Non Linear Learning - Rethinking Education for Neurodivergent Learners

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.