EVOLVE with Dr. Tay: the podcast for parents of autistic kids

225 | what autism can actually look like: 6 profiles you might recognize Jul 22, 2026 29:07 about this episode (+ scroll for resources) 👇autism does not look one way.in this episode, dr. tay walks through several common autism profiles she sees in clinical practice, including more nuanced and high-masking presentations that are often missed, misunderstood, or explained away as anxiety, behavior, personality, or “just being sensitive.”through six composite profiles, dr. tay breaks down ho

224 | building a business that serves families... and me Jul 15, 2026 28:32 about this episode (+ scroll for resources) 👇this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the next evolution of dr. tay’s work. she shares why she is pivoting parts of her business — not because she is stepping away from the work, but because she is leaning more deeply into the parts of the work that feel most aligned, impactful, and connected to her values.she reflects on her journey from academia

223 | why getting started is the hardest part Jul 10, 2026 18:36 about this episode (+ scroll for resources) 👇if you've ever found yourself researching, planning, making lists... but still feeling stuck, this episode is for you.whether it's making changes to screen time, starting therapy, sending the email you've been avoiding, or finally taking the first step toward a recommendation, the hardest part of behavior change is almost always getting started.in this

222 | why more structure isn't fixing your summer Jul 3, 2026 20:25 about this episode (+ scroll for resources) 👇if summer has already felt harder than you expected, you're not alone.many parents assume the solution is more structure, a better schedule, or keeping their child busier. but what if the real challenge isn't the schedule at all?in this episode, dr. tay explores why summer often feels so dysregulating for autistic kids and their families, how to identif

221 | why your hormonal health matters more than you think Jun 24, 2026 22:36 about this episode (+ scroll for resources) 👇this episode is a little different... but if you're parenting an autistic child, it may be one of the more important conversations we can have.your health is part of the foundation that supports your family, and that includes your hormonal health.using her own health journey as a starting point, dr. tay explores why understanding your cycle, hormones, a

220 | when therapy works in session but not at home Jun 17, 2026 37:48 about this episode (+ scroll for resources) 👇your child is in therapy.you trust the therapist. you're showing up consistently. you're investing time, energy, and money.so why does it feel like nothing is changing at home?in this episode, dr. tay discusses one of the most common frustrations families experience: seeing progress in the therapy room but struggling to see those same skills transfer in

219 | why pride month matters for parents of autistic kids: autism and LGBTQIA+ identities Jun 10, 2026 38:10 about this episode (+ scroll for resources) 👇it's pride month, and if you're parenting an autistic child, this conversation matters.whether your child has expressed anything about their identity or not, understanding the overlap between autism and LGBTQIA+ identities is important. it's about creating a home where your child knows they can come to you with questions, curiosity, and self-discovery.i

218 | the brain-body disconnect: what Spelling to Communicate taught me about autism and communication Jun 4, 2026 53:54 about this episode (+ scroll for resources) 👇communication is not only about spoken words.and for many autistic individuals, especially non-speaking or minimally speaking individuals, the challenge is not a lack of thoughts, understanding, or desire to communicate. it may be that their body does not reliably do what their brain wants it to do.in this episode, dr. tay shares reflections after obser

217 | can you travel with your autistic child? May 27, 2026 30:47 about this episode (+ scroll for resources) 👇traveling with an autistic child can feel overwhelming to even imagine.what if they struggle with the routine change? what if the flight is hard? what if the unpredictability feels too overwhelming for everyone?in this episode, dr. tay reflects on her recent european trip and her thoughts on traveling with autistic children. this episode is a conversati

216 | can kids actually mask? understanding autism in high-masking children May 20, 2026 35:01 about this episode (+ scroll for resources) 👇one reason autism can be missed in children is the belief that kids “can’t mask.”but they absolutely can.in this episode, dr. tay breaks down what masking can look like in autistic children, including why a child may seem “fine” at school but completely fall apart at home.you’ll learn how masking can be conscious or unconscious, how culture and reinforc

