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...
Jul 02, 2025•37 min•Season 2Ep. 185
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: Why scripting and echolalia aren’t proof of limited cognition The danger of over-labeling learners as "gestalt processors" How presumed competence starts where speech ends Why academics—not behavior—is the best wa...
Jun 27, 2025•37 min•Season 2Ep. 184
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 pow...
Jun 20, 2025•6 min•Season 2Ep. 183
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: His journey from depression and chronic medication use to mental clarity and peace What it’s like to live with a progressive disability—and find pride and power in it The science and simplicity of breathwork Why caregivers, especiall...
Jun 13, 2025•29 min•Season 2Ep. 182
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 op...
May 28, 2025•40 min•Season 2Ep. 181
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...
May 15, 2025•44 min•Season 2Ep. 180
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 How some dreams can hold you back! The critical concept of Apraxia (even in how you dream) What happens inside Non Linear Education We also answer a listener’s heartfelt question: And some Q...
Apr 29, 2025•30 min•Season 2Ep. 179
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. Wha...
Apr 24, 2025•34 min•Season 2Ep. 178
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...
Apr 12, 2025•23 min•Season 2Ep. 177
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 kid...
Apr 07, 2025•40 min•Season 2Ep. 176
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...
Mar 28, 2025•25 min•Season 2Ep. 175
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...
Mar 10, 2025•23 min•Season 2Ep. 174
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 ...
Mar 04, 2025•35 min•Season 2Ep. 173
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!...
Feb 20, 2025•12 min•Season 2Ep. 172
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 practitio...
Feb 13, 2025•42 min•Season 2Ep. 171
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!...
Feb 04, 2025•25 min•Season 2Ep. 170
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. Consult...
Jan 29, 2025•22 min•Season 2Ep. 169
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!
Jan 22, 2025•29 min•Season 2Ep. 168
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...
Jan 15, 2025•35 min•Season 2Ep. 167
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!...
Jan 07, 2025•5 min•Season 2Ep. 166
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. D...
Dec 18, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 165
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...
Dec 11, 2024•30 min•Season 2Ep. 164
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 c...
Nov 28, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 163
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?
Nov 21, 2024•10 min•Season 2Ep. 162
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 insti...
Nov 14, 2024•51 min•Season 2Ep. 161
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 ...
Oct 30, 2024•25 min•Season 2Ep. 169
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...
Oct 09, 2024•10 min•Season 2Ep. 159
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. Pre...
Sep 26, 2024•24 min•Season 2Ep. 158
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!...
Sep 18, 2024•13 min
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 wi...
Sep 11, 2024•29 min•Season 2Ep. 156
