Non Linear Learning - Rethinking Education for Neurodivergent Learners

Being multi-lingual and multi-communicative may be the way that our kids with Autim / Down Syndrome find richness of language and expression. What does mean? And what's the latest research? Stick with me for this super-short focus episode about multimodal language and brain health! In this episode, I talk about: What the documented results are of being bilingual How you can start right now with yo...

Advocacy and Resilience are the cornerstones of parenting a child with disability. As a parent of an Autistic child or a child with Down Syndrome, how often do you find yourself navigating medical and school offices and being close to tears at the end of several meetings? Dr. Maureen Michele guides us through the work of building resilience and understanding advocacy, and finding your strong inner...

Why does math education seem so challenging for autistic students and those with Down syndrome?  Join me as I flip the script and explore how focusing on input, rather than output, can revolutionize your student's learning journey.  There are broadly 2 things we are doing wrong: Focusing on output as opposed to input Prioritizing proficiency over curiosity Listen to the episode to find out how we...

Did you know that teaching Math is uniquely regulating? Not just Math, but slightly challenging Math.  This episode's guest, Dr. Jen Leon, has a unique name for Math - Brain Candy! And I totally agree.  -So what makes Math brain candy?  -What makes it a life skill?  -What makes it grow your child's mind, even if you think they have a learning disability, in fact especially if you think they have a...

If you find yourself trying diet after diet after therapy after therapy and nothing seems to either work or stick, nothing seems to take hold, this is the episode for you. Tune in to learn: the 3 pillars of core therapeutic changes that often work symbiotically to create change. why even anti-inflammatory diets sometimes fail the therapies that never work (for most people) You can get my free book...

If you are tired of working day and night with your child and not seeing the needle move, if you are tired of being tired, and if you are ready to see change happen, I will tell you exactly what to do in this episode. We think that parents who bring change in their kids lives are PATIENT, HARDWORKING and INTENSE. We couldn't be more wrong - well, ok, the intense part could be right.  Patience and...

In this episode, Dr. Romie Mushtaq, a board-certified neurologist, discusses her journey from a traditional Western-style medical model to a mindfulness-based approach to stress.  Dr. Romie emphasizes the importance of her SHIFT protocol in managing stress.   Sleep Hormones Inflammation Food, and Technology While a lot of Dr. Romie's focus has been on workplace burnout, in this episode she talks t...

"Compliance and Education are not the same thing. A student may look as though they are complying but that does not mean they are engaged and learning." - Lisa Wright Join Dr. Vaish Sarathy in this episode to dive into a transformative conversation on education and inclusion for Autistic children and children with Down Syndrome in schools with IEP coach Lisa Wright. If IEPs are challenging for you...

"We want to be in a position to allow children to borrow our calm" - says Andrea Pollack in Episode 126 of Functional Nutrition and Learning for Kids. Today we are talking about something we don't address often enough - and that is regulation in a parent! There is so much discussion about regulation in our kids, but we know co-regulation is a thing, and I am really happy to be chatting about this...

If your child struggling with learning or behavior, it may be time to try an anti-inflammatory diet. On this episode of Functional Nutrition and Learning for Kids, Dr. Vaish Sarathy breaks down the 5 contrary secrets of an anti-inflammatory diet. Learn what foods to eat and avoid, how long it takes to see results, and why a least restrictive diet is the best approach. If you're looking for a way t...

In this thought-provoking episode, we challenge preconceived notions and dive into the power of language, identity, and embracing disability. Discover how Dr. Sarathy's personal journey led her to move beyond labels, celebrating the full embrace of disability and neurological identities. Listen to learn about: The shift from labels to identity. Embracing disability in all its forms. The impact of...

In this episode, we explore the concept of the 'alarm state' in children and why what we perceive as behavior might actually be a response to stress and overwhelm. We will also learn specific tools to support your children when they are in that alarm state.  Michelle Brown, Herbalist, Functional Nutrition Practitioner and Biology of Trauma Practitioner leads us to understand the different states o...

