Functional Nutrition and Learning for Kids: Recent Episodes
Dr. Vaish Sarathy
We brainstorm resources that help support Learning, Communication, Gut Health and Nutrition in children with Down Syndrome, Autism and ADHD.
At Functional Nutrition and Learning for Kids, our core value systems are: 1) Assuming Intelligence in EVERY child, and 2) Using Food as Medicine to heal the gut, and support the brain. 3) Equal Education is a birthright
We don't make a neurotypical kid prove they can read before we hand them a book. We just teach them to read. But for non-speaking and minimally speaking learners, the rules flip. Sit in the chair first. Imitate first. Get it right four days in a row before we'll believe you got it right the first time. Lisa Mihalich Quinn and Erin Buchanan of Reach Every Voice call this the data trap and they're here to tell you why the data your child's team is collecting might not mean what you think it means. Tune in to this episode to learn: * Why "proficiency is not a prerequisite" - and what your child's team should be giving them access to right now, not after they demonstrate readiness * The real difference between adapting and modifying curriculum, and why modification can quietly cap your child's academic ceiling for years * Why "the data shows" is often a trap that hides more than it reveals - and what questions to ask instead
About the guests: Lisa Mihalich Quinn and Erin Buchanan lead Reach Every Voice, a multidisciplinary practice supporting non-speaking learners and learners with communication access needs through in-person and virtual instruction, group programming, and grant-funded initiatives. To kickstart Academic Learning for your non speaking or minimally speaking child (and to learn from Dr. Vaish Sarathy), check out www.studio.com/vaish - an Academic Training App for parents.
You've talked to 10 therapists. Tried 20 strategies. And your child still goes from calm to crisis in 30 seconds - for reasons no-one understands.
Understanding a body requires that we understand the sensory information coming in. And Dr. Dana Johnson - OT, PhD, and founder of the Spellers Center - tells us that there are not 5 but 8 senses.
Dana joins Non Linear Learning for the 3rd time to talk about interoception: the eighth sense, the one almost nobody gets taught, and the one that might explain what's been happening in front of you all along.
Listen along to learn:
- Why your child's meltdown appears so sudden
- Why self-injury can be the body trying to feel itself, not defiance
- Why "tell me how you feel" is an impossible question for someone who's never reliably felt anything to name
- Why professionals push back on all of this — and what actually shifts a paradigm
🔗 Dana's YouTube: The Autism Plus Apraxia Doctor
🔗 Dana's Substack
Did you know - you can now have Dr. Vaish Sarathy's teaching and personalized training in your pocket - Sign up for the Non Linear Learning Personalized Coach at www.studio.com/vaish
We talk a lot about what our students can't do. But something that educators have found over the years is that there is a scatter to the skills we see in our students.
The wildly uneven profile that we see could actually be a blessing.
Mark Talaga, counselor, speaker, and founder of the Center for Identity Potential, joins the podcast to talk about asynchronous development in gifted and twice-exceptional learners.
And here's what hit me: we're working the same problem from opposite ends. Where there is a sharp strength, there is often a significant deficit, but the opposite is true as well!
This conversation got under my skin in the best way. Tune in to this episode to learn:
- What "asynchrony" actually means in gifted and disabled learners
- Why IQ tests fail kids on both ends of the bell curve
- Why labels are meaningless in education
- Why nurturing a spike / sharp interest (even if it seems "irrelevant") is critical.
You can find Mark Talaga's podcast, Hopelessly Gifted, on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or visit centerforidentitypotential.com.
The IEP meeting is supposed to be about your child. Have you noticed that it often feels like it's about everyone else's comfort?
Dr. Diana Fannon spent 24 years inside public school systems as a bilingual school psychologist and director of special education. She now works with families. And in this podcast, she shares with us a few red and green flags of special education.
🎙️ Tune in to this episode to learn: 👇
- Why "inclusive" school districts still often segregate kids with disabilities - and the one red flag that tells you immediately
- The difference between a goal written for your child vs. a goal written for the teacher's comfort
- Where in the IEP you can actually write instructions for the teacher not just the student
- Why Universal Design for Learning saves teacher time instead of adding to it
etc.
The "system" unfortunately was not built to find your child's intelligence. That's our job. Follow for more!
Find Dr. Fannon at disabilityedpros.com and on Instagram @disabilityedpros.
What if your autistic / non-speaking learner's most overwhelming traits e.g.,
- sensory sensitivity,
- pattern obsession,
- emotional upheavals
are the exact same features that make their brain extraordinary?
Dr. Andrew Hill is a cognitive neuroscientist, founder of Peak Brain Institute, and author of Gifted and Tortured. He has spent decades mapping real human brains and has worked with CEOs, athletes and people with disabilities.
In this episode, we talk about what the neuroscience of dysregulation actually looks like, why standard IQ tests are built to miss your child, and what parents of non-speaking and autistic learners can do right now to support regulation and reveal the intelligence that's already there.
What we cover:
- Why gifted brains and dysregulated brains are often the same brain — and what that means for your child
- Brain mapping (quantitative EEG): what it measures, what it reveals, and how to access it affordably
- Why IQ tests fail non-speaking autistic learners and kids with Down syndrome — and the three physiological factors that actually predict intelligence
- Neurofeedback for autistic and non-speaking kids: how it works and why it requires almost no active participation
- The single most important thing you can do for your child's regulation (hint: it starts the night before)
and more…
Resources mentioned:
- Get Dr. Hill's Book here: giftedandtortured.com
- Peak Brain Institute (brain mapping + neurofeedback): peakbraininstitute.com
Work with Vaish:
- Non Linear Education — teaching, courses, and support for parents of autistic and non-speaking learners:Non Linear Education
- RPM lessons and consultation: drvaishsarathy.com/rpm
Do support groups actually help, or do they reinforce the very mindset that keeps parents stuck?
In this episode, I sit down with Sara Intonato to unpack this difficult question.
Both of us (and probably you) have lived the same reality:
- Hypervigilance,
- burnout,
- the constant demand of raising a non-speaking child.
When we went looking for help, what we found in traditional support spaces was not growth or even help.
Unfortunately we found:
- cycles of venting without direction
- low expectations presented as acceptance
- and a normalization of hopelessness
This is a hard but beautiful conversation, that digs deep and lets us find out what really helps.
We talk about:
- A simple 1-minute regulation tool you can use in crisis
- The HALT framework (Hungry, Angry/Anxious, Lonely, Tired)
- How to think about self-care when even 5 minutes feels impossible
Sara introduces a different model: community with leadership, structure, and high expectations.
Effort is great, but our kids need our regulated presence more!
If you've ever felt unsupported in "support" spaces, listen to this episode now.
Links:
Find more about Sara here.
Sara's free podcast mini-series
Autism Changemakers
Dr. Vaish Sarathy: Get on the waitlist for Non Linear Education here.
Most special education systems operate on this premise: Students with disabilities must master small foundational skills before they are allowed access to academic content. In practice, this often means students spend years repeating the same goals - decoding, counting, basic worksheets - while their peers move forward into real subjects like science, history, and mathematics. But what happens when a student with significant disabilities is simply included in a high school physics class? In this episode of Non Linear Learning, I speak with Sruthi Muralidharan, a high school physics teacher who is testing that question in a public school classroom. Sruthi teaches general education physics where students with significant cognitive disabilities - including students with Down syndrome - participate alongside their peers in labs, engineering activities, and scientific investigations. Her work challenges several assumptions that dominate special education today. Sruthi did not begin her career in education. She holds an MS in Physics and a PhD in Electrical Engineering and spent more than ten years working in the semiconductor industry. In This Episode We discuss: • Why mastery-based IEP goals often keep students repeating the same material year after year • The limitations of self-contained special education classrooms • What happens when students with significant disabilities join general education science classes • Why educators often confuse communication challenges with cognitive limitations • How inclusive classrooms can actually improve regulation and engagement • Why the burden of proving intelligence should never fall on the child About Our Guest Sruthi Muralidharan is a high school physics teacher and advocate for inclusive education. She previously worked for more than a decade in the semiconductor industry and holds an MS in Physics and a PhD in Electrical Engineering. Links & Resources * Sruthi's Substack on lesson modification and inclusive teaching * Vaish's course on making academics possible: Non Linear Education
If You Enjoyed This Episode • Share it with a parent, teacher, or school leader • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
Dr. Vaish Sarathy speaks with Dr. Kendall Stewart (former surgeon turned functional medicine + genomics clinician) about the biochemistry of learning: how inflammation, metabolic factors, neurotransmitter balance, and genetics can influence regulation, sensory stability, and why some kids respond to interventions while others don't.
What we cover:
- Why progress can look like "good days/bad days" when inflammation fluctuates
- Nutrigenomics vs exome sequencing vs pharmacogenetics (and why personalization matters)
- A parent-friendly clinical framework: inflammation → autophagy/insulin tendencies → neurotrophic factors → glutamate/GABA → methylation
- Sensory stability (vestibular/visual) and why eye contact can reduce listening for some learners
- Microbiome basics: inflammation load, butyrate, absorption/biofilms
Resources
- Dr. Kendall Stewart: www.drkendalstewart.com
- Non Linear Education (NLE): https://www.drvaishsarathy.com/nonlineareducation
Medical disclaimer (important):
This episode is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your qualified clinician for medical decisions—especially for children and complex conditions.
Homeschooling sometimes begins when parents realize the education system is not serving their child.
In this episode of Non Linear Learning, Dr. Vaish Sarathy speaks with Victoria Lenormand, a former detective turned holistic health practitioner and homeschooling parent, about what it takes to trust a child's internal compass and let go of conventional definitions of success.
Victoria brings an evidence-based perspective to homeschooling. Trained to observe patterns and follow facts, she applied that same mindset to her son's learning and recognized that a linear schooling model was taking enormous energy just to maintain — without supporting his identity or growth.
Together, Vaish and Victoria explore:
- How to build the mindset needed for homeschooling
- The 3 factors learning is built around when done right.
- How to interpret stubbornness or "wilfulness" in a way that works for your child, and
- Why the energy cost of education is critical information for parents
This conversation is for parents considering homeschooling, questioning traditional schooling, or feeling the constant friction between who their child is and what school expects.
As we reflect in the episode:
"When something in education takes enormous energy just to maintain, it's worth asking whether it's actually working."
Resources
Victoria Lenormand's parent community: https://www.geminidirections.co.uk
You can find Vaish at www.instagram.com/drvaishsarathy
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 learning and change • Traditional support groups — and how shared grief can quietly stall progress
... and more
This episode is for parents who: • Have been told academics can wait • Feel uneasy about advice that sounds kind but feels limiting • Want age-appropriate, intellectually rich education for their child
Resources Learn how to teach real academics non-linearly, without waiting for "readiness," inside Non Linear Education.
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 Spelling the Tea on Autism on Substack and Instagram. After discovering text-based communication, they realized how deeply Rafael had been misunderstood - and started documenting both his words and the science that helps explain them. Inside the episode, we talk about: * Rafael's "goner mindset" before communication and what typing changed about his sense of the future. * How apraxia creates a gap between intention and movement and why that gap gets mislabeled as "low IQ," "behavior," or "non-compliance." * The concept of an "interference score" for food! * How Rafael would redesign first in schools for non-speakers. * Why regulation, communication, and learning are inseparable… and why independence in cognition does not mean independence in motor and sensory systems.
This is a humbling, practical, and very human reminder that: * We can't keep separating "behavior," "sensory," and "cognitive" boxes. * Research on autism that excludes non-speakers cannot be our only compass. * And most importantly: sitting still is not a pre-requisite for real thinking or rigorous education.
You can find Daria and Rafael at https://www.instagram.com/spelling_the_tea_on_autism/ and https://spellingthetea.substack.com/ You can find Dr. Vaish Sarathy at https://www.instagram.com/drvaishsarathy/ Check out her 6 foundational tips on education at https://www.drvaishsarathy.com/nonlinearlearning
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
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 "sympathetic spiral of doom." * What GABA deficiency actually looks like (and why calming down isn't as simple as "go meditate"). * Why mitochondrial dysfunction and chronic inflammation show up so strongly in autistic and disabled kids and how supporting cellular energy can actualy reduce hyper-excitability. * The real problem with giving kids 10–20 supplements at once. * How targeted support can help caregivers feel better now, while they work the longer game of diet, lifestyle, and environment.
Links Mentioned * Dr. Scott Sherr's clinical practice: https://drscottsherr.com * Troscriptions Products: https://troscriptions.com (Please work with a practitioner before using any product with a child.)
If you found this episode helpful: Please share it with a caregiver who feels stuck in stress, burnout, or dysregulation. And grab my free guide: Gut Health Toolkit
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 learning can extract signal from noise in complex data * What oxytocin actually does (and doesn't do) in real life * How future studies could use more nuanced, individualized measures
Resources and Links Mentioned * Study Discussed: Strobl E et al. (2024). "Item-Level Analysis Reveals Oxytocin Improves Social-Emotional Reciprocity in Autism Spectrum Disorder." Preprint * Original SOARS-B Trial: Parker KJ et al. (2017). "A Randomized Clinical Trial of Oxytocin in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder." Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA Psychiatry) Link * Related Reading: + Oxytocin and Social Behavior + On machine learning in psychiatry: Nature – Machine learning in mental health research
Key Takeaways * Oxytocin may help but not for everyone. Its most reliable effect seems to be reducing social anxiety and improving comfort in social exchanges. * Measurement matters. "Blunt" outcome scales can bury meaningful results under noise. Item-level, data-driven analysis reveals nuance traditional methods miss. * Autism heterogeneity is real. The same outward behavior can stem from different root causes - so future trials need precision tools, not averages. * Hope through better science. New methods aren't about hype—they're about accuracy, compassion, and smarter research design.
