180 From Letterboards to Augmented Reality: Building Tech That Respects Neurodivergence with Prof Diwakar Krishnamurthy
Non Linear Learning - Rethinking Education for Neurodivergent Learners
Release Date: 05/15/2025
200. Five “Helpful” Parenting Tips That Limit Autistic Learning
Non Linear Learning - Rethinking Education for Neurodivergent Learners
Parents of Autistic children and children with Down syndrome are often given advice that sounds compassionate, reasonable, and supportive. But much of it slowly limits learning, flexibility, autonomy, and long-term growth. In this milestone Episode 200 of Non Linear Learning, Dr. Vaish Sarathy challenges 5 common pieces of parenting and education advice that unintentionally lower expectations and shift focus away from real learning. In this episode, you’ll learn why Dr. Vaish challenges: • Strict routines and rigid structure — and how too much predictability reduces tolerance for...
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199 Evidence, Rage, and Relief: A Mom–Son Team on Finding Spelled Communication
Non Linear Learning - Rethinking Education for Neurodivergent Learners
When 8-year-old non-speaking autistic Rafael found text-based communication, he didn’t just start “answering questions.” He started telling the truth about his body, his anxiety, and the frustration of being misunderstood. If you’ve ever looked at your non-speaking child and thought, “I know there’s more in there… I just don’t know how to reach it,” this conversation is for you. Today I’m joined by Daria and her 8-year-old autistic, non-speaking son Rafael, co-creators of on Substack and Instagram. After discovering text-based communication, they...
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198 How Understanding Apraxia changes your child's Education - with Dana Johnson
Non Linear Learning - Rethinking Education for Neurodivergent Learners
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...
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197 Beyond Burnout: GABA Support, Mitochondria, and Realistic Help for Parents of Autistic Kids
Non Linear Learning - Rethinking Education for Neurodivergent Learners
If you're parenting an Autistic child and living in a state of constant alert (sensory overwhelm, dysregulation, sleepless nights, meltdowns, and the never-ending to-do list), this episode gives you a concrete biochemical map for how to get back to baseline. In today’s conversation,I’m joined by Dr. Scott Sherr board certified internal medicine physician, certified practitioner of Health Optimization Medicine, and COO of Troscriptions, a company making physician formulated, precision-dosed buccal troches for focus, stress, sleep, and immune function. We talk about: What is the...
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196 Oxytocin, Autism, and how Autism Research works
Non Linear Learning - Rethinking Education for Neurodivergent Learners
In this episode, psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Eric Strobl joins Dr. Vaish Sarathy to talk about a new re-analysis of the SOARS-B trial on oxytocin and autism. While earlier studies found no clear benefit, Dr. Strobl’s fine-grained, item-level analysis using machine learning uncovered consistent evidence that oxytocin can enhance social-emotional reciprocity the ability to engage, connect, and respond in social contexts. Together, they discuss: Why most autism drug trials fail to show benefit What “blunt outcome measures” really mean in clinical research How machine...
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195 What’s Your Excuse? Lessons on Problem-Solving, Asking for Help, and Doing the Next Thing
Non Linear Learning - Rethinking Education for Neurodivergent Learners
This may be the most heartfelt episode I’ve ever recorded. In this deeply human conversation, Maxwell Ivey: The Blind Blogger, and I talk about what it means to keep moving when life doesn’t hand you easy options. Maxwell lost his sight as a child, taught himself to code, built a business, and learned to ask for help without shame. We talk about the quiet power of asking, the courage to act before conditions are perfect, and a rare take on gratitude-not as politeness, but as the willingness to use what’s been given. Somewhere along the way, we find ourselves...
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194 Every Skill Can Be Built: Inside Non Linear Education with Daria Kotenko
Non Linear Learning - Rethinking Education for Neurodivergent Learners
before doors close (Friday 11:59 PM PT)
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193 The Myth of Readiness: Why Waiting Holds Our Kids Back
Non Linear Learning - Rethinking Education for Neurodivergent Learners
How long have you been waiting for your child to be ready? Ready to sit still, focus, or “start learning”? In this episode, Dr. Vaish Sarathy dismantles one of the most persistent myths in special education: the idea that readiness must come before learning. Drawing on neuroscience and real-world experience, she explains experience-driven neuroplasticity how the brain builds readiness through meaningful action, not waiting. You’ll learn 3 practical ways to start teaching complex ideas right now no perfect calm, no perfect focus required. If you’re ready to move from waiting to...
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192 The Cost of Low Expectations (and the #1 Shift to Break Free)
Non Linear Learning - Rethinking Education for Neurodivergent Learners
The biggest barrier in your child’s education isn’t Autism, Down syndrome, or even learning disabilities. It’s low expectations. When a 12-year-old is handed board books or toddler math, the hidden message is: “This is all I think you can do.” That belief shapes motivation, behavior, trust, and hope for the future. In this episode of Non Linear Learning, Dr. Vaish Sarathy unpacks the true cost of low expectations and shares the #1 shift to break free: speaking to your child with age appropriate language. You’ll hear: Why “presuming competence” isn’t enough How low...
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191. When Compliance Fails: Dr. Robin Harwick on Democratic Education for Neurodivergent Teens
Non Linear Learning - Rethinking Education for Neurodivergent Learners
In this episode of Non Linear Learning, Dr. Vaish Sarathy speaks with Dr. Robin Harwick, founder of , a groundbreaking online school designed for teens who don’t fit into traditional education especially autistic, ADHD, and otherwise neurodivergent learners. Together, we explore: Why compliance-based systems harm learning (and why they persist) How democratic education gives back autonomy, voice, and safety What it actually looks like to co-create curriculum with neurodivergent students How to spot when your child’s IEP is a red flag, not a lifeline Why some students with PDA or...
info_outline- 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
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