the founder trustee of Together Foundation in Mumbai and co-founder of the Together Community, a residential project for adults with disabilities located in Hosur, Greater Bengaluru. She is also a mother to two autistic adults and two neurotypical adults. With vast experience managing teaching programs, vocational training, and life skills development, Sangeetha brings a wealth of knowledge on how to create thriving, supportive environments for neurodivergent individuals. She is also the author of Autie Tales: Interactive Stories for People with Autism and has earned certifications in integrated education, counseling, and young adults' programs.

 

Tune in to hear more about:

- Building sustainable, supportive living communities for adults with disabilities.

- The vision behind the Together Community and how it addresses the needs of both individuals with disabilities and their families.

If you are exploring future care options for your child with disabilities or considering community-based living models, this episode will provide you with insights, hope, and a path forward.

 

Key Takeaways

- Focusing on building a community that ensures care and growth for your child after you are no longer there.

- How vocational training and life skills programs create independence and fulfillment for neurodivergent adults.

- The importance of parental vision and community collaboration in shaping the future for individuals with disabilities.

You can reach out to Sangeetha at sangeetha.chakrapani@togetherfoundationtrust.org

You can find the Together Foundation at https://togetherfoundationtrust.org/

And the Together Community at https://togetherfoundationtrust.org/group-home/

If you have struggled with making a neurotypical math curriculum work for your child with disabilities, whether Down Syndrome or Autism or other disabilities that impact their sensory-motor profile,

If you have a child who communicates via AAC, or is an unreliable speaker, or a Speller - perhaps they use RPM or S2C,

you may find that either "regular" Math is not available to your child, or not accessible.

In this episode, Lisa Mihalich Quinn and I have a hard but necessary conversation on the gaps in special ed, and what needs to happen to make academics accessible for ALL STUDENTS!

Lisa has been doing this for years, and is one of the leaders in accessible academics for students with disabilities. She is also a huge advocate for non-speakers who spell / type to communicate. 

Key Topics Discussed:

- Presuming competence in non-speaking and minimally speaking autistic students

- The role of assistive technology in promoting communication and learning

- Creating inclusive classrooms through collaboration between parents, educators, and students

- Communication for Education training and its impact on global educators

Connect with Lisa:
You can learn more about Lisa Mihalich Quinn’s work and the Communication for Education program at https://reacheveryvoice.com

You can find Lisa's Accessible Academics program HERE. 

In the 50th episode of Functional Nutrition and Learning for Kids, one of my favorite thought leaders, Soma Mukhopadhyay, talks to us about:

-how learning channels determine teaching

-the 4 goals of RPM - not just information download - but cognition, sensory, tolerance and communication goals. 

-the importance of a sensory map when working with a child (as opposed to a label)

If you are interested in helping your child jump start their learning and sensory goals, I highly recommend checking out RPM.

Disclaimer: The information in this Podcast is for educational purposes only. Vaishnavi Sarathy, Ph.D. is an educator, not a doctor, specifically not your child’s doctor. Please consult your physician before implementing any supplement or diet recommendations.

PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) (now being reframed as Pervasive Demand for Autonomy) is a profile on the Autism Spectrum characterized by a heightened sensitivity of the nervous system that becomes activated when a person experiences a loss of autonomy or equality. 

Did you know that 70% of learners with PDA are not able to participate in traditional school settings?

In this episode, we dive into with early childhood mental health consultant and therapist Jessica Hanzo. Jessica sheds light on how PDA differs from typical demand avoidance due to its pervasive impact on the nervous system, making it challenging for individuals to access even their basic needs.

Our conversation explores:

- Why a child’s demand avoidance is NOT a parental failure. 

- The external manifestations of PDA and how they can be misinterpreted.

- How to support parents, educators, and caregivers when supporting children with PDA.

- Low Demand Parenting, and how it can help your child

Jessica emphasizes the importance of reframing PDA behaviors as a response to feeling unsafe and highlights the value of understanding the nervous system, cultivating curiosity, and embracing creativity when working with these children.

You can connect with Jessica Hanzo on Instagram @pda.project or find her at https://pdaproject.com/ and explore more of her insights on supporting neurodivergent children through a neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed approach.

