198 How Understanding Apraxia changes your child's Education - with Dana Johnson

198 How Understanding Apraxia changes your child's Education - with Dana Johnson

From Non Linear Learning - Rethinking Education for Neurodivergent Learners by Vaish Sarathy

November 28, 2025 · 43 min · Episode 198

About this episode

The episode discusses how understanding apraxia can transform a child's education and communication abilities.

I first spoke with Dana Johnson nearly 4 years ago, and that conversation completely changed how I saw vision and learning. I call it my "ocular motor awakening" when I truly understood that vision has three components, and only one of them is corrected by glasses. Dana is the co-creator of the Spellers Method and the founder of multiple centers dedicated to helping non-speaking individuals communicate and learn with purpose. As both an occupational therapist (OT) and a Spellers Method practitioner, she brings a unique approach to supporting individuals with autism, apraxia, dyspraxia, and sensory-motor differences. In this episode, we talk about the power of purposeful motor skills, breaking down barriers for non-speakers, and what real communication means. Key Takeaways: Vision isn't just about eyesight it's about how the brain processes what we see. Apraxia is a motor planning challenge, not a cognitive one. Communication is possible when we focus on purposeful motor skills. What does right support look like? Get in Touch: 👉 Learn more about Dana Johnson's work at Spellers Method Tampa 👉 Connect with Dr. Vaish Sarathy on Instagram: @drvaishsarathy

People in this episode

Host: Vaish Sarathy

Guest: Dana Johnson

Topics covered

  • apraxia
  • communication
  • motor skills
  • autism
  • education

Keywords

  • apraxia
  • motor planning
  • communication
  • autism
  • Spellers Method
  • education
  • vision

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Spellers Method, Spellers Method Tampa

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