About Dr. Eric Strobl Dr. Strobl is a psychiatrist and data scientist at the University of Pittsburgh who develops innovative machine-learning algorithms to uncover hidden structure in medical data. His current work focuses on autism, neurodevelopmental conditions, and the use of AI to improve clinical trial design. About Dr. Vaish Sarathy Dr. Vaish Sarathy is a TEDx speaker, PhD chemist, educator, and mom to a non-speaking autistic teen poet with Down syndrome. She hosts the Non Linear Learning podcast and leads the Non Linear Education course for parents and educators who believe that every brain can learn, given the right way to teach. Stay Connected * Instagram: @drvaishsarathy * Free Guide: Turn ON Your Child's Learning Switch * Join the Non Linear Education Waitlist: Get on the list here →
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 reflecting on The Four Agreements and how "don't take things personally" and "don't make assumptions" become essential mindsets in the world of disability and education. It's unpolished, honest, and full of wisdom that only comes from lived experience. Stay to the end to hear Maxwell sing his original song, Don't Wait on Someday. You can find Maxwell at theblindblogger.net.
In this special episode, NLE student and mom of a non-speaking speller, Daria Kotenko, interviews me about the ideas behind Non Linear Education:
why "readiness" is a myth, how to teach anything through interest and tolerance, and what it really means to assume intelligence aggressively.
We talk about the Web vs Bridge model of learning, building sensory capacity, and how parents can make education joyful and age-appropriate in just 10–15 minutes a day.
👉 Join Non Linear Education before doors close (Friday 11:59 PM PT)
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 learning, join Vaish inside Non Linear Education, her signature course for parents and educators teaching advanced academics to every kind of brain.
🔗 www.drvaishsarathy.com/nonlineareducation [LIVE FOR A VERY SHORT TIME]
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 expectations create a vicious cycle of poor behavior and lost trust
- ONE Simple way to change this and expand your child’s thought process
👉 Ready to raise the bar? Join Dr. Vaish for her free live webinar on How to Teach your Child ANYTHING!. Save your spot here: www.drvaishsarathy.com/learningskills.
In this episode of Non Linear Learning, Dr. Vaish Sarathy speaks with Dr. Robin Harwick, founder of The Pearl Remote Democratic High School, 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 ODD thrive when given real choice
Whether you’re homeschooling, advocating at an IEP meeting, or simply wondering if there’s any alternative to the status quo—this episode will expand your thinking and offer a glimpse into what education could be.
🔗 Learn more about The Pearl:
https://thepearlhighschool.org
🧠 Join the limited time free workshop offered by Dr Vaish Sarathy "What if your Autistic child could learn Anything?"
https://www.drvaishsarathy.com/learningskills
🎧 Like the show?
Leave a rating or review and share this episode with someone who’s tired of the compliance trap.
In this edition of Non Linear Learning, Dr. Vaish Sarathy and co-host Searmi Park unpack the buzz around “productive failure”and flip it on its head for neurodivergent learners.
Inspired by Manu Kapur’s work and his recent conversation on 10% Happier, Vaish and Searmi explore when failure can deepen learning, when it harms, and why the word we’re actually looking for is exploration, not failure at least for this audience.
In this episode 1. Productive failure what we think it means 2. Why we don’t “design failure” for autistic students 3. Parents as the ones who “fail productively” 4. Real-life stories 5. A challenge for listeners
Key takeaways 1. Exploration > evaluation. Our learners already face constant performance tests; they don’t need “engineered” failure. 2. Hold the bar high, detach from outcomes. You can keep rigor and still protect nervous systems. 3. Make the “failure” yours. Parents and educators can iterate on the environment, task, and supports instead of labeling the child. 4. Build a web, not a bridge. Let detours teach the terrain.
Resources & Links 1. Book: Productive Failure: Unlocking Deeper Learning Through the Science of Failing by Manu Kapur 2. Podcast that sparked this convo: 10% Happier with Dan Harris “Let’s Normalize Failure (The Right Kind) | Manu Kapur.” (Spotify)
Try this at home (Quarterly Challenge) Pick one stretch experience your child “can’t do”—museum hour, library time, a short concert, a new trail, and scaffold it respectfully (sensory-wise, regulation-wise). Debrief afterwards: What worked? What needs one tweak? What surprised you?
About your hosts
- Dr. Vaish Sarathy — TEDx speaker, PhD educator, creator of Non Linear Education, and mom to a non-speaking autistic poet with Down syndrome.
- Searmi Park — Concertmaster, Eugene Symphony; founder of Autism Mustang Alliance; mom to a non-speaking autistic young adult.
Support the show 1. 💌 Get the free guide: Turn ON your child’s learning switch 2. 🎓 Join the Non Linear Education waitlist 3. ⭐ If this episode helped, please leave a 5-star review—and if it didn’t… maybe skip the review this time 😉
When we think of dyslexia, most people imagine a reading problem. But the real story is far more complex and non linear - and the lessons from dyslexia research can open new doors for autistic learners (yay!). In this episode, I talk with Russell Van Brocklen, founder of Dyslexia Classes and known as The Dyslexia Professor. Russell shares why dyslexia is less about reading and more about how the brain organizes ideas - and how strategies that work for dyslexic learners may also translate to autistic students who think and learn in unique ways. We explore: * Why dyslexia is not just a reading issue but a brain organization issue. * How focusing on a child’s special interest unlocks motivation and comprehension. * Why writing (typing) before reading is the breakthrough many students need. * The crossover between dyslexic and autistic learners as specialists, not generalists. * And of course, what you can do RIGHT NOW!
Listen, I know your autistic child may struggle outside their super special interests - and you may be struggling with how to help them move laterally to a different topic. THIS conversation will give you some ideas to think about. Here’s the freebie Russell mentioned in the podcast: https://dyslexiaclasses.com/nonlinearlearning/ You are a non linear parent, and you deserve a non linear path! Next Step: Get on the waitlist for my course, Non Linear Education, where I teach parents how to build advanced, age-appropriate learning for their kids with disabilities. And if you found this episode helpful, please leave a review. Your words may be exactly what another parent needs to discover this podcast and know they’re not alone.
In this episode of Nonlinear Learning, we challenge the conventional path parents often take when preparing children with disabilities for higher education.
We discuss why focusing solely on life skills, physical independence, and basic academics can leave students unprepared for the real demands of college.
Instead, I outline the true foundation that fosters genuine readiness for higher education and guess what - there is a key factor there - MOTIVATION. How do we build that? Tune in to learn more.
You’ll discover:
- Why physical independence, while valuable, doesn’t guarantee college readiness.
- How fluent academic communication—whether through speech, AAC, or spelling-based systems—unlocks learning potential.
and more...
Links & Resources:
- Join the waitlist for the Nonlinear Education
- Learn more about Dr. Vaish Sarathy
Why are so many of us terrified of math—but not history, art, or reading? In this episode of Nonlinear Learning, Dr. Vaish Sarathy sits down with Dr. Aditya Nagrath, founder of Elephant Learning, to why math anxiety exists and why it disproportionately affects children with disabilities. Tune in to learn: * Why math anxiety shows up earlier and more intensely than other academic anxieties * How early gaps in understanding compound into full-blown learning trauma by 3rd grade * What the phrase “I’m not a math person” is really masking—and how to dismantle it * The problem with waiting until a child is “ready” for math
This is for parents burned out by the grind of addition, AND educators trying to find a new way forward ... Key Quotes: “The real problem isn’t the math—it’s the meaning we’ve assigned to our struggles with it.” — Dr. Aditya Nagrath “There is no diagnosis that disqualifies someone from understanding math. You just have to meet them at their level.” — Dr. Vaish Sarathy Resources & Mentions: * Learn more about Dr. Nagrath and Elephant Learning: www.elephantlearning.com * Listen to Vaish’s TEDx talk: "Who Decides How Smart You Are?" https://www.drvaishsarathy.com/
One of the biggest hurdles in disability education is the Insistence on Completion / Perfection. In this episode, Dr. Vaish Sarathy breaks down the one rule that every parent and educator of disabled children needs to hear: Progress in Learning requires gaps. And refusing to move forward until every milestone is mastered is the fastest route to stagnation. She uses the lens of game theory to map out a “payoff matrix” that compares the risks of moving forward (even when skills are shaky) to the devastating cost of waiting. Spoiler: the risks of progressing are minimal. The potential payoff? Life-changing. You can sign up for the waitlist for Vaish's path breaking course: Non Linear Education here: www.drvaishsarathy.com/nonlineareducation Drop a queestion for Vaish to answer at nonlinearlearningpodcast@gmail.com
I am joined by Ayurvedic practitioner Anuradha Gupta in this episode to look at how Ayurveda can support emotional regulation, and learning of neurodivergent children and their caregivers. We talk about: * What doshas and gunas really are, and how they shape your child’s emotions, attention, and learning * The Ayurvedic principle of chatushpad and why a child’s progress is inseparable from a parent’s wellbeing * Strategies for Vata, Pitta, and Kapha imbalances in autistic and non-speaking children * How to regulate when breathwork isn’t possible, and why co-regulation matters more than ever * Why honoring your child’s natural tendencies isn’t permissive parenting—it’s transformational
Learn Sudarshan Kriya (SKY Breath Meditation): https://www.artofliving.org/us-en/sky
Is your child's speech meaningful?
In this unfiltered episode of Non Linear Learning, co-hosts Dr. Vaish Sarathy and Searmi Park talk about the difference between speech and language, and why that may be everything in educating our kids with disabilities.
Here's what they talk about:
- Why scripting and echolalia aren’t proof of limited cognition
- The danger of over-labeling learners as "gestalt processors"
- How presumed competence starts where speech ends
- Why academics—not behavior—is the best way to detect intention
This is the episode for you if you’ve ever wondered:
- Is my child’s speech meaningful?
- How do I know if they understand but can’t express it?
- What should I do when I don’t know what’s motor, comprehension, or behavior?
👉 If this episode made you think or gave you hope, please leave a review so others can find us. It makes all the difference.
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 planning issues can mask true intelligence
- Why “presuming competence” often means “presuming apraxia"
- A powerful mindset shift that could change everything for your child’s learning journey
Free Resource Download your free guide to Non Linear Learning: www.drvaishsarathy.com/nonlinearlearning
Do :) Leave a Review If this episode gave you a new perspective, help us reach more parents and educators by leaving a review wherever you listen.
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 disability—and find pride and power in it
- The science and simplicity of breathwork
- Why caregivers, especially parents of children with disabilities, are stuck in constant fight-or-flight—and what they can actually do about it
- How just a few deep breaths can shift your nervous system, your energy, and your life
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
- Learn Sudarshan Kriya (SKY Breath Meditation): https://www.artofliving.org/us-en/sky
- Sahaj Samadhi Meditation course info: https://www.artofliving.org/us-en/meditation/sahaj-samadhi
- Upcoming in-person event with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in the Bay Area (July 2025): https://event.us.artofliving.org/us-en/lp1/sfba/wellness-with-gurudev/
🧪 Studies & Science Behind Breathwork and Pranayama
- Breath-based meditation can reduce anxiety and enhance well-being: Streeter, C.C., et al. (2020). Effects of Yoga on the Autonomic Nervous System, Gamma-aminobutyric-acid, and Allostasis in Epilepsy, Depression, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11: 782. Read the full study on PubMed Central
- Pranayama improves cardio-respiratory efficiency and endurance in healthy young adults: Satheesh, R., & Bindu, C.B. (2020). Pranayama improves cardio-respiratory efficiency and physical endurance in young healthy volunteers. International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 8(7), 2421–2425. Read the full article on MSJOnline.org
- Pranayama and aerobic exercise enhance heart rate variability and VO₂ max in sedentary middle-aged men: Hariprasad, R., Prabhu, N., & Karishma, S. (2024). Effect of Aerobic Exercise and Pranayama on Heart Rate Variability and Maximal Oxygen Consumption in Sedentary Middle Aged Males. International Journal of Current Medical and Applied Sciences, 42(2), 20–25. Read the full article on IJCMAA
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
- How some dreams can hold you back!
- The critical concept of Apraxia (even in how you dream)
- What happens inside Non Linear Education
- We also answer a listener’s heartfelt question:
And some Q/A about speaking and going to school and AAC!
🔗 Links + Resources:
- Learn about Non Linear Education (Enrollment closes May 1!):
- Follow me on Instagram: @drvaishsarathy
- 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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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:
- 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 involvement
Get 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
- 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. Onward!
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 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: herbaldocmb@gmail.com * Get your Free Gut Health Kit: www.drvaishsarathy.com/guthealth
Enjoy 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!
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?
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://functionalnutritionforkids.com/nonlinearlearning/
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://functionalnutritionforkids.com/nonlinearlearning/
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.
In this episode, we dive into the often-overlooked topic of sensory stress and how it uniquely affects autistic individuals. Tiffany discusses the impact of sensory overload, particularly from fluorescent lighting, which many autistic students find distressing. By exploring recent studies, Tiffany highlights the importance of creating sensory-friendly environments in schools to support neurodivergent learners.