Description: In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of CBD and its potential benefits for children with disabilities with  Dr. Bonni Goldstein . CBD is being increasingly used as a viable and safe therapy for seizures, behavior, and just regulation in general. Join us as we explore the science, stories, and practical considerations surrounding CBD use for children, specifically Autis...

In this episode, we talk about what a severe learning disability actually is and how can you reduce it. There are other terms used for it like "low-functioning", severely autistic, severe intellectual delay. Very few of the labels actually go into the root cause of the issue.  In this issue, you will learn: What a severe delay/ disability actually means What you can do to reduce the severity How t...

In Episode 120, Dr. Erica Peirson and I   discuss the potential risks and concerns associated with carbohydrate restrictive diets, particularly for children. CAUTION: If you / your child is already on a restrictive diet, especially for medical needs, please do not make changes without the support and Ok of a medical / nutritional professional as the case may be. This conversation is for educationa...

What does adding a Movement Therapy do to a child's learning and communication? I chatted with Sonia Story and Lili   Turns out quite a lot.   Welcome to Functional Nutrition and Learning for kids - the podcast where we explore learning and education for kids with disabilities such as Down syndrome and Autism from inside out. In this podcast, you will learn: Why communication may be stalled due to...

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 p...

In Episode 117, join Dr. Vaish Sarathy and Dr. Mary Wilde as they delve into the topic of anxiety in children. Discover practical strategies and insights to support mental well-being and empower children to thrive. We will: Explore how anxiety doesn't define a child's identity and learn tools to equip them for success Uncover the contributing factors to the anxiety epidemic, including social media...

The biggest variable in communication for Autistic kids / adults is REGULATION. In today's podcast Casey DePriest explains Polyvagal Theory and how this explains behavior and regulation in our kids.  Make sure to tune in now to learn: What is the difference between a top-down and bottom-up approach to behavior? Why asking a child to change their behavior doesn't work The 3 types of movement challe...

Episode 115 with Dr. Christine Houghton is a SULFORAPHANE SPOTLIGHT EPISODE. You will learn: Why sulforaphane is an effective gateway therapeutic molecule,  How it can be used to build up gut healing in patients,  Why food doesn't work instead of supplements in this case, and  What dosing looks like Why you shouldn't just overload on broccoli Sit back, relax and let's jump into Sulphoraphane. In t...

Welcome to Functional Nutrition and Learning for Kids, the podcast that helps parents and practitioners support their children's growth and development through gut health, functional nutrition principles, and effective learning strategies. In this episode, host Dr. Vaish Sarathy speaks with Animesh Kumar, a serial entrepreneur and founder of Ocean Friends, a company that uses cutting-edge AI to he...

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Amanda Archibald about the importance of diversity in food as medicine. We discuss: Why Euro-Centric cuisines could be completely missing the point for other cultures. The significance of polyphenols and bioactives in ancient cuisines,  The interplay between genetics and nutrient deficiencies Why it is super important to start with food first! Neurotransmitters an...

In this episode, Dr. Vaish Sarathy answers the question of how long a child should be gluten-free. Tune in to learn about: how long it takes to be on a gluten free diet to see results the signs of success on a gluten free diet why studies can be contradictory in their results on whether going gluten free can help. the significance of gluten in children with Autism, Down Syndrome and Gut Issues is...

If you are struggling with your child taking hours to fall asleep or waking up at odd times in the day, you are absolutely not alone. Some studies say that up to 80% of Autistic kids experience some form of sleep disturbance.  Compared to neurotypical kids, Autistic kids were seen to be 2.6 times more likely to have a problem falling asleep, and 1.5 times more likely to have problems staying aslee...

In this episode of Functional Nutrition and Learning for Kids, host Vaish talks about keystone habits and their impact on children's learning and behavior. From the importance of a blood sugar balancing breakfast to the quality of sleep and screen time, Vaish shares practical tips and insights on how parents and caregivers can make small but powerful changes to help their children reach their full...