AMA is thrilled to welcome Dr. Vaish Sarathy as we continue to expand on our text-based AAC program to better support the nonspeaking autistic community!
Vaish Sarathy, Ph.D. is a learning strategist and a math/science educator. She works with individuals of all abilities, using principles derived from her decade of experience. She calls her educational program Nonlinear Learning – her mission is to reframe health and learning for students of all ages with disabilities, as she believes that equal education in communication access, sound nutrition, and movement are the birthright of every human. Her perspective is shaped by her nonspeaking 18-year-old son Sid, who has autism, Down Syndrome and is a published poet and author.
Vaish hosts a podcast – Non Linear Learning – where she interviews thought leaders in the realms of education, learning, and functional medicine, as well as advocates with disabilities. She and Searmi have fun co-hosting a series of talks called “Tiger Moms Chat” where they share their journeys as moms of nonspeakers, and hit some controversial topics as well. Vaish also has a fabulous online course, tailored for parents and caregivers, on how to best support your child’s learning journey. Check out the course at https://www.drvaishsarathy.com.
Vaish is a Level 2 Practitioner in the AAC spelling modality called Rapid Prompting Method, where she coaches learners and their caregivers and communication partners on how to support spelling on a letterboard to communicate. She also provides math and science lessons via this method. Vaish’s unshakeable belief in her students and assuming intelligence is the key to her success – please find her incredible TED talk at https://youtu.be/tjc2rRsORHk?si=QEW3l1XCZqgiVLSQ.
Please inquire at heyhay@autismmustangalliance.org.
Thank you for your interest in giving a voice to those who do not have access to one!!
For inspiration for those budding poets who spell or type to communicate, find Sid Ghosh’s newly published book of poems “yellow flower gills me whole”, found at Powells, Bookshop.org, Amazon, and other book stores.