Key Points:
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Understanding sensory overload: How bright and flickering lights can overwhelm autistic individuals.
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The difference in sensory tolerance among autistic people compared to neurotypical peers.
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Insights from a 2012 study showing heightened sensitivity to light in autistic students.
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The benefits of indirect warm lighting over fluorescent lighting for reducing sensory stress.
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Practical tips for educators and parents to create supportive learning environments.
Takeaways:
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Sensory experiences are crucial to understanding how autistic individuals interact with their environment.
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Implementing sensory-friendly changes in schools can significantly improve the well-being of autistic students.
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Awareness of sensory sensitivities fosters empathy and better support for neurodivergent learners. Follow Tiffany on social media for updates and more resources: @neuroclastic
Let's explore the critical balance between life skills, independent living, and education for children with disabilities. The importance of academic learning in building logical and critical thinking, as well as emotional regulation is often ignored or trivialized in the lives of children with a disability. If your school team is focusing on life skills at the expense of education, If you find yourself asking what about independece, what about college, this is the right discussion for you!
In this episode, we address a crucial and often daunting question for parents of children with disabilities:
How will my child be supported when I am no longer around?
Many of us, as parents, carry the weight of this question, wondering about our children’s future in our absence. Today, my guest Sangeetha Chakrapani offers a powerful and hopeful answer.
Sangeetha is the founder trustee of Together Foundation in Mumbai and co-founder of the Together Community, a residential project for adults with disabilities located in Hosur, Greater Bengaluru. She is also a mother to two autistic adults and two neurotypical adults. With vast experience managing teaching programs, vocational training, and life skills development, Sangeetha brings a wealth of knowledge on how to create thriving, supportive environments for neurodivergent individuals. She is also the author of Autie Tales: Interactive Stories for People with Autism and has earned certifications in integrated education, counseling, and young adults' programs.
Tune in to hear more about:
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Building sustainable, supportive living communities for adults with disabilities.
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The vision behind the Together Community and how it addresses the needs of both individuals with disabilities and their families.
If you are exploring future care options for your child with disabilities or considering community-based living models, this episode will provide you with insights, hope, and a path forward.
Key Takeaways
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Focusing on building a community that ensures care and growth for your child after you are no longer there.
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How vocational training and life skills programs create independence and fulfillment for neurodivergent adults.
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The importance of parental vision and community collaboration in shaping the future for individuals with disabilities.
You can reach out to Sangeetha at sangeetha.chakrapani@togetherfoundationtrust.org
You can find the Together Foundation at https://togetherfoundationtrust.org/
And the Together Community at https://togetherfoundationtrust.org/group-home/
If you have struggled with making a neurotypical math curriculum work for your child with disabilities, whether Down Syndrome or Autism or other disabilities that impact their sensory-motor profile,
If you have a child who communicates via AAC, or is an unreliable speaker, or a Speller - perhaps they use RPM or S2C,
you may find that either "regular" Math is not available to your child, or not accessible.
In this episode, Lisa Mihalich Quinn and I have a hard but necessary conversation on the gaps in special ed, and what needs to happen to make academics accessible for ALL STUDENTS!
Lisa has been doing this for years, and is one of the leaders in accessible academics for students with disabilities. She is also a huge advocate for non-speakers who spell / type to communicate.
Key Topics Discussed:
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Presuming competence in non-speaking and minimally speaking autistic students
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The role of assistive technology in promoting communication and learning
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Creating inclusive classrooms through collaboration between parents, educators, and students
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Communication for Education training and its impact on global educators
Connect with Lisa: You can learn more about Lisa Mihalich Quinn’s work and the Communication for Education program at https://reacheveryvoice.com
You can find Lisa's Accessible Academics program HERE.
In the 50th episode of Functional Nutrition and Learning for Kids, one of my favorite thought leaders, Soma Mukhopadhyay, talks to us about:
-how learning channels determine teaching
-the 4 goals of RPM - not just information download - but cognition, sensory, tolerance and communication goals.
-the importance of a sensory map when working with a child (as opposed to a label) If you are interested in helping your child jump start their learning and sensory goals, I highly recommend checking out RPM.
Disclaimer: The information in this Podcast is for educational purposes only. Vaishnavi Sarathy, Ph.D. is an educator, not a doctor, specifically not your child’s doctor. Please consult your physician before implementing any supplement or diet recommendations.
PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) (now being reframed as Pervasive Demand for Autonomy) is a profile on the Autism Spectrum characterized by a heightened sensitivity of the nervous system that becomes activated when a person experiences a loss of autonomy or equality.
Did you know that 70% of learners with PDA are not able to participate in traditional school settings?
In this episode, we dive into with early childhood mental health consultant and therapist Jessica Hanzo. Jessica sheds light on how PDA differs from typical demand avoidance due to its pervasive impact on the nervous system, making it challenging for individuals to access even their basic needs.
Our conversation explores:
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Why a child’s demand avoidance is NOT a parental failure.
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The external manifestations of PDA and how they can be misinterpreted.
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How to support parents, educators, and caregivers when supporting children with PDA.
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Low Demand Parenting, and how it can help your child
Jessica emphasizes the importance of reframing PDA behaviors as a response to feeling unsafe and highlights the value of understanding the nervous system, cultivating curiosity, and embracing creativity when working with these children.
You can connect with Jessica Hanzo on Instagram @pda.project or find her at https://pdaproject.com/ and explore more of her insights on supporting neurodivergent children through a neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed approach.
Links mentioned in the podcast: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/
https://pdaproject.com/
In this episode of "Non-Linear Learning," Dr. Vaish Sarathy answers a mother’s question about supporting her 10-year-old autistic son with ADHD, who struggles with anger and behaviors at school.
Dr. Vaish dives deep into the roots of dysregulation, discussing how stress—sensory, biochemical, and communication-related—can drive behaviors often mistaken for misbehavior.
Learn about the vital role of understanding and addressing your child’s stressors before turning to nutritional and supplemental interventions.
This episode offers a compassionate, science-backed approach to helping your child thrive.
Takeaways:
- Behavior is the body's response to stress, not intentional misbehavior.
- Understanding the root cause of a child's behavior is crucial for effective support.
- Addressing sensory overload, gut health, and communication needs can help reduce stress and improve behavior.
- The role of nutritional supplements in addressing behavior
“Yoga isn’t just about stretching; it’s about finding balance in every aspect of life.”
In this heartfelt episode, Fiji McAlpine, a dedicated yoga teacher and mother to an autistic child, shares her transformative journey with yoga and its profound impact on parenting. Fiji opens up about how yoga has been a guiding light, helping her navigate the ups and downs of parenting with patience, openness, and acceptance.
Discover how yoga’s calming techniques and the practice of co-regulation have helped Fiji create a grounding presence for both herself and her child. Through mindfulness and a regular yoga routine, she’s found ways to manage stress, reclaim her time, and foster a positive environment for her family.
Tune in to learn:
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The role of yoga in enhancing patience and acceptance in parenting
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How co-regulation and mindfulness can transform the parenting experience
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Practical tips for integrating yoga into your daily routine to support your family
Connect with Fiji at www.fijimcalpine.com
Explore more about integrating yoga into family life and support your journey with mindfulness!
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 people that should be using these - TEACHERS, and PARENTS don’t often use this.
In this episode, Dr. Vaish Sarathy tells you exactly what to do to build your student’s complex thinking skills.
If you want to explore how lesson plans may look for you with this idea, please DM Vaish at www.instagram.com/drvaishsarathy
You can also access her free ebook on Learning Strategies that Actually Work here.
If your child struggles with anxiety, aggression, seizure or even sleep issues, how many times have you had someone advice you - “Have you tried CBD”? Every time I hear this, I wonder how CBD can be the answer to EVERY problem?
It turns out, it is quite possible.
Dr. Julie Buckley makes her second appearance on Episode 93 of Functional Nutrition and Learning for Kids in this fantastic deep dive into CBD and how to get started for your child!
I learned 3 important things:
- Pure CBD (without terpenes, without THC) is not a sedative or psychoactive
- It is all about the dose
- Water soluble CBD is the way to go.
You can reach Dr. Buckley at www.HealthyUstore.org
If you loved this episode, please share your rating at www.ratethispodcast.com/vaish
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. Please consult your doctor before making supplement changes for your child.
We explore essential planning for parents of children with disabilities with CPA and estate attorney James Lange!
Note and disclaimer - this episode deviates from our previous episodes in that it is about financial planning and how to provide for our kids after us. Please use your usual due diligence and research before implementing these strategies. Also please note that this episode is very US-centric.
James shares his personal experience and provides valuable insights, emphasizing three critical steps: getting the child approved for SSI or SSDI, creating a special needs trust for estate planning, and optimizing taxes through Roth IRA conversions.
James offers a free book, 'Retire Secure for Parents of a Child with a Disability,' and a virtual summit for further resources and support.
Connect with James Lange at www.paytaxeslater.com and explore his book, “Retire Secure for Parents of a Child with a Disability,” for more detailed guidance.
Today’s episode is one of a kind - an expert leads us into incredible detail into the physical and physiological principles behind picky eating and other feeding disorders, specially in children and adults with Down syndrome.
If that sounds complex, I assure you that while it is complex, it is not complicated. Dr. Kay Toomey, in this episode talks to us about postural stability and breathing and how they relate to Feeding Delays.
I love it when an expert takes us back to the basics. We are often so busy looking for hacks to a particular issue that we lose track of the fundamentals. This episode is just that - a journey back to the very basics, so we can pick up what we missed and address the root cause of picky eating.
You can find Dr. Toomey at www.sosapproachtofeeding.com and you can find her freebie made just for you - a collection of Low Oral Motor Demand Foods at www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/feedingsos
Clicking on the above link will also give you an ACTION handout of this podcast.
Disclaimer: The information in this Podcast is for educational purposes only. Vaishnavi Sarathy, Ph.D. is an educator, not a doctor, specifically not your child’s doctor. Please consult your physician before implementing any supplement or diet recommendations.
We explore the vagus nerve, your body’s communication superhighway some more this week, with Dr. Navaz Habib!
Upgrading the vagus nerve is key to anti-inflammatory activity, to supporting nervous system function and mood regulation.
If you are looking to reduce your child’s anxiety, to help them switch easily from fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest, here are a few ways Dr. Navaz suggests:
- Supporting Nutrition and Gut Health [download your gut health kit here]
- Finding your breath: Diaphragmatic breathing through your nose [Use this link to explore your breath with Dr. Vaish - she is a volunteer teacher in this breathing workshop]
You can connect with Dr. Navaz Habib at drnavazhabib.com or www.healthupgraded.com
He is the host of "The Health Upgrade Podcast" and the author of the book "Upgrade Your Vagus Nerve."
Did you know that there are almost 120,000 published papers studying Magnesium in Pubmed, and 150 of them just study Magnesium supporting hyperactivity.
Over 300 study the effects of Magnesium and sleep and over 2000 publications study Magnesium and depression and it goes on. In fact last I looked, you could type in Magnesium and ANYTHING and you’d find a study for it.
But should you do Magnesium Glycinate or Magnesium Sulfate or Magnesium Citrate
Today’s guest Laura Collinwood, Registered Nurse and Holistic Health Coach, talks to us about the importance and all-pervasiveness of Magnesium – the different types and when and why they are important.
Magnesium can be a phenomenal support for Autistic people in that it supports anxiety, hyperactivity, constipation and sleep – symptoms that often co-exist.
To know exactly what forms to use and where (a sort of bullet-point summary of this podcast) get your Magnesium Toolkit here:
https://www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/magnesium
You can also reach Laura and her fantastic Magnesium Products at https://www.health-and-wisdom.com/
This is a repost of a previous episode, previously published on Jan 16, 2023
Disclaimer: The information in this Podcast is for educational purposes only. Vaishnavi Sarathy, Ph.D. is an educator, not a doctor, specifically not your child’s doctor. Please consult your physician before implementing any supplement or diet recommendations.
In this episode, Dr. Sarathy interviews Sofi Ghassaei, a remarkable and accomplished 20-year-old Autistic Poet and Playwright.
Sofi has made significant strides in the world of literature and theater despite the slower process of spelling her thoughts to communicate.
Her work has been featured in various publications such as the 2023 poetry anthology "Di lo que quieres decir," Teen Creative magazine, and Neuroclastic.
Sofi takes us through her journey of being the first non-speaking Autistic Playwright (that I know of).
The most remarkable part of Sofi’s journey in my eyes is how she took a “dare from her anxiety monster” to do this most daunting of work. Enjoy!
You can find Sofi’s Play [it is her First Year Play- Anniversary!!] at this link:
https://www.youtube.com/live/bkZB8xwm4dU?si=WMV7g2uWiYNuAHf3
SKY BREATH LINK
In this episode, Vaish answers a question from a mom of a 6-year-old Autistic boy with ADHD who is experiencing some parenting struggles. We discusses why parenting parenting a child with a disability becomes challenging - and discuss 7 ways to move from swimming upstream to downstream. Send Vaish questions to be answered in future podcasts here. To get a jump start on your child's regulation (from a gut health perspective), check out my Gut Health Toolkit. * 03:02 Swimming Against the Current * 04:26 The 7 point checklist * 07:15 Understanding the Reasons Behind Behavior * 08:10 Effective Communication with the Child * 10:30 Prioritizing Self-Care for Parents
"There is no level of inflammation, physical or mental or central nervous system inflammation, that is not damaging."