215 | parent therapy beyond talking: EMDR, IFS, ketamine, and intensive therapy with Dr. Carolyn Solo May 13, 2026 39:50 about this episode (+ scroll for resources) 👇parents of autistic kids are often told, “you need your own support too.”but what happens when traditional talk therapy doesn’t feel like enough or a good fit? or hasn't historically worked?in this episode, dr. tay is joined by dr. carolyn solo, a therapist specializing in EMDR, IFS, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, and intensive therapy models. togethe

214 | what autism looks like in toddlers (and why it’s often missed) May 6, 2026 36:46 about this episode (+ scroll for resources) 👇one of the biggest misconceptions parents hear is:“they’re too young to diagnose autism.”but research tells us something very different.in this episode, dr. tay breaks down what we actually know about early autism diagnosis, including how autism can present in toddlers, why early signs are often missed or explained away, and what parents should be payin

213 | "could I be autistic too?" what many parents realize after their child’s diagnosis Apr 29, 2026 29:22 about this episode (+ scroll for resources) 👇for a lot of parents, the autism journey doesn’t stop with their child’s diagnosis.at some point… it starts to feel personal. you hear the questions during an evaluation,you start learning more about autism,and suddenly you’re thinking: “this sounds like me…” in this episode, dr. tay walks through what this process actually looks like — why it’s so comm

212 | is this autism? 6 questions parents search (and what actually matters) Apr 22, 2026 31:46 about this episode (+ scroll for resources) 👇if you’ve ever found yourself googling late at night…“is this autism?”and somehow ended up more confused than when you started — you’re not alone.there’s a lot of information out there.and many time it doesn’t help you actually make sense of what you’re seeing in your child.in this episode, dr. tay breaks down the most common questions parents are searc

211 | does my child need supplements? how to support nutrition in autistic kids with Brittyn Coleman Apr 15, 2026 45:05 about this episode (+ scroll for resources) 👇if your child is a selective eater…you’ve probably wondered:are they getting the nutrients they actually need?and if not, what are you supposed to do about it?in this episode, Dr. Tay welcomes back registered dietitian Brittyn Coleman to break down one of the most common (and confusing) questions parents have: when to consider supplements, what actually

210 | confusion isn't the problem in autism parenting. this is... Apr 8, 2026 30:17 about this episode (+ scroll for resources) 👇feeling confused about what to do next with your child?most parents assume that means they need more information.more strategies.more answers.but what if that’s actually the thing keeping you stuck?in this episode, we’re talking about why confusion isn’t a problem to fix and how constantly searching for more information can actually create more overwhel

209 | what autism acceptance actually means (and why this month can feel like a lot) Apr 1, 2026 36:52 about this episode (+ scroll for resources) 👇April is "autism month" and with it comes more conversations, more content, and more opinions.and while that can be incredibly valuable… it can also feel overwhelming.for many parents, this month brings up a mix of emotions: gratitude, frustration, confusion, and sometimes even pressure to feel a certain way about your child’s diagnosis.in this episode,

208 | what does an autism evaluation look like as an adult? (and is it worth it?) Mar 25, 2026 31:07 about this episode (+ scroll for resources) 👇you started this journey trying to understand your child…and somewhere along the way, you started to notice traits yourself in it too.for many parents, this moment is both clarifying and confusing.you recognize the patterns. but then the question becomes:what do I actually do?in this episode, dr. tay walks through what it looks like to explore your own

207 | everything feels connected… where do I even start? untangling complex autism needs Mar 19, 2026 32:41 about this episode (+ scroll for resources) 👇do you ever feel like there are a million things going on with your child and no clear place to start? maybe you’re wondering if it’s autism.or anxiety.or adhd.or something else entirely. and every time you try to figure it out, it just feels more tangled. in this episode, dr. tay walks you through how to untangle the overwhelm, without needing all the