 

Links mentioned in the podcast:

https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/

https://pdaproject.com/ 

 

In this episode of "Non-Linear Learning," Dr. Vaish Sarathy answers a mother’s question about supporting her 10-year-old autistic son with ADHD, who struggles with anger and behaviors at school.

Dr. Vaish dives deep into the roots of dysregulation, discussing how stress—sensory, biochemical, and communication-related—can drive behaviors often mistaken for misbehavior.

Learn about the vital role of understanding and addressing your child’s stressors before turning to nutritional and supplemental interventions. 

This episode offers a compassionate, science-backed approach to helping your child thrive.

Takeaways: 

• Behavior is the body's response to stress, not intentional misbehavior.
• Understanding the root cause of a child's behavior is crucial for effective support.
• Addressing sensory overload, gut health, and communication needs can help reduce stress and improve behavior.
• The role of nutritional supplements in addressing behavior

     

“Yoga isn’t just about stretching; it’s about finding balance in every aspect of life.”

In this heartfelt episode, Fiji McAlpine, a dedicated yoga teacher and mother to an autistic child, shares her transformative journey with yoga and its profound impact on parenting. Fiji opens up about how yoga has been a guiding light, helping her navigate the ups and downs of parenting with patience, openness, and acceptance. 

Discover how yoga’s calming techniques and the practice of co-regulation have helped Fiji create a grounding presence for both herself and her child. Through mindfulness and a regular yoga routine, she’s found ways to manage stress, reclaim her time, and foster a positive environment for her family.

 

Tune in to learn:

- The role of yoga in enhancing patience and acceptance in parenting

- How co-regulation and mindfulness can transform the parenting experience

- Practical tips for integrating yoga into your daily routine to support your family

 

Connect with Fiji at www.fijimcalpine.com

Fiji has also created a code for listeners that gives them full access to thousands of classes, meditations, programs etc. You can access her programs here.

How does intelligence work again? We don’t know. But we do know the ONE technique, the ONE process that can help your child (and you) develop nuanced thinking skills, critical thought, an engaged mind, and an active brain - things we regard as intelligence. 

It is widely known in all circles, with all cognitive experts, AND even with employers to help build engagement in their companies, but the people that should be using these - TEACHERS, and PARENTS don’t often use this. 

In this episode, Dr. Vaish Sarathy tells you exactly what to do to build your student’s complex thinking skills. 

If you want to explore how lesson plans may look for you with this idea, please DM Vaish at www.instagram.com/drvaishsarathy 

You can also access her free ebook on Learning Strategies that Actually Work here. 

If your child struggles with anxiety, aggression, seizure or even sleep issues, how many times have you had someone advice you - “Have you tried CBD”? Every time I hear this, I wonder how CBD can be the answer to EVERY problem?

It turns out, it is quite possible.

Dr. Julie Buckley makes her second appearance on Episode 93 of Functional Nutrition and Learning for Kids in this fantastic deep dive into CBD and how to get started for your child!

I learned 3 important things:

1. Pure CBD (without terpenes, without THC) is not a sedative or psychoactive
2. It is all about the dose
3. Water soluble CBD is the way to go.

You can reach Dr. Buckley at www.HealthyUstore.org

If you loved this episode, please share your rating at www.ratethispodcast.com/vaish

Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. Please consult your doctor before making supplement changes for your child.

 

We explore essential planning for parents of children with disabilities with CPA and estate attorney James Lange!

Note and disclaimer - this episode deviates from our previous episodes in that it is about financial planning and how to provide for our kids after us. Please use your usual due diligence and research before implementing these strategies. Also please note that this episode is very US-centric.

James shares his personal experience and provides valuable insights, emphasizing three critical steps: getting the child approved for SSI or SSDI, creating a special needs trust for estate planning, and optimizing taxes through Roth IRA conversions.

James offers a free book, 'Retire Secure for Parents of a Child with a Disability,' and a virtual summit for further resources and support.

Connect with James Lange at www.paytaxeslater.com and explore his book, “Retire Secure for Parents of a Child with a Disability,” for more detailed guidance.

Today’s episode is one of a kind - an expert leads us into incredible detail into the physical and physiological principles behind picky eating and other feeding disorders, specially in children and adults with Down syndrome.