Vaish and JP Errico discuss the role of the vagus nerve in reducing inflammation (esp. neuroinflammation), cognition and supporting brain health in Episode 142.
Obviously stress and inflammation are critical in cognitive and overall health, but what is largely unknown is the role of the vagus nerve in modulating inflammation!
Vagus Nerve Stimulation can be achieved through various methods, including non-invasive devices like TruVaga (which JP helped found).
JP shares a personal experience of using vagus nerve stimulation to alleviate eczema and migraines in his child, leading to significant cognitive improvements. JP Errico's Book: The Vagus-Immune Connection TruVaga - the stimulator mentioned by JP
https://www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/dosa -For those of you interested in Dosas!
The 2nd most common question I get asked is this: What is an Anti-Inflammatory Diet, and how do you feed your son?
So I thought I would lead you on a day's plan of a vegetarian anti-inflammatory meals.
We will talk about breakfast, a pre-breakfast (!!), lunch and dinner! And blood sugar balancing, nutrient density, gut health and more!
"If your child is having difficulty moving their body, they ARE going to have difficulty in moving their eyes."
Dr. Susan Daniel, neuro-developmental optometrist talk about vision and its role in learning and regulation for Autistic students and learners with Down Syndrome
Vision difficulties can impact a child's regulation and behavior, leading to frustration and anxiety.
Dr. Daniel explains the various components of vision, including visual gathering skills, eye teaming, and visual processing.
Tune in to learn:
- Why specialized vision exams are crucial for children with autism, Down syndrome, and other disabilities
- How vision difficulties can impact a child's regulation and behavior, leading to frustration and anxiety
- The components of Vision
- What you can do right now to support your child’s learning
00:00 The Impact of Vision on Regulation and Behavior
06:09 The Relationship Between Body Movement and Eye Movement
16:23 The Gap in Vision Evaluations for Children with Disabilities
34:46 The Importance of Access to Complex Information
45:21 Passion for Helping Children and Adults with Vision Impairments
Links mentioned in the podcast:
Find a developmental optometrist here:
-
www.covd.org
-
www.noravisionrehab.org
The reading app Dr. Daniel mentioned: www.bookshare.org
You can reach Dr. Daniel at susan.danieloptometry@gmail.com
In this week's Wednesday Wind-Up, we explore the connection between motivation, feedback, choice and learning, for children with disabilities - whether Down Syndrome, Autism or a generic "learning disability".
In less than 7 minutes, you will learn exactly what 2 things you can do rightaway to build learning and motivation in your child.
00:00 The Science of Motivation and Learning 03:12 Optimizing Learning for Children with Disabilities 04:59 The Power of Choice and Communication in Learning If you are interested in learning about NON LINEAR LEARNING - check out this free guide to learn 5 strategies to turn ON your child's learning switch. Non Linear Learning
Dr. Vaish Sarathy interviews Andra McHugh, the host of the Eczema Kids podcast and founder of the Eczema Kids brand. Andra shares her personal journey of dealing with her children's severe eczema and her quest to find natural solutions.
In the face of extremely conflicting dietary advice, Andra cracked the code using functional nutrition and ayurveda.
- "There's so much that you can do within your home environment to help bring down their histamine levels and make your environment a little less triggering." - Andra McHugh
Tune in to learn about:
- Overcoming Eczema Without Steroids
- Nutritional Strategies and Topical Treatments for Children's Eczema
- Integrating Ayurveda and Functional Medicine in Eczema Treatment
- Managing Eczema Through Diet
You can find Andra at:
- Eczema Kids website
- Eczema Kids podcast
You can download Vaish's Gut Health Toolkit here.
Functional Nutrition and Learning for Kids is being renamed and redesigned.
To start with - here is a weekly Monday Mindset Shifter to think a little bit differently about your week!
This week, we are talking about the opposite of grief!
In this episode of Function and Nutrition and Learning for Kids, we dive into the profound impact of nutrition on human health with Dr. John Lewis, founder and president of Dr. Lewis Nutrition. With a prolific background boasting over 180 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Lewis shares his expertise on the role of polysaccharides in brain health and immune function, and his research’s implications for serious conditions such as Alzheimer's, MS, HIV, and chronic diseases.
Join us as we explore the powerful impact of targeted nutritional intervention on brain health.
You can find Dr. Lewis at https://www.drlewisnutrition.com/
Be sure to check out Dr. Lewis’s new book The Complete Nutrition Guide to Cognitive Function
Speaking of Neuroplasticity SUpport, there is still time to tune in to Dr. Vaish Sarathy’s FREE workshop:
BUILDING INTELLIGENCE - at www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/intelligenceworkshop
[00:00:00] Polysaccharides for brain health.
[00:06:38] Nutrition vs. Pharmacology.
[00:12:17] Polysaccharides and their benefits.
[00:24:14] Signs of inflammation.
[00:28:37] Big Pharma domination in research
[00:31:43] Polysaccharides for cognitive health.
[00:41:38] Aloe vera polysaccharides benefits.
[00:46:57] Daily Brain Care benefits.
Intelligence is not a constant. The brain is constantly changing, adapting, and learning new skills. Most tests, including IQ tests, do not measure intelligence accurately.
In this episode, Dr. Vaish Sarathy talks about the role of AI, Growth Mindset in what she calls Intellectual Malleability - the idea (which comes from Neuroplasticity) that intelligence can change for anyone regardless of label or diagnosis.
You can sign up for her FREE workshop on building intelligence at the link below:
https://www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/intelligenceworkshop
In this workshop, Vaish talks about the 3-step method to building intelligence in your child with disability - be that Down Syndrome or Autism.
How can we help our kids cultivate a healthy relationship with food? If your child is struggling with picky eating, Stephanie Mara Fox talks to Dr Vaish Sarathy about the Art of Somatic Eating and how to navigate food restrictions in kids.
Especially in kids with disabilities (Autism, for example), it is important to understand that:
-
The nervous system plays a crucial role in our experience with food, and regulation is key to creating a safe and regulated environment.
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Trauma can impact a person's relationship with food, and it is important to approach food behavior with empathy and curiosity.
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Tools for regulation, such as body awareness and co-regulation, can be helpful in supporting children with picky eating.
CHAPTERS
01:14 Understanding Somatic Eating
07:24 The Nervous System and Food
08:03 Regulation and Children's Experience with Food
15:43 The Impact of Trauma on Food Behavior
30:34 Tools for Regulation
35:05 Applying Regulation Techniques to Picky Eating
You can reach Stephanie at:
Website: https://www.stephaniemara.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_stephaniemara/
Find Dr. Vaish Sarathy at
www.instagram.com/drvaishsarathy
And Download your free Picky Eating Toolkit HERE!
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 your child
- What this means for communication
Enjoy!
Timeline: 00:56 Bilingualism and Cognitive Protection 03:12 Enhanced Memory, Attention, and Executive Function 04:11 Takeaway 1: Expose Kids to Multiple Languages 05:04 Takeaway 2: Communicate in Multiple Languages 06:00 Takeaway 3: Using Different Forms of Communication
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 Mother Bear!
Tune in to learn:
- The 3 pillars of Advocacy
- Dr. Maureen's parent resilience toolkit that she uses herself
- The single most powerful tool for building inner stability
You can find Dr. Maureen at
www.maureenmichelemd.com
instagram.com/maureenmichelemd
I am also offering my Anxiety Toolkit to you today - a 10 point checklist of things that work, when nothing seems to.
You can download it for free at www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/anxietytoolkit
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 can flip the traditional “boring” Math script!
Non Linear Education launches in 4 weeks - get on the waitlist!
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 learning disability?
Listen on to learn more….
________
Dr. Jen Leon is the Director of All Minds Academy, an online high school program for neurodiverse students who communicate best by spelling or typing. All Minds Academy recently announced a new, accredited high school diploma program through a partnership with Global Village School that's starting Fall, 2024.
To learn more about Dr. Jen's math services and high school program and to schedule a complimentary initial consultation visit allmindsacademy.com.
________
If you are new to Non Linear Education principles, I (Dr Vaish Sarathy) have a brand new toolkit with 5 strategies to get you started on this journey.
Use them to switch on your child’s learning switch. You can find this free toolkit at www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/nonlinearlearning
Find Dr Vaish on Instagram
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 on the 6 learning hacks here.
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 hard work have nothing to do with results, with change. What does?
Listen on …
You can find Vaish’s 6 learning strategies here: https://www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/learning
Follow Vaish on Instagram for daily inspiration.
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 to the chronic stress that sometimes parents (especially moms) of children with disability experience.
Tune in to learn about:
- The top 3 ways to address burnout and the “freeze response” in moms
- What the step prior to gratitude is (it’s ok to not start from gratitude)
- How we can redefine self care to not just survive but thrive under chronic stress.
You can take Dr. Romie’s Busy Brain Test at https://drromie.com/busy-brain-test/
Make sure to pre-order her book The Busy Brain Cure today - it will be out in Jan 2024.
You can find Dr. Romie Mushtaq at drromie.com or www.instagram.com/drromie
“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, if you spend restless nights awake in sheer terror anticipating a meeting and after an IEP meeting or a meeting with your child’s school, this episode is for you!
In this episode you will learn about:
-
The number 1 skill that teachers can benefit from…
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Why your student is more than a “buddy” or “kiddo”
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Common conflicts at IEP meetings - Tools for parents to help navigate school meetings - Why compliance and engagement are different
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Why goals should focus on the learner strengths, not behaviors.
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What a neurodiversity affirming IEP looks like!
You can find Lisa Wright at https://www.lisabaskinwright.com/ or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lisabaskinwright/
“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 today in my podcast.
Join me in this conversation with Andrea Pollack of Autism Parent Solutions to see what it is that helps Moms regulate - how can we support our children's regulation and help them grow.
It turns out that a lot of Learning and Regulation Strategies have many similar roots. Feel free to download my free book on 6 strategies that support Learning and Regulation - at www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/learning
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 to improve your child's learning and behavior, this episode is for you!
Download Dr. Sarathy's free ebook, The Gut-Health Cheat-Sheet and Toolkit for Children, at
Sign up for the waitlist for her upcoming course, Roadmap to Attention and Regulation
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 language on the disability community.
Follow Vaish on Instagram
Contact us with questions you'd like addressed on my podcast at : vaish@functionalnutritionforkids.com [Subject: Podcast Questions]
Get a free ebook on 6 transformative learning strategies:
www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/learning
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 of our kids’ nervous systems when they are stressed.
We discuss how to recognize these states, build resources into your daily life, and provide sensory support for your child.
Topics Covered:
-
- Child behavior as a response to stress and overwhelm. 0:00
- Childhood overwhelm and shutdown responses. 4:58
- Managing childhood overwhelm and building resilience. 9:55
- Autism and sensory overload. 15:16
- Managing overwhelm and chronic freeze response in moms. 20:00
- Supporting children's nervous systems. 24:17
- Addressing biochemical imbalances in children. 29:07 Audience: This podcast is designed for parents, caregivers, teachers, school staff and anyone interested in understanding and supporting children dealing with stress and behavioral challenges.
Connect:
- Find Vaish at www.functionalnutritionforkids.com and www.instagram.com/drvaishsarathy
- Find Michelle at www.botanacea.com
Reviews and Feedback: We value your feedback and encourage you to leave a review to help us improve our content.
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 Autistic children.
Audience:
This episode is designed for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities.
Key Takeaways:
- CBD benefits for pediatric patients with epilepsy. 2:35
- Using CBD and THC for treating epilepsy and autism. 7:32
- CBD dosing for Autistic kids. 12:47
- CBD side-effects for Autistic children. 17:38
- Caution and testimony. 29:31
- Resources 40:27
Host(s):
- Hosted by Vaish Sarathy, Ph.D. [Functional Nutrition for Kids]
- Special guest: Dr. Bonni Goldstein, M.D., Cannabis Medicine Specialist
Connect with Us:
- www.instagram.com/drvaishsarathy
Support the Show: If you find our content valuable, please subscribe and share with other parents who may be intersted. We appreciate your reviews and feedback to help us improve our content.
Additional Resources Mentioned:
- Cannabis is Medicine - Book by Dr. Goldstein
- Hope Grows for Autism
- Whole Plants Access for Autism
- To find healthcare practitioners knowledgeable about cannabinoid medicine, visit www.canna-centers.com
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 to move ahead.
Sign up for my FREE training where I share Behind the Scenes Wisdom and Secrets about how I teach Math and Science to children labeled with “severe” disabilities. You can sign up at the link in my bio which is www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/teachyourchild
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 educational purposes only. Restrictive diets are hard and tricky, so make sure you have someone by your side who knows what they are doing, and who can help you navigate.
In this episode, you will learn:
- Purpose of the GAPS diet. 2:48
- Why GAPS can fail your child? 9:12
- Restrictive diets that restrict carbohydrates. 14:57
- The story of a child who turned around when carbs were introduced. 17:54
- Respect for the child and their body. 22:56
- What to do about the fear of sugar and carbs. 29:12
- Gut motility and the microbiome. 37:03
- How to figure out grains and gluten? 42:06
You can find Dr. Peirson HERE. She is also on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s the article referenced.
How GAPS can fail your child by Judy Converse.
