Non Linear Learning - Rethinking Education for Neurodivergent Learners

• 186 Allowing Imperfection - The Teaching Strategy that leads to the most growth

  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 [email protected]

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• 185 Ancient Wisdom, Modern Needs - Ayurveda, Regulation & Learning with Anuradha Gupta

  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

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• 184: Gestalt, Scripting, Echolalia and the Speech vs Language problem!

  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.

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• 183 When Speech Isn’t Language: Understanding the Real Barrier to Communication

  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.

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• 182 Breath, Burnout, and Beginning Again: Syed Abbas on Meditation, Disability, and Healing

  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

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