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. Le ..read more

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, Vai ..read more

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 c ..read more

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 Takea ..read more

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. Ma ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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.      ..read more

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 ..read more

“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 abou ..read more