————————-
Non-Linear Education taught by Vaish Sarathy, Ph.D. [How to teach any child with an Intellectual Delay] will soon be open for enrollment.
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 dis regulation
- What neurodevelopmental and integrative movements can do to support regulation
- How adding more than one complementary technique can transform a child’s growth
- The difference between behavior and compensation.
This is a pretty phenomenal episode, and here are some links if you want to know Sonia and Lili more.
Brain and Sensory Foundations course
Case Studies, Inspiring Stories and Research
47 pages of Evidence on brain-based movements for transforming challenges
In addition, just for nervous moms, I have created a 10-step free resource to help you make most of your child’s return to school this year.
If you are nervous about another year with IEPs and going Back-To-School within a special ed system, check out my free resource at www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/backtoschool
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 people that should be using these - TEACHERS, and PARENTS don’t often use this.
In this episode, Dr. Vaish Sarathy tells you exactly what to do to build your student’s complex thinking skills.
If you want to explore how lesson plans may look for you with this idea, please DM Vaish at www.instagram.com/drvaishsarathy
You can also access her free ebook on Learning Strategies that Actually Work here.
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 and unfiltered information
- Delve into 4 essential pillars of well-being
- Explore the mind-body-spirit connection and the importance of cultivating safety and security
You can reach Dr. Wilde at drmarywilde.com or connect on Insta at @drmarywilde.
Dr. Wilde is sharing her free notes titled: "Your Road to Calm: Stress Detox for the Modern Family" by clicking HERE.
If you are looking to address Anxiety through Gut Health, you can find 5 powerful tools in my Free Ebook here: www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/guthealth
What questions remain in your mind? Send me a DM on Insta www.instagram.com/drvaishsarathy
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 challenges that Autistic kids face
- How do music and rhythm impact our children’s movement
- Why regulation is the most important part of communication
And much more!
You can find Casey at www.optimalaccess.org
You can download 6 learning strategies/ hacks for your kid with Autism here:
www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/learning
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 the meantime, you can find Dr. Houghton on www.cell-logic.com.au, and you can find gut health tidbits at www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/guthealth
Please consider leaving me a review on your favorite podcast platform and share this episode with your friends and family. Thanks for listening!
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 help families manage nutrition and behavior for children with Autism.
Animesh shares his personal story of struggle in finding the right care for his son with Autism, and how this led him to develop an innovative solution to help families track their child's food intake without the burden of traditional food logs and diaries. This is an episode you won't want to miss!
Visit www.oceanfriends.ai to learn more and get started.
If you loved this episode, please drop us a rating and review wherever you are listening!
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 and Nutrient deficienicies
This is a far-reaching podcast, and we also delved into inflammation, Omega-3s, genetics, arachidonic acid, vagus nerve activation and more!
Finally, we touched upon the 3 most critical nutrients for children with learning disoders.
You can find more or Amanda’s work at www.genomickitchen.com .
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to drop a review at www.ratethispodcast.com/vaish
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 removing gluten enough?
If you are looking for a course that will take you through the confusing maze of dietary interention, Roadmap to Attention and Regulation may be a good fit for you.
www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/roar
If you are overwhelmed by starting a diet without gluten, then my FREE Power Breakfast challenge is for you. Because we need to start somewhere - and where better than breakfast. It starts next week. So join me at www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/powerbreakfast
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 asleep.
And if you are concerned about learning / focus / moods, you can pretty much forget about fixing these in the absence of a good night’s sleep.
Sleep is a keystone habit! This means that poor sleep can affect every body system and all sorts of neurological
Here are 10 strategies to help your child fall asleep from a discussion with Deepa Kannan, the Sleep Whisperer.
I have curated the tips into a downloadable ebook - that you can find at www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/sleeptips - Download that here.
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 potential. Tune in to discover the power of keystone habits and how they can transform your child's life. And don't forget to join Vaish's free Power Breakfast Challenge at www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/powerbreakfast to take the first step towards building your child's daily stress resilience.
I am in conversation with Robin Green, an expert in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, as she shares her knowledge and experience with Ear Seeds, a non-invasive, pain-free acupressure technique that can benefit children with Down Syndrome, Autism, ADHD, and other disabilities.
Discover how Ear Seeds can help alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, focus and memory issues, pain, digestive problems, and weight loss, without any side effects.
Robin explains how Ear Seeds work by stimulating specific points on the ear that correspond to different areas of the body, and shares how children can even learn to activate their own parasympathetic nervous system by pressing on their ear seeds when needed.
With the Ear Seeds Ambassadors Club and a comprehensive learning track on ear anatomy, parents can empower themselves to support their children's health and wellness. You can find this at https://www.thriveearseeds.com/ .
Tune in to this podcast to learn more about how Ear Seeds can provide a natural, holistic approach to helping children with disabilities live their best lives.
If you are new to the world of Functional Nutrition / Learning, or simply want learning strategies for your child with disabilities, download my free ebook at www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/learning
You are also invited to leave me a review at www.ratethispodcast.com/vaish
When your child learns in a Neurodivergent way - whether they have ADHD / are Autistic / have Down Syndrome, it is highly unlikely that a structured school environment that teaches concepts step-by-regimented step is working out for them.
If you find your child stuck - learning the colors, learning the alphabet, learning numbers, it may be time to branch out.
And by branching out, I mean dismissing the notion that addition is some sort of holy gateway to math. Move along the way of non-linear education - an interest based technique that allows your child to be a curious and effective learner.
This podcast is a short dive in what Non-Linear Education means.
If you want to learn more about non linear education, you can sign up for my course at www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/nonlineareducation
If you want to hear about the journey of non-speakers, the movie SPELLERS will have its grand premiere very soon. Keep your ears tuned!
Is it Sleep or is it ADHD? You could really ask that question a million ways … Is it Blood Sugar Balance or is it ADHD? And so on… And it is likely both.
The name of a collection of symptoms is different from the cause of the symptoms.
In Functional Nutrition and Learning for Kids we look at the Ins and Outs of Learning and Brain Health. What comes from the inside - nutrition and gut health, and what comes from the outside - learning skills and educational strategies.
Sleep comes from both the inside and the outside, making it on of the most critical things in learning. Sleep Disorder and ADHD in Kids can have so many overlapping symptoms, per today’s guest Dr. Meghna Dassani.
And if you think your child is sleeping well, please think again.
Dr. Dassani packs a lot of information in this podcast - you can reach her at www.meghnadassani.com
“LIfe outcomes are poorer for kids who are not good readers” - says today’s featured guest Dr. Marnie Ginsberg. The truth of this statement is profound for neurotypical kids. Unfortunately, most kids with Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, or Autism are not even allowed to become good readers or to access material that is age appropriate.
In episode 106 - we go into one specific area of Reading Comprehension - Cracking the Code.
Dr. Marnie Ginsberg, Founder of Reading Simplified, is a reading difficulties detective who streamlines the science and art of reading instruction so teachers can rapidly learn effective techniques that help students accelerate to grade level and beyond. She also helps translate the latest understandings from science into practical, easy-to-implement activities. You can find Dr. Ginsberg at www.readingsimplified.com
If you have concerns with Reading Comprehension for your child, I have 4 strategies in a free download for you at www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/readingtools
Did you know that there are almost 120,000 published papers studying Magnesium in Pubmed, and 150 of them just study Magnesium supporting hyperactivity.
Over 300 study the effects of Magnesium and sleep and over 2000 publications study Magnesium and depression and it goes on. In fact last I looked, you could type in Magnesium and ANYTHING and you’d find a study for it.
But should you do Magnesium Glycinate or Magnesium Sulfate or Magnesium Citrate
Today’s guest Laura Collinwood, Registered Nurse and Holistic Health Coach, talks to us about the importance and all-pervasiveness of Magnesium - the different types and when and why they are important.
Magnesium can be a phenomenal support for Autistic people in that it supports anxiety, hyperactivity, constipation and sleep - symptoms that often co-exist.
To know exactly what forms to use and where (a sort of bullet-point summary of this podcast) get your Magnesium Toolkit here:
https://www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/magnesium
You can also reach Laura and her fantastic Magnesium Products at https://www.health-and-wisdom.com/ - Coupon MAG10 will give you 10% off.
I am chatting with experienced Special Educator Ange Anderson. And this is a unique episode in that it ended up being a pretty exhaustive list of various sound therapies that Ange has used over the years and has found to be impactful in improving her students’ regulation.
Among other things we talk about:
Sound Baths
Music Therapy
Auditory Integration Therapy, etc.
I often talk about 6 things you can do to start impacting learning right away - and these are in my free ebook - www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/learning. To this, I would add Auditory Integration Therapy as a 7th.
Here’s a link to Ange’s book
If you enjoyed this podcast, please do drop a review!
What’s common between Salads, cold milk, and lack of sleep? Nidhi Pandya, Ayurvedic Practitioner explains that every one of these can lead to increased Vata which is a common core of most neurological issues.
Join me as I discuss how and why thousand year old Ayurvedic frameworks are still relevant today in treating diseases and dysfunction, that may never have been discussed in ancient times.
We discuss:
- Why Ayurvedic principles still work today
- Gut Health per Ayurvedic dosha type
- Why today’s kids are a Vata generation
- 8 steps for an Ayurvedic lifestyle that can help kids with Autism, ADHD or neurological issues.
You can reach Nidhi at
https://www.instagram.com/my_ayurvedic_life/
https://nidhipandya.podia.com/decode-digestive-disorders
Nidhi talks about gut health in this podcast. If you want to get started on Gut Health basics for your child with Down syndrome or Autism, hop on to www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/guthealth and get your free guide.
“When we have trauma patterns in our nervous system, the only possible outcome are behaviors that come from a trauma place.”
Today’s episode is all about TRAUMA and the NERVOUS SYSTEM. Until this episode, I freely admit that I might have had a misunderstanding of trauma as an event, as opposed to an experience. Dr. Aimie calls it as anything that leaves a lasting effect on the body.
Whether you have experienced Trauma, or care for someone who may have experienced Trauma, I hope this episode steers toward an understanding of Trauma and How to Unravel it.
You can reach Dr. Aimie at https://www.traumahealingaccelerated.com/ and find the 21-day Journey she recommends.
If you are finding this podcast valuable, I would deeply appreciate a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/vaish
“When we have trauma patterns in our nervous system, the only possible outcome are behaviors that come from a trauma place.”
Today’s episode is all about TRAUMA and the NERVOUS SYSTEM. Until this episode, I freely admit that I might have had a misunderstanding of trauma as an event, as opposed to an experience. Dr. Aimie calls it as anything that leaves a lasting effect on the body.
Whether you have experienced Trauma, or care for someone who may have experienced Trauma, I hope this episode steers toward an understanding of Trauma and How to Unravel it.
You can reach Dr. Aimie at https://www.traumahealingaccelerated.com/ and find the 21-day Journey she recommends.
If you are finding this podcast valuable, I would deeply appreciate a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/vaish
Do traditional systems of medicine align with modern understanding of disease? The one question on my mind has always been that a lot of the disorders and dysfunctions we see today are rather new, at least in their extent and prevalence. How do Ayurveda or Chinese Medicine provide us with answers?
Also, how far do we feel comfortable veering from traditional food practices, and moving away from foods like wheat and dairy, that were once considered nourishing?
KP Khalsa, herbalist, nutritionist, yoga teacher and educator answers these questions in this episode.
KP has an exclusive free gift for our listeners at
https://go.internationalintegrative.com/natural-solutions-for-autism/
Did you know I taught the binary system of numbers to my son when he was maybe 9 years old. Not only that - at the time he could go back and forth between the binary and decimal system for small numbers.
The twist is that my son has Down Syndrome, is Autistic and non-speaking. But I wouldn’t classify him as a genius.
Over years I have worked on and refined a process that I call Non-Linear Education - that I have used to help my son overcome barriers - both imposed by society and sometimes by his multiple diagnoses.
In this podcast, I talk you through the 7 steps involved in teaching complex math (or science) to your child with Autism or Down Syndrome or other disability.
Download / Print the 7 steps at www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/binary
If you have enjoyed this podcast, I would love it if you could leave a review wherever you are listening!
There is often a correlation between how a child eats and how they learn. Dr. Bill Sears in this podcast talks about 4 points that he teaches kids and parents to focus on:
- Go Fish
- Go Green
- Go Nuts, and
- Go Blue
I am so excited to interview someone whose work I have followed so closely when my kids were younger. I am pretty sure I was on the “askdrsears.com" website all the time.
In this episode Dr. Bill Sears talks about how he addresses growth issues in his practice, and does a special segment just for us on how to further help children with Down syndrome who have growth issues.
Gut Health and Growth Ebook www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/guthealth
There is often a correlation between how a child eats and how they learn. Dr. Bill Sears in this podcast talks about 4 points that he teaches kids and parents to focus on:
- Go Fish
- Go Green
- Go Nuts, and
- Go Blue
I am so excited to interview someone whose work I have followed so closely when my kids were younger. I am pretty sure I was on the “askdrsears.com" website all the time.
In this episode Dr. Bill Sears talks about how he addresses growth issues in his practice, and does a special segment just for us on how to further help children with Down syndrome who have growth issues.
Gut Health and Growth Ebook www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/guthealth
How can your child progress beyond purees?
Today’s episode is part 2 in the series on Feeding Disorders in Down Syndrome - we are continuing on from Episode 92 with Dr. Kay Toomey who leads us a beautifully detailed explanation on the hierarchy of what feeding should like, especially in children with Down syndrome.