206 | will an autism diagnosis help or hurt my child? Mar 11, 2026 24:57 is an autism diagnosis actually helpful for your child — or could it hurt them?many parents hesitate to pursue an evaluation because they worry about labels, stigma, or putting their child “in a box.” but avoiding the diagnosis doesn’t change whether your child is autistic. what it changes is how clearly you understand your child and how effectively you can support them.in this episode of EVOLVE w

205 | is medication the missing piece? what it can do for your autistic child Mar 6, 2026 18:52 when should medication be part of your child’s support plan?for many parents of autistic kids, medication feels heavy. scary. final. like something you only consider when everything else has failed. but what if medication isn’t a cure-all or a last resort — what if it’s simply one tool in the toolkit?in this episode, Dr. Tay breaks down the nuanced role medication can play in supporting autistic c

204 | am I doing too much... or not enough? Feb 25, 2026 26:46 are you constantly wondering if you’re doing too much… or not enough… for your autistic child?in autism parenting, it can feel like every decision is high stakes. you hear “lower demands.” you hear “do exposure.” you hear “presume competence.” you hear autistic voices sharing lived experience. and somehow, you’re still left wondering what actually applies to your child.this episode won’t give you

203 | from shame to strategy: rethinking screen time with Ash Brandin Feb 11, 2026 46:42 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇screen time doesn’t have to be all or nothing.in this episode, Dr. Tay sits down with Ash Brandin, @thegamereducator and author of Power On, to talk about balancing technology in a way that feels realistic, empowering, and aligned with your child’s brain, especially in neurodivergent children.this conversation moves beyond fear-based messaging and into

202 | a live coaching session on grief, acceptance, and trusting yourself as an autism parent Feb 4, 2026 41:27 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇in this special episode, Dr. Tay shares a live coaching session with Winter, a mom of a 6-year-old autistic boy. listeners are invited inside a real, unscripted coaching conversation — one that mirrors the questions, emotions, and uncertainty so many parents carry quietly. together, Dr. Tay and Winter explore what it’s like to sit with grief and accepta

201 | when an autism diagnosis brings more questions than answers Jan 30, 2026 30:59 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 if you’ve recently received an autism diagnosis — or you’re pretty sure one is coming — this episode is for you. many parents expect to feel relief after a diagnosis. sometimes that happens briefly. but more often, things actually feel heavier, more confusing, and more urgent. in this episode, Dr. Tay breaks down why that happens, names the “trap of ur

200 | celebrating 200 episodes: values, visibility, and coming back after the pause Jan 29, 2026 51:32 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 this episode marks a big milestone — 200 episodes — and a very human return after an unplanned pause. Dr. Tay shares openly about what led to stepping back, including grief, perfectionism, and the pressure she felt to make the “right” episode for this moment. from there, the conversation widens into something deeper: how personal values, neurodiversity

199 | should my autistic child do a social skills group? Nov 13, 2025 27:13 this week’s episode was inspired directly by a diagnostic feedback session inside dr. tay’s clinical practice. one parent asked a question that so many others wonder: “should i be teaching social skills to my autistic child… and if so, how?” in this episode, dr. tay breaks down why traditional social skills approaches often miss the mark, how they can unintentionally promote masking, and

198 | the role of parents as co-regulators for autistic children with Lisa Candera Nov 5, 2025 54:01 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this episode, Dr. Tay emphasizes the importance of supporting parents in the autistic journey. Joined by Lisa Candera, a single mom and coach for parents of autistic children, they discuss the role of parents as primary co-regulators for their children as well as strategies for staying regulated, building self-trust, and supporting their children's b

197 | developing impulse control in autistic children Oct 29, 2025 18:22 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this mini episode, Dr. Tay discusses impulse control for autistic children and offers proactive strategies to develop this skill without inducing shame. Dr. Tay emphasizes the importance of a regulated state for teaching impulse control and using fun, engaging games like Red Light, Green Light and Simon Says. The episode also answers questions from p

196 | understanding interoception and supporting body awareness in autistic kids