Non Linear Learning - Rethinking Education for Neurodivergent Learners

Dr. Vaish Sarathy
  • 4.9 (49)
  • EDUCATION FOR KIDS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Where we raise the bar on Education for children with a disability. Educating a child with a disability isn't for the faint of heart, and if you're a parent or educator who refuses to give up on your child's potential, you're in the right place. Hosted by TEDx speaker and Ph.D. Chemist Dr. Vaish Sarathy [mom to a non-speaking Autistic teen with Down syndrome], this podcast offers a bold new way to support your child's learning, regulation, and independence without burnout or arbitrary busy work. Together we explore how to: - Break learning barriers so your child with Autism / Down Syndrome / ADHD can learn complex Math and Science - Make teaching and learning at home a flow state - Support brain + body health with practical, science-backed tools - Use Non Linear Education strategies to unlock growth in ways traditional systems never could Hear from top educators, researchers, and self-advocates. And most importantly, believe again: in your child, and in yourself.

  1. 22H AGO

    196 Oxytocin, Autism, and the Problem of "Blunt" Measurements

    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 →

    34 min

  2. OCT 30

    195 What's Your Excuse? Lessons on Problem-Solving, Asking for Help, and Doing the Next Thing

    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.

    46 min

  3. OCT 16

    194 Every Skill Can Be Built: Inside Non Linear Education with Daria Kotenko

    *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-68eeef9f-b178-8332-a13c-1a4f9845c1b4-3" data-testid= "conversation-turn-15" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> 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)

    30 min

  4. OCT 13

    193 The Myth of Readiness: Why Waiting Holds Our Kids Back

    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]

    5 min

  5. OCT 3

    192 The Cost of Low Expectations (and the #1 Shift to Break Free)

    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.

    12 min

  6. SEP 30

    191. When Compliance Fails: Dr. Robin Harwick on Democratic Education for Neurodivergent Teens

    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.

    24 min

  7. SEP 11

    190. Exploring the science of Failure for you and your Autistic learner

    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 Productive failure what we think it means Why we don't "design failure" for autistic students Parents as the ones who "fail productively" Real-life stories A challenge for listeners Key takeaways Exploration > evaluation. Our learners already face constant performance tests; they don't need "engineered" failure. Hold the bar high, detach from outcomes. You can keep rigor and still protect nervous systems. Make the "failure" yours. Parents and educators can iterate on the environment, task, and supports instead of labeling the child. Build a web, not a bridge. Let detours teach the terrain. Resources & Links Book: Productive Failure: Unlocking Deeper Learning Through the Science of Failing by Manu Kapur 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 💌 Get the free guide: Turn ON your child's learning switch 🎓 Join the Non Linear Education waitlist ⭐ If this episode helped, please leave a 5-star review—and if it didn't… maybe skip the review this time 😉

    28 min

  8. SEP 1

    189. What Dyslexia Research Can Unlock for YOUR Autistic Learner

    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.

    17 min
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About

Where we raise the bar on Education for children with a disability. Educating a child with a disability isn't for the faint of heart, and if you're a parent or educator who refuses to give up on your child's potential, you're in the right place. Hosted by TEDx speaker and Ph.D. Chemist Dr. Vaish Sarathy [mom to a non-speaking Autistic teen with Down syndrome], this podcast offers a bold new way to support your child's learning, regulation, and independence without burnout or arbitrary busy work. Together we explore how to: - Break learning barriers so your child with Autism / Down Syndrome / ADHD can learn complex Math and Science - Make teaching and learning at home a flow state - Support brain + body health with practical, science-backed tools - Use Non Linear Education strategies to unlock growth in ways traditional systems never could Hear from top educators, researchers, and self-advocates. And most importantly, believe again: in your child, and in yourself.

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