This particular episode comes with several handouts that Dr. Kay Toomey references. I recommend that you have all of these opened while listening to the podcast - to give you the best experience.
You can go to www.functionalnutritionalforkids.com/feedingsos to get these handouts and my own set of notes that you can print out.
You can find Dr. Toomey at www.sosapproachtofeeding.com
Handouts
This was the conversation I was not expecting to have!!
I invited my friend, Functional Nutritionist and Yogi - Deepa Kannan to lead me through a tough conversation about my 3 weeks on a vegan diet.
And believe me, the conversation was TOUGH!! If you are interested in hearing me be grilled, this is your chance.
For those of you who didn’t know, my daughter and I explored a vegan diet for just 3 weeks.
It is just a vegan diet. This shouldn’t be a big deal, but turns out - it was for the 20+ people who unsubscribed after learning about this!!
Join me (and Deepa) as we explore the things I learned and unlearned during this brief journey, and why I may never do a vegan diet for my son.
Since we talk a lot about gut health in this conversation, if you like, check out my free ebook on gut health at www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/guthealth
TWO biggest myths in nutritional interventions (and the reason most dietary changes don’t work).
Did you know that 10-30% of children with ADHD don’t respond to medication, or worse, experience adverse effects to these medications?
It is high time to try easier and more effective strategies such as dietary changes for brain health.
If Food is Medicine, there should be nothing that can go wrong when you enter the area of Nutritional Interventions, right?
No, there are two huge areas where people slip up over and over again, and this is the reason "healing" diets don't work for many many people.
MYTH 1: Everything is OK in moderation.
If you are trying to make active change, it is important that the areas that are healing are significantly higher than the areas that are inflammatory. In fact, at least for a short time, you may need to shut off the inflammatory foods.
This is of course hard, because inflammatory food is usually addictive. But taking every food that causes inflammation out of the diet is almost impossible.
That is why, in my signature course offering R.O.A.R [Roadmap to Attention and Regulation] - which is open for enrollment now, I take care to not stress the parent with too many factors to control and remove.
R.O.A.R. [Enroll or Waitlist]
Psychiatric Times Article
What if you had a toolbox that told you exactly where to start with your child’s health? Honestly, if we could all just find a place to start, just that one foothold over the seemingly rocky cliffs of food and nutrition, the next foothold is often apparent. Sometimes after years of a healthy, fantastic diet, you might hit a plateau again, and that is when a handy toolkit, right in place can help you find your foot hold yet again.
In this podcast, Dr. Sachin Patel leads us through a 9 step toolkit of changing your child’s health and energy, starting with my favorite step 1:
- Taste is important. Find out what your kids love. From there we want to make our foods as healthy as we possibly can.
- Don’t give up after the first time.
You can find Dr. Sachin Patel here.
To know more about your child's diet and how to get it to do some heavy lifting for their brain health, sign up for my FREE training this week : 3 signs that your child’s diet is NOT working for them
If your child has trouble falling asleep, moving from a state of distress to a state of calm, if they have trouble with digestion, they likely have something called low Vagal Tone. The Vagus Nerve is the longest nerve in the body and touches so many aspects of our functioning and is known to be a factor especially in children with digestive, neurological and inflammatory concerns, and I think that accounts for most of us kids with disabilities.
Dr. Navaz Habib, the author of “Activate Your Vagus Nerve” and host of “The Health Upgrade Podcast” talks to us about thing you can do, even if your child is apraxic / dyspraxic.
Check out this podcast to get 3 things you can implement right away to upgrade your child’s digestion, sleep and mood.
More on Gut Health at www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/guthealth
Can you change your genetic expression based on what you eat? Conversely, if you are one of those people that are chronically deficient in say, Iron or Vitamin D, are your genes to blame? And what can you do about it?
How can this apply to factors that affect Autism/ADHD symptoms?
In this episode, Amanda Archibald, pioneer in genomic nutrition, explains to us how - not only do genes affect how you can process food, but you can actually fine tune the food you eat to optimize your genes?
Whether you need help with Omega-3 supplementation, or whether you need to USE Omega-3s to modulate some “slacker” genes, nutrigenomics is the field you have been waiting for.
You can find Amanda Archibald at www.genomickitchen.com
In the meantime, we are using nutrigenomics practically in our 5-day dosa challenge. Sign up at www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/dosa to find out how to make a dosa over 5 days and why a Dosa is the perfect breakfast for your child.
If your child struggles with anxiety, aggression, seizure or even sleep issues, how many times have you had someone advice you - “Have you tried CBD”? Every time I hear this, I wonder how CBD can be the answer to EVERY problem?
It turns out, it is quite possible.
Dr. Julie Buckley makes her second appearance on Episode 93 of Functional Nutrition and Learning for Kids in this fantastic deep dive into CBD and how to get started for your child!
I learned 3 important things:
- Pure CBD (without terpenes, without THC) is not a sedative or psychoactive
- It is all about the dose
- Water soluble CBD is the way to go.
You can reach Dr. Buckley at www.HealthyUstore.org
If you loved this episode, please share your rating at www.ratethispodcast.com/vaish
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. Please consult your doctor before making supplement changes for your child.
Today’s episode is one of a kind - an expert leads us into incredible detail into the physical and physiological principles behind picky eating and other feeding disorders, specially in children and adults with Down syndrome.
If that sounds complex, I assure you that while it is complex, it is not complicated. Dr. Kay Toomey, in this episode talks to us about postural stability and breathing and how they relate to Feeding Delays.
I love it when an expert takes us back to the basics. We are often so busy looking for hacks to a particular issue that we lose track of the fundamentals. This episode is just that - a journey back to the very basics, so we can pick up what we missed and address the root cause of picky eating.
You can find Dr. Toomey at www.sosapproachtofeeding.com and you can find her freebie made just for you - a collection of Low Oral Motor Demand Foods at www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/feedingsos
Clicking on the above link will also give you an ACTION handout of this podcast.
What information does LIGHT bring to your child? Can artificial sources of light actually lower attention and cause dysregulation? Can you hear a light?
Roudy Nassif, founder of VivaRays, and all-round light wiz leaves us with a lot of really new information about how light influences every body system we have and leaves us with 3 tips to use light to our benefit (and our kids’ benefit)
- Go outside and witness the sunrise for at least 15 mins.
I just started doing this, and I can attest that I feel a lot more energetic in the mornings.
Listen on for more of Roudy’s insights on attention, light, sensory overwhelm and regulation!
You can find more information at http://www.vivarays.com/
Madison is non-speaking, Autistic, and passionate that EVERYONE have access to a Math and Science Education. As a speller who was treated throughout school as though she understood very little, Madison speaks up for everyone as she insists that not just Math, even Advanced Math should be accessible to everyone! This is a video podcast and can be accessed HERE.
Is school the right place for Education? Today we discuss this age-old question with some interesting twists.
If you are the parent of a child with Autism / Down Syndrome / Cerebral Palsy / Other hidden disabilities, you might find that the questions about school are very different for you.
I provide an decision / question framework to help you decide for yourself.
Wouldn’t you love it if there were natural, plant-sourced, HERBAL alternatives to everything chronic you have been struggling with for your or your child, whether that be attention or digestive issues or immune support?
Today’s guest Dr. Mary Bove is a herbal medicine expert and takes us through the ins and outs of herbal medicine, when it works and what is often missed in application for kids.
Here’s a spoiler: Dr. Bove’s favorite herbs for kids under 5 are:
- Fennel Seed
- Chamomile Flowers
- Lemon Balm
You can use these in teas / extracts / baths / glycerin extracts / add them to water or juices, and so on….
You can read Dr. Mary Love at herbaldocmb@gmail.com
And make sure to get your free Gut Health Kit at www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/guthealth
NOTE: This Episode is Available on YOUTUBE at https://youtu.be/aGRTnqxvsqg
Danny Whitty is a nonspeaking Autistic and Apraxic man, who was unable to communicate his thoughts for 30 years of his life.
He now uses S2C (Spelling to Communicate) to share his deep insight, advocacy, writing and poetry with the world. In this episode, Danny shares about the people that have made a difference in his life, about how access to communication has completely transformed the way he shares, and the immense importance of communication and respect in the world of Non-Speaking Autistic people.
If you have an Autistic child who is either non-speaking or minimally speaking or “unreliably” speaking (which means that there is a body-mind disconnect, that older autistics often talk about where what one says isn’t really what one wants to say) - I do hope you consider RPM or S2C to take your child’s communication journey onward.
In this episode, Danny speaks about his experience with ABA, and how that might have led to even simple communication being unreliable (saying YES when means NO, for example).
You can find Danny at https://dannywithwords.com/ and https://dannywithwords.com/the-ocean-us-podcast/ .
Learn more about Assuming Intelligence and Non-Linear Education at www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/nonlineareducation
Some studies indicate that up to 50% of preschool aged kids might be considered picky eaters.
It also reveals, on a more subtle level that most strategies that are used to help picky eating are behavioral / parenting, though Picky Eating is typically NOT a behavior response, nor a result of poor parenting.
Behavior is communication, what is viewed as negative behavior is an expression of pain / discomfort / frustration or even a lack of security or safety.
We are going to review the 18 most suggested tips for picky eaters and see what’s common between them, what works and what does NOT work!
These are not MY tips, I agree with some of them, I actually don’t agree with some of them, but this is what you are likely to hear the most often when you look up picky eating.
Let us sort through 18 of the most common tips!
Do check out my picky eating toolkit - for a functional nutrition perspective - at www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/eatwell
Laura Fuentes, Author of my favorite cookbook Taco Tuesdays, mom, CEO and Instagram Star talks to us in very clear wisdom about what it takes to work with food struggles, dining table power struggles and mom fatigue.
If you think that in your home, picky eating may be more of a communication - mis-communication issue or a struggle that has less biochemistry and more behavior, this is the podcast for you!
Laura shares 3 tips about how you can manage your mindset right away:
- Cook One meal
- Stop micromanaging the eating process
- Look at nutrition as a big picture - instead of meal to meal
I especially liked the last point. But there is a lot more wisdom here. Please listen on….
You can find Laura at www.momables.com
Find your Free Picky Eating Toolkit at www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/eatwell
For the first time I explore the fascinating world of Functional Labs. Nichole Herms - a fellow Chemist who is a researcher at Spectracell Labs.
In this podcast we explore how Lymphocyte Proliferation Assays (which is the technology Spectracell uses) can go beyond testing your child's current blood levels of nutrients to truly understanding:
-
Bioavailability of the nutrient
-
Accessibility (can your child use it)
-
Functional Need for the nutrient
Which means two people that eat the same diet and have similar lifestyles - may now show up with completely functional need values.
This discussion is phenomenal in its detail. You might just go running out to order a Spectracell test. www.spectracell.com
Note: Doors to Roadmap to Attention and Regulation are open for the next 10 days only. To learn how to use Food as Medicine to Increase Attention and Reduce Hyperactivity, ENROLL TODAY!
NOTE, I recommend that you check out the YOUTUBE VIDEO with subtitles HERE
Imane uses a speech generating device - and sometimes the audio isn't completely clear - even though Imane's thoughts are beyond Crystal Clear. So do check out the VIDEO version of this podcast, so you can soak in Imane's beautiful language completely. [I would have uploaded the video here, but have a data limit]
In this last episode of 2021, non-speaking Autistic poet Imane Boukaila shares her strong, beautifully framed thoughts.
Imane comes to language in a very unique way and to listen (and in our case also read) her thoughts is a deep insight and I now understand why she says "Shallow thinkers would drown in the depths of Autistic Minds" ~ Happy Listening!
Kathlena, the Allergy Chef, has over 200 food allergies and intolerances, so many more than others can even imagine. And having been through this complex and hard journey, brings a uniquely empowered and scientific mindset to working with food restrictions.
I can truly say that talking to Kathlena changed my perspective on how to work with foods. If you want to understand how to make cooking a precise science - done with the passion of an art - look no farther.
Episode notes at www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/2021/82
Use code functional50 for 50% off your first month of membership at RAISE (Kathlena's Recipe Finder) https://goraise.net/ That code is good for 1 year.
Free Ebook on gut health at www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/guthealth
Synsthete and Writer Sofi Ghassaei is a minimally speaking Autistic teen with a very fierce voice.
In this podcast, Sofi shares her world view, her experience with food, reactions, sensitivities, friendship and joy.
She ends with "We are here to make you learn and find love, so pay attention."
Please do pay attention to this SHORT but RICH podcast - heavy with experience, rich with meaning, and loaded with wisdom for you!
Kris Rice provides soul care for mamas raising kids with mental health challenges. In her words Ditch guilt ~ Create clarity ~ Find freedom.
In this podcast, we explore the non-negotiables behind reaching such a state, getting over the conditioning that society presents - perfect life, perfect kids, accomplishment etc.
You can find Kris at https://instagram.com/krisricecollective
Clinical Nutritionist: Jennifer Caryn Brand, an expert on skin health for kids, talks to us about why elimination diets don't often work for eczema.
If you know someone with eczema, the chances are they have been put through the diet ring-around a few times.
Jennifer argues that gut health can be a much more significant factor. Tune in to understand what gut health means and when you should and when you shouldn't eliminate foods.
Grab your Gut Health Tool Kit here.
