Non Linear Learning - Rethinking Education for Neurodivergent Learners

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 plannin...

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 disabi...

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 D...

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...

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 drea...

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-...

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 childr...

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 i...

  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 usi...

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...

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...

  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...

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 commun...

  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 s...

  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 brai...

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:...

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...

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 suppor...

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 compo...

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...

 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 sh...

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...

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!   Fo...