If that sounds complex, I assure you that while it is complex, it is not complicated. Dr. Kay Toomey, in this episode talks to us about postural stability and breathing and how they relate to Feeding Delays. 

I love it when an expert takes us back to the basics. We are often so busy looking for hacks to a particular issue that we lose track of the fundamentals. This episode is just that - a journey back to the very basics, so we can pick up what we missed and address the root cause of picky eating.

You can find Dr. Toomey at www.sosapproachtofeeding.com

Disclaimer: The information in this Podcast is for educational purposes only. Vaishnavi Sarathy, Ph.D. is an educator, not a doctor, specifically not your child’s doctor. Please consult your physician before implementing any supplement or diet recommendations.

We explore the vagus nerve, your body’s communication superhighway some more this week, with Dr. Navaz Habib!

Upgrading the vagus nerve is key to anti-inflammatory activity, to supporting nervous system function and mood regulation. 

If you are looking to reduce your child’s anxiety, to help them switch easily from fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest, here are a few ways Dr. Navaz suggests:

1. Supporting Nutrition and Gut Health [download your gut health kit here]
   
   

2. Finding your breath: Diaphragmatic breathing through your nose [Use this link to explore your breath with Dr. Vaish - she is a volunteer teacher in this breathing workshop]

You can connect with Dr. Navaz Habib at drnavazhabib.com or www.healthupgraded.com

He is the host of "The Health Upgrade Podcast" and the author of the book "Upgrade Your Vagus Nerve." 

 

Did you know that there are almost 120,000 published papers studying Magnesium in Pubmed, and 150 of them just study Magnesium supporting hyperactivity. 

Over 300 study the effects of Magnesium and sleep and over 2000 publications study Magnesium and depression and it goes on. In fact last I looked, you could type in Magnesium and ANYTHING and you’d find a study for it.

But should you do Magnesium Glycinate or Magnesium Sulfate or Magnesium Citrate?

Today’s guest Laura Collinwood, Registered Nurse and Holistic Health Coach, talks to us about the importance and all-pervasiveness of Magnesium – the different types and when and why they are important.

Magnesium can be a phenomenal support for Autistic people in that it supports anxiety, hyperactivity, constipation and sleep – symptoms that often co-exist. 

To know exactly what forms to use and where (a sort of bullet-point summary of this podcast) get your Magnesium Toolkit here: 

https://www.drvaishsarathy.com/Magnesium

You can also reach Laura and her fantastic Magnesium Products at https://www.health-and-wisdom.com/ 

This is a repost of a previous episode, previously published on Jan 16, 2023

Disclaimer: The information in this Podcast is for educational purposes only. Vaishnavi Sarathy, Ph.D. is an educator, not a doctor, specifically not your child’s doctor. Please consult your physician before implementing any supplement or diet recommendations.

In this episode, Dr. Sarathy interviews Sofi Ghassaei, a remarkable and accomplished 20-year-old Autistic Poet and Playwright. 

Sofi has made significant strides in the world of literature and theater despite the slower process of spelling her thoughts to communicate. 

Her work has been featured in various publications such as the 2023 poetry anthology "Di lo que quieres decir," Teen Creative magazine, and Neuroclastic. 

Sofi takes us through her journey of being the first non-speaking Autistic Playwright (that I know of). 

The most remarkable part of Sofi’s journey in my eyes is how she took a “dare from her anxiety monster” to do this most daunting of work. Enjoy!

You can find Sofi’s Play [it is her First Year Play- Anniversary!!] at this link:

https://www.youtube.com/live/bkZB8xwm4dU?si=WMV7g2uWiYNuAHf3

 

SKY BREATH LINK

In this episode, Vaish answers a question from a mom of a 6-year-old Autistic boy with ADHD who is experiencing some parenting struggles.   We discuss why parenting parenting a child with a disability becomes challenging - and discuss 7 ways to move from swimming upstream to downstream.   Send Vaish questions to be answered in future podcasts here.   To get a jump start on your child's regulation (from a gut health perspective), check out my Gut Health Toolkit.

• 03:02 Swimming Against the Current
• 04:26 The 7 point checklist
• 07:15 Understanding the Reasons Behind Behavior
• 08:10 Effective Communication with the Child
• 10:30 Prioritizing Self-Care for Parents