Jennifer's Website is www.jennifercarynbrand.com and you can find her on Instagram at www.instagram.com/jennifercarynbrand
In this episode, I talk about 3 reasons why Biomedical Intervention may not work for your child with Autism or Down Syndrome, and how to find the traps that hold your child back.
And why you might want to give it a fair chance anyway.
If you want to find out more about what gut health actually means and 5 strategies that can help you get started on the path to gut health for your child with Down Syndrome or Autism, check out my free ebook at www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/guthealth
My colleague Loren Edelson, Functional Nutrition Pracitioner, mother and Canoe Instructor (I love her multi-passionate life) has unique expertise on navigating the challenges of an anti-inflammatory diet socially.
Here she shares her story - her struggles, and the tools she uses to navigate stressful social situations.
Loren blogs about her experiences - you can follow her HERE.
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.In other news, if you are interested in learning more about how sugar can be part of your child's diet, even if they struggle with attention, join my new FREE workshop next week.
Roadmap to Attention and Regulation - my signature 5 week course - also launches in two weeks.
How do you go from a Fix-It approach to It will be OK to It is already OK?
Listen in to hear the inspiring story of Jamie Handley, non-speaking Autistic, who spells to communicate (and I am proud to say, my student).
As we split the worlds into models and opinions, I find it inspiring that we are already OK! "We are all Cognitively Intact" says Jamie. My favorite message from the podcast is when Jamie says to parents: "You need to practice!". If I could distill the world of Assuming Intelligence into one sentence, that would be it.
This podcast is a must-listen for all parents and practitioners.
What do learning disabilities, attention, focus and behavior have to do with vision?
Join me as I discuss this topic with Trent McEntire, founder of www.fireupyourbrain.com as he leads us through different ways that vision can be impacted misunderstood as learning disabilities.
Also if exploring Learning Hacks is your thing, check out my free ebook at www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/learning
In this episode, Tiffany, AAC user and Autistic Parent of neurodivergent kids talks to us about the myth of supremacy of speech.
Have you been waiting to use AAC, so your child's speech doesn't get pushed to the side?
Have you been waiting with bated breath for every word your child is saying?
Have you been worried that AAC is a crutch that you don't want to use?
Tiffany, in her crystal clear way, tells us that there is nothing wrong with a crutch!
This is one of the most clear interviews you are ever going to hear about the use of AAC. Don't miss this one.
Listen on...
In part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Jill Crista, she talks about how neuroinflammation is triggered in PANS and PANDAS and autoimmune encephalitis by seemingly trivial phenomena.
If you have a child triggered into behavioral "regression" by a seemingly trivial situation, this podcast can help you understand why.
Dr. Crista emphasizes that Gut Health is the place to start. If you are struggling to understand where to start when healing your child's gut, be sure to download my free ebook here:
www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/guthealth
Dr. Jill Crista walks us through the maze of neuroinflammation in part 1 of my conversation with her.
We discuss neuroinflammation in Autism, the difference between OCD related PANS and PANDAS , how to know when autoimmunity has kicked in, the importance of diet and most importantly how mold is persistent and can be a trigger in the driest of climates.
For a free guidebook on how to optimize gut health to build immunity, go to www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/guthealth.
I wish today that today’s guest Ethan Nagy was my very first guest not just because of the gems of insight he gifts to us in this podcast but because his perspective is unique and mindset shifting.
Ethan Nagy is a non speaking autistic who uses a letter-board to communicate. He learned to spell using a method called S2C (please see I-ASC.org for more info). Ethan is a disabilities advocate and author who contributed an essay to the book “Underestimated: An Autism Miracle.” He is completing his high school diploma and plans to attend college. Ethan is currently writing a book. He resides in Oregon with his family.
In this podcast Ethan talks about his relationship with food, interspersed with wisdom about how therapists and medical practitioners can work with and respect people with disability.
If you have never heard a podcast from this perspective before, Join me as I soak in the freshness and wisdom.
For more discussion and support, visit www.facebook.com/functionalnutritionforkids
The diet to support hyperactivity or disregulation can include many things. BUT
The number 1 thing to do if your child is hyperactive is Balance Blood Sugar.
Did you know that the symptoms of hyperactivity are close to identical to symptoms of high and low blood sugar in many kids?
Octavia Walker leads us through the murky world of self- and society- imposed expectations on moms of children with disabilities.
Expect to hear terms like self-care smashed to smithereens (I hope you are as tired of being asked to self-care as I am)...
Expect to be held accountable and have hard insights ....
Happy listening!
This short podcast is for parents who want actionable strategies to conquer picky eating disorder.
Picky eating or self-restricted eating can be a vicious cycle of nutrient deficiency, inflammation, gut issues and more restricted eating.
Follow this 5 step technique to break this cycle and shift from inflammation to diverstiy.
You can find more actionable strategies in my free ebook that you can download at:
www.functionalnutritionforkids.com/eatwell
Are you interested in a Resilience Mindset for your child?
Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge takes us through the many misunderstandings behind mental health in kids.
4:00 The Journey to get your kids’ help is unnecessarily complex.
6:15 Resilience in Kids.
8:20 Resiliency Mindset.
9:35 There is no magic pill, medication included. How to do the work.
10:00 Why is there a lack of resiliency: is it overparenting?
11:15 Grading is not an indicator of success.
15:00 Even "Functional" Kids can have a lot of turmoil.
19:00 Different parenting for different kids
20:40 Where do parents start?
If you want to start to unmuddy the waters a little bit in the complex world that your child inhabits, check out my free ebook Autism Supports that Actually Work. Click HERE, to explore these 6 strategies that do really work, and aren't talked about that much.
Does your child have constant infections, eczema, rashes, allergies, brain fog, anxiety or behavioral challenges?
Did you know any of these could be caused by Food Sensitivities?
In this podcast we explore the reasons your child might want to consider going Dairy Free and the one primary thing to remember while doing so...
Tamar is one of the most experienced and respected OTs I know and one of the few people I know that truly thinks outside the box.
In this episode Tamar talks about the value of
-looking at motor first
-what parents of young children should keep in mind
-the value of curiosity and wonder as opposed to a "fix-it" mindset, and
-what a new OT can keep in mind.
You will find this podcast to be invaluable in choosing an OT to work with your child.
In this episode Vaish and Jodi Cohen talk about how essential oils can be that "bypass" or "magic bullet" that can stimulate the vagus nerve, calm fight-or-flight, and bring children (and adults) into a parasympathetic state.
Essential Oils can work when more traditional foods and supplements don't, because they can diffuse through the skin, and reach the brain quicker through the olfactory system.
If you have a child that is a resistant eater, or with significant GI inflammation, this podcast may be of use to you.
Nutritionist Jess Sherman brings back simplicity to the sometimes very complicated world of dietary interventions for "picky" eaters.
She asks us as parents to:
Get Curious and Ask What is going on in the body with her 3-pillar framework:
1 Address Nutrient Deficiencies
2 Resolve Stress / Digestion
3 Deep dive into Digestive imbalance and dysbiosis.
If you are looking to address:
-mood
-behavioral dys-regulation
-focus and/or
-hyperactivity,
there are a few fundamental principles that can help you design a diet (often mislabeled as an Autism Diet) that helps your child through the symptoms that they struggle with.
This is more accurately a food-based approach for symptoms that often co-exist with Autism, but are truly more common these days for everyone.
In this podcast for parents facing anxiety and sometimes delayed trauma like symptoms, Dana Frost leads us through
- the 4 qualities of a healthy breath.
- heart rate variability
- heart-centered breathing
- how to change your default trigger state.
All of these techniques can be used also by children that have some control over their breathing.
Listen on...
Danille Ryan Broida is a mycologist, the National Educator of FOUR SIGMATIC and is teaching the world about a life on Functional Mushrooms.
We discuss:
-MUSHROOMS AND CONNECTIVITY
-WHEN DANIELLE USES MUSHROOMS THEREPEUTICALLY
-MUSHROOMS FOR COGNITION AND FOCUS
-HOW ARE CULINARY MUSHROOMS DIFFERENT FROM FUNCTIONAL EXTRACTS?
-HOW TO CHOOSE MUSHROOMS?
OCD can be debilitating for children, frustrating and many times more so for kids with expressive difficulties, non-speaking for example.
Autism and OCD expert Dr. Elisa Song talks to us about very accessible means of tackling OCD step by step. Always find a Functional Medicine Doctor to help you with any supplements.
2:10 The first things that Dr. Song addresses: GUT , NEUROTRANSMITTERS, FOODS IMPACTING GUT AND BRAIN.
5:45 Could this be PANS or PANDAS
8:30 Diagnostic testing
10:00 Anti-inflammatory Supplements
11:00 Inflammation
13:05 Is Diet the first step for all?
14:40 Targeted supplements for OCD
15:50 How long does healing take?
16:30 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
19:20 Flares and Remissions
23:00 The 5R approach of Functional Medicine
24:45 Fight or Flight Response and Vagal Tone
26:15 What parents can do right away for OCD?
Functional Medicine, unlike conventional medicine, treats psychiatric and neurological issues as not just silo-ed conditions associated with the brain but as whole body conditions.
Dr. Stein in her podcast breaking analogy talks about chronic inflammation affecting the body and the brain as the continual war between India and Pakistan!
Conventional Medicine addresses acute infection. Dr. Stein brings in her comprehensive SHIFT model to describe how functional medicine addresses chronic infection and inflammation.
Stress
Hormones
Infections
Food
Toxins
make up the SHIFT model.
Dr. Stein gives us a peek into how puberty might shift the immune system.
Neurodevelopmental therapist Kay Ness talks about
-the fundamental principles behind this technique: heirarchichal model of brain development and neuroplasticity.
-how lack of stimulation at appropriate age can interefere with brain development
-the number 1 thing to address in a child with Down Syndrome is Auditory Processing.
Dr Julie Buckley wows us with revelations about GABA levels and ways to address GABA and anxiety puberty and beyond, especially in autistic teens.
Listen on to hear about:
-GABA supplementation
-CBD
-Diet and
-Presumption of Competence (isn't it amazing how this finds its way in the most seemingly unlikely of places)
Dysbiosis (sometimes overgrowth of pathogens or the wrong microbes) can often result in symptoms of Dysregulation.
It is important to understand that this is not "behavior" and it is a physiological effect.
A 2017 study found that Candida abundance in guts of children with autism was more than double when compared to neurotypical controls.
This podcast explores long term strategies to impact dysregulation due to infections or dysbiosis.
Dr. Wendy Neal, osteopath extraordinaire, talks us through the basic influences of cranial osteopathy:
-mobility of bones in the head
-mobility of sacrum
-movement of CerebroSpinal fluid
-movement of membranes around the brain
and how gentle and subtle support to these movements can help support and calm conditions from seizures to headaches to pain, sleep and even constipation.
Giving a summary would ruin the suspense of this podcast, but let me say that the 3 food groups are:
- Bitter foods
But I will let you listen to this super short podcast to find 2 and 3.
Dr. Carol Brown, founder of the Equipping Minds foundation takes us through the factors involved in cognitive development:
- Processing
- Working Memory
-
Comprehension and Visualization
-
Reasoning abilities and more ... while describing why it is important for learning to happen in a joyful manner and how IQ and academics are not at all the same thing as ability.
Robin Ray Green joins Vaish Sarathy for this enlightening podcast about how acupuncture helps with:
-chronic inflammatory dysfunciton
-immunity
-gut health
and more, and this is sometimes possible WITHOUT NEEDLES, through a remarkable technique called Acupatching.
In the 50th episode of Functional Nutrition and Learning for Kids, one of my favorite thought leaders, Soma Mukhopadhyay, talks to us about:
-how learning channels determine teaching
-the 4 goals of RPM - not just information download - but cognition, sensory, tolerance and communication goals.
-the importance of a sensory map when working with a child (as opposed to a label)
If you are interested in helping your child jump start their learning and sensory goals, I highly recommend checking out RPM.
If there is ONE thing you are likely not doing with your child with Autism or Down Syndrome, it is THIS strategy.
Doing this will make the difference from teaching repeated ABCs and moving to writing poetry and studying advanced literature.
I call this non-linear education!
"There is a direct causal link between mental health issues and neuroinflammation."
With this powerful statement, Dr. Rosann Capanna-Hodge leads us into the steadily increasing world of brain -inflammatory conditions in children: PANS, PANDAS and Autoimmune Encephalitis.
Listen to understand key identifying features of each of these labels, and how to navigate your way through this condition as a parent.
Did you know that ancestral trauma has been found to have epigenetic implications that can impact physiology all the way down to digestion and metabolism?
Lee Ann Foster guides us through the concept of epigenetics, of the various tools she uses including neurofeedback, and how healing is always multimodal.
Every child has a right to experience a pain-free life. Dr. Jim Adams's group has found through years of research that a vast majority of autistic children (by some estimates, over 80%) have Gastro Intestinal (GI) symptoms.
This pain can manifest as behaviors and can unfortunately be treated as behaviors.
In this podcast, Dr. Adams talks about his path-breaking research on MTT.
Amazingly, in this trial, he worked with a group of children 80% of whom had a diagnosis of "severe autism". By the end of the trial, less than 20% were still diagnosed with "severe autism".
To me this indicates the enormity of GI issues that are misdiagnosed as, and underdiagnosed in Autism.
Take this podcast, print out Dr. Adams's work, and take it to your PCP. Ask to see a GI doctor if your child is Autistic.
