This episode of A Dose of Optimism explores how technology and compassion are reshaping the autism journey, from early diagnosis to innovative therapy.

Host Omkar Kulkarni talks with Dr. Colleen Kraft, past president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, about how pediatricians are identifying developmental differences earlier than ever. She explains how AI tools like Canvas Dx, developed by Cognoa, are helping families get answers faster and start life-changing interventions while children’s brains are still rapidly developing. Dr. Sharief Taraman, a pediatric neurologist and CEO of Cognoa, shares how technology is expanding access to care by reducing wait times and empowering more clinicians to diagnose and support children with autism.

The conversation continues with Vijay Ravindran, founder and CEO of Floreo, who describes how virtual reality is being used to teach social and life skills in a safe, immersive environment. His platform is helping children practice everything from crossing the street to making friends, turning therapy into a truly interactive learning experience.

From AI to VR, these breakthroughs are giving families hope, access, and the support they need, proving that innovation in children’s health is both possible and powerful.

Connect with Colleen Kraft:

Colleen Kraft LinkedIn

Connect with Sharief Taraman:

Cognoa Website

Cognoa Instagram

Sharief Taraman LinkedIn

Sharief Taraman Instagram

Connect with Vijay Ravindran:

Floreo Website

Floreo Instagram

Vijay Ravindran LinkedIn

Read:

NYC autism school embraces VR to teach social skills and boost learning

Schools turn to VR to develop a ‘future-ready’ neurodivergent workforce

For people with disabilities, stressful situations may be traumatic. VR can help | Opinion

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KidsX Website

KidsX LinkedIn

Children's Hospital L.A. Website

Children's Hospital L.A. Instagram

Children's Hospital L.A. LinkedIn

Learn more about our sponsor:

Nabla Website

Nabla LinkedIn

What if every family could access nutritious food as easily as sending a text message?

In this week’s episode of A Dose of Optimism, Dr. Jessica Knurick, nutrition scientist and science communicator, and Adam Dole, co-founder and COO of Bento, explore the intersection of food, health, and equity.

Jessica breaks down how food deserts, systemic policies, and income inequality affect children’s health, and why nutrition should be seen as a public health priority, not a personal choice. Adam shares how Bento, named one of TIME’s Best Inventions and a Fast Company World Changing Idea, is using technology to fight food insecurity, delivering fresh groceries to families in need while preserving dignity and privacy.

🎧 Listen in to discover how innovation, empathy, and policy can create a healthier, more equitable food future for every child.

Episode Resources:

• WIC - Women, Infants, and Children
• Not Impossible Labs

Connect with Jessica Knurick:

Jessica Knurick Website

Instagram

YouTube

TikTok

Facebook

Dr. Jessica Knurick Substack

Connect with Adam Dole:

Bento Website

Adam Dole LinkedIn

Connect with us:

KidsX Website

KidsX LinkedIn

Children's Hospital L.A. Website

Children's Hospital L.A. Instagram

Children's Hospital L.A. LinkedIn

Learn more about our sponsor:

Nabla Website

Nabla LinkedIn

In this first episode of A Dose of Optimism, host Omkar Kulkarni explores how schools are becoming powerful allies in improving children’s health and well-being.

Omkar speaks with Dr. Smita Malhotra, Chief Medical Director for the Los Angeles Unified School District, who shares how her team is reimagining schools as centers for mental, dental, and medical care, bringing services directly to students and families who need them most. He’s also joined by Andrew Post, President of Hazel Health, whose company is pioneering school-based telehealth, giving students access to physical and mental health providers right from the classroom. They discuss access, equity, and the future of pediatric healthcare delivery, one that meets kids where they are, in the place they spend most of their day: school.

🎧 Listen now to see how technology, compassion, and collaboration are shaping a brighter, healthier future for every child.

Episode Resources:

• Telehealth
• Telemental Health
• Heat Index
• Los Angeles Network for Enhanced Services (LANES)
• Medicaid
• Health Net of California

Connect with Dr. Smita Malhotra:

• Smita Malhotra, MD Website
• Instagram: @drsmita_md
• LinkedIn

Connect with Andrew Post:

• Hazel Health Website
• LinkedIn

Connect with us:

• KidsX Website
• KidsX LinkedIn

• Children's Hospital L.A. Website
• Children's Hospital L.A. LinkedIn

Learn more about our sponsor:

• Nabla Website
• Nabla LinkedIn