180 From Letterboards to Augmented Reality: Building Tech That Respects Neurodivergence with Prof Diwakar Krishnamurthy
May 15, 2025
In this episode, I talk with Dr. Diwakar Krishnamurthy—engineer, AI researcher, and parent of a non-speaking autistic teen—about what it takes to build truly accessible communication tools.
We discuss:
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Why most autism tech fails non-speakers
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How apraxia—not cognitive delay—affects communication
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What happens when you design technology with non-speaking autistic users
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How augmented reality tools can support motor planning, regulation, and independence
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What it means to integrate AI without removing human connection
We also talk about the real cost of gatekeeping, the burden placed on parents, and why presuming competence isn’t idealism—it’s the foundation for meaningful progress.
Links + Resources:
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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.
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