Have you given thought to
-Nutrient deficiencies
-Pain, or
-Expression as conditions that could disturb sleep.
What about:
-Omega 3 Status, Blood Sugar Balance and Core body temperature as variables in allowing your child to stay asleep.
Sleep Whisperer Deepa Kannan talks to us about 15 factors that can affect a child's sleep. Bring a notebook and take notes.
Becky Dawson is mom to a teen with chronic congenital seizures and a manual therapy practitioner.
Here she discusses how manual therapy helps remove blockages, adhesions and restores free circulation and communication within the body.
If Nutritional or Functional Med work is not sufficient for your child, think about whether manual therapy may be the missing component
Did you know that Melatonin doesn't just affect sleep?
In this mind-blowing episode, Dr. LaRosa calls Melatonin the Great Modulator, which is a great name for a great molecule.
We discuss how melatonin can modulate neuroinflammation, GI inflammation, and even affect immunity in the context of COVID.
Dr. Angie Hugeback has a Ph.D. in statistics and talks to us in this episode about why so many studies on dietary interventions for Autistic children are inconclusive.
Is it:
-the controls
-not understanding the biochemical variables
-or the famous two tack approach?
If you feel your kid's mood is a little off during quarantine, check out how you can use three strategies that form the core of my Functional Nutrition and Learning Practice:
- Learning led by child
- Micronutrients
- Movement
What's the deal with Gluten Free diets, especially when prescribed for children with Autism or Down Syndrome?
Do they work?
Are they needed?
Should everyone be on a GF diet?
Does it "cure" you?
All this and more on this pretty short podcast.
Is there such a thing? What an oversimplification right?
Don't worry, I don't end with saying there is no such thing.
Join me to explore the list of questions you need to answer to find what diet might be best for your child with Down Syndrome, and if you even need to consider changing your family's diet.
Amy Stark is an EFT practitioner on a mission.
Some of the things we discuss here are:
-Tapping makes kids feel safe in their bodies.
-EFT uses multiple modalities like energy medicine, talk therapy, neuro-linguistic programming to help release trauma.
-When we calm our fight-or-flight response, our body can really heal.
To me, EFT is a great bridge between the body and the mind, and that is what makes it an exciting tool for autistic kids and kids with low motor control.
Shandy Laskey who wears the unique badge of being a Speech Language Pathologist and a Nutrition Practitioner explains the matrix of nutritional factors that can affect a child's restricted eating.
If you are wondering which therapy to try for immediate help with so-called picky eating in the context of Autism, this podcast should help,
Dr. Poornima Sharma has been a meditator for decades and is an advanced meditation and yoga teacher.
She leads us through the 3 categories of meditation and why it is critical that as parents or caregivers of a child with a disability, be that Autism, Down Syndrome or Cerebral Palsy, we learn to meditate right NOW.
"A strong mind can carry a weak body, but a weak mind cannot even carry a strong body."
Contessa Louise Cooper, the founder of Unpuzzled community, shares her journey and inspiring vision of providing high quality parent coaching and support to a 100 single moms.
Dr. Cilla Whatcott, a Homeopathic Practitioner, leads us through the principles behind homeopathy, and explains the concept of Homeoprophylaxis.
She describes the use of Homeopathy in preventing both infectious disease and in quelling chronic inflammatory conditions.
She also shares her favorite simple Homeopathic Remedies to always keep on hand.
A diagnosis of Down Syndrome or Trisomy 21 carries with itself the very unfair assumption of Intellectual Delay, a default assumption, often made without basis.
Join me on this podcast to see how inaccurate this assumption is for almost anyone with Down Syndrome, and what it means to give our kids a fair chance at education.
Dr Jared Seigler compares Functional Neurology to exploring different highways in the brain. If one road is closed, how do we open another road?
In a fascinating example of a child doing 3 seemingly unconnected processes at the same time, such as wearing blue glasses, walking backwards and clapping their hands to a metronome, Dr. Seigler demonstrates the effect of the Hebbian process in rewiring the brain!
It's not what you think, yet you will find it hard to see changes without implementing these changes first.
Everyone is fascinated with going gluten free and dairy free, and these things can be very important for any gut dysfunction (whether occuring with autism or otherwise).
However, what comes before?
This podcast gives you 5 non-negotiables, the changes that we must make first.
There are a number of triggering factors associated with a higher incidence of Autism and comorbid conditions: these include genetics, mitochondrial disorders, alterations to the microbiome etc.
But in what is like the String Theory of Disease, Dr. Bob Naviaux proposed the Cell Danger Response (made famous by the excellent Suramin study) as a thread tying the different triggers into one integrating factor.
Dr. John Green makes the Cell Danger Response easy to understand and allows to look at practical methods to work with our children to reduce this alarm signaling in our childrens' bodies.
What happens when Brain Inflammation (sometimes called Autoimmune Encephalitis) is triggered by your own body in a misguided response to an infection?
What does a parent see? And What is the role of Functional Nutrition in addressing these symptoms of PANS or PANDAS diagnosis?
Molly Brennand is a parent and a Functional Nutrition practitioner and talks about natural treatments for PANDAS using pillars of Functional Medicine that yielded the most return for her efforts.
Are you exhausted at the end of the day?
Do you feel like you can never do anything fun with your students (or your child if you are homeschooling)?
Do you want to empower your student/child?
A flipped classroom may be what you are looking for.
Mandy Rice talks about the benefits of a flipped classroom in this podcast.
Are you dipping through the thousands of posts asking you to support the immune system, and unsure what that means?
I dive into the challenge of explaining why the immune system needs nutritional and lifestyle support without doing any immunology!
You leave with 6 action items.
The founder of the remarkable Hirsch Academy, Shelley Carnes, talks about the radical shifts that were acheived in her school, when they simply started listening to Autistics.
Sonia Story, master movement therapist, talks about how patterned therapeutic rhythmic movement actively matures the cerebellum, and how integrating retained reflexes can mature the brain stem. If movement can actually cause physical changes in anatomical portions of the brain, what are we waiting for?
Did you know many visual disturbances in autistic children (or perhaps even with other disabilities) cannot be described just by visual acuity?
Or even by visual processing?
Dana Johnson talks about Ocular Motor difficulties in many autistic children (and adults).
It was eye-opening (yes, pun intended) to learn about the effect of ocular motor on peripheral vision, eye contact and more.
Dr. Angela Knapp is a naturopathic physician who works extensively with children.
She talks about increasing rates of autoimmunity in children, and causative factors - factors we can and cannot control.
Listen for ideas on:
-infections and autoimmunity
-molecular mimicry
-increasing rates of autoimmunity
-risk for children with Autism / Down Syndrome
-how do gluten and dairy impact autoimmunity
Have you been at the receiving end of the advice (mostly related to food): "Everything is OK in moderation." Join me and my colleague Shelley Hurguy as we discuss where this works and where this doesn't!
In new and exciting research, scientists have found that autistic individuals exhibited a significant reduction in myelination and myelin producing glial cells. Let us review what we know about myelination and how we can RE-myelinate.
What would the world be like if we knew exactly how every child learns? If we didn't feel compelled to put children in well-defined boxes that were easy for US to understand. If we instead centered their education around them. Dr. Joqueta Handy tells us why a child's learning strength is everything that we need to know.
Mindy is an expert in eating disorders and a Functional Nutrition practitioner. She has herself suffered from eating disorders and navigated the difficult terrain of recovery.
"I was being told what to weigh, think and eat. Nobody was addressing what I was hungry for"
In this episode, Mindy talks about the intersection between eating disorders, behavior, physiology, respect and nutrition.
How can we connect dots with picky eating?
When picky eating is not a pathological condition, or severe sensory issues, or extreme gut inflammation, what can you do to help your child eat more diverse, complex, and flavorful foods. That's what Julia Markova talks about in this podcast.
Myelination is an important neurological process that impacts almost everything I care about in my child: motor coordination, learning, focus, moods.
And there are some easy ways to impact Myelination: Practice, Nutrition, and one more key mindset. Yes, it is actually a mindset.
Elizabeth Vosseller is a speech therapist and founder of S2C (Spelling to Communicate). She talks to me this week about how motor issues can seem like cognitive disorders.
"What we observe often is the body. We can't really observe intelligence directly." Tune in to listen to how powerful using motor appropriately can be.
In part-2 of this stimulating conversation, Geralyn leads us through common misconceptions and wrong labels that get attached when a child lags behind neurodevelopmentally. We also chat about the role of diet in brain development.
Geralyn Spiesz, a path-breaking thinker, leader and mother who also has a son with Trisomy 21 shares her unique thoughts and findings on teaching a child with Down Syndrome in this paradigm shifting episode. Particularly how a simple shift from focus on output to focus on input and processing, can result in a potentially equal education for the child.
Let's a take a brief look back at the 12 key learning points on our journey in Functional Nutrition and Learning. And so, the podcast gets gently renamed. So much more to learn ...
Dr. LaRosa explains the detailed connection between the microbiome, disruptions (dysbiosis), and immune and brain function. It is quite impossible to optimize brain activity, whether focus or regulation, in the absence of a diverse and healthy gut microbiome. She talks of simple strategies that can help most people get on the path to a healthy gut, and how powerful these tiny changes can be.
Among the significant natural factors known to help symptoms of ADHD, micronutrient supplementation is a big one! Here's a short dive into the many ways micronutrients can help you child, and when they may not work.
Andrea Livingston, expert holistic chef and recipe developer shares the simplicity with which she plans anti-inflammatory meals for kids. Tune in to hear the utter ease with which Andrea approaches meals. The world of Gluten, Dairy, and even Egg-Free cooking can be as simple as we let it be.
I have a Free Ebook for you that talks about WHY Gut health is important, WHEN to address it, and HOW. It is a pretty short but actionable ebook. Click HERE to download.
Listen to Portland based nutritionist Katharine Jeffcoat as she discusses the intricacies of dealing with picky eaters and talks about how she helps parents raise mindful and competent eaters.
How do taste and smell play into picky eating? And.. how letting a child skip a few meals till they are hungry just doesn't work for all kids.
If you are interested in a free Ebook to get you started with powerful strategies to expand and reverse PICKY EATING, check out this free downloadable Ebook HERE.
In this explosive podcast, yogi and functional nutrition practitioner Deepa Kannan tells us some amazing things about color and tradition such as:
- The connection between Blue and Purple foods and Attention
- The beauty of Popeye as a cartoon character :) and
- The four non-negotiables at every meal!
*Listen on...
If you have a daily struggle with a self-restricted eater / "picky" eater, and find it hard to implement dietary changes, check out my free EBOOK first with transformative strategles to reverse and expand PICKY EATING.*
What does genetic susceptibility mean? And what can you do about it? Have you heard the saying: Genes load the gun but the environment pulls the trigger?
Learn about some amazing epigenetic foods that can modulate genetic expression, and listen to the second part of Dr. Erica Peirson's interview where she discusses her two non-negotiables.
To check out Autism Supports that Actually Work, click HERE. Go beyond the genes, and explore how to affect the immediate world of epigenetics.
Something as simple as pooping (or likely not pooping) has far reaching root causes that a bandaid like Miralax does not even begin to fix.
Take a peek into the lens of an expert, Dr. Erica Peirson, a renowned Pediatric Naturopathic Doctor, with a global practice.
Since constipation is so prevalent in children with Down Syndrome and Autism, I created a CONSTIPATION TOOL KIT just for you. Click HERE to download an ebook with 5 simple strategies (and a bonus).
If you have listened to all the possible ways you can help focus, how many times has someone told you that your child might be plain old bored? Even if you think your child has a low IQ? Even if you think your child doesn't quite get what he/she is taught?
Listen in to learn Vaish's 4 magic ways of finding if fixing boredom can reinstate your child's focus!
If you are further interested in Autism Supports that actually work, check out my free Ebook here:
Autism Supports that Work
Snacking is the primary means we use to address dips in our children's blood sugar, even if we don't always consciously think about this.
Learn about snacking from a functional perspective: how can a good snack be the difference between a regulated and a dys-regulated child?
To learn more about Gut Health for Kids and how you can improve focus, moods and learning through attending to the gut, get your free tool kit here:
The Gut Health Toolkit for Kids
Movement is a BASIC, a non-negotiable, a fundamental food of the brain.
As we talk about Focus, Attention, Hyperactivity and Energy this season, join Kathy Shean Jones, NeuroMovement Practitioner and myself to understand what movement therapy is, and what it isn't.
Hint: Do hear this even if you think your child is moving well.
To check out Autism Supports that Actually Work, click HERE. It includes actionable activities that your doctor or therapist may not have shared with you.
Is Sugar a necessity, a toxin, or a superfood? Is it really that addictive?
This podcast examines sugar from the lens of two conditions that children are increasingly experiencing:
PICKY EATING and Lack of FOCUS / HYPERACTIVITY.
Check in to hear about how sugar can impact a child already struggling with these symptoms.
Interested in 5 strategies to reverse and expand picky eating? Get your free PICKY EATING toolkit here!
Food is not the sum total of its macronutrients. In fact, some biologists think it is appropriate to think of food as behaving as a hormone in our body.
We look at 5 examples to peek at dramatic changes in health and behavior from simply changing food habits.
This is the introductory podcast to this series on using food and nutrition to impact behavior, physiology and biochemistry, especially in children.
To take a deep dive into nutrition and learning supports for Autism, check out this short actionable ebook on
Autism Supports that Work!