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. - Trauma can impact a person's relationship with food, and it is important to approach food behavior with empathy and curiosity. - 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… - Why your student is more than a “buddy” or “kiddo” - Common conflicts at IEP meetings - Tools for parents to help navigate school meetings - Why compliance and engagement are different - Why goals should focus on the learner strengths, not behaviors. - 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 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.

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 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.