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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 DouillardConnect with Vaish:
– Instagram: @drvaishsarathy
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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 -
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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
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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: @drvaishsarathyGET OUR FREE GUT HEALTH TOOL KIT HERE
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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.
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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!
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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
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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 involvementGet 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
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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.
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Guest: Dr. Mary Bove, Herbal Medicine Expert
Host: Vaish Sarathy, Math and Science Teacher, Learning StrategistThis 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: [email protected] Get your Free Gut Health Kit: www.drvaishsarathy.com/guthealthEnjoy 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!
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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?
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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
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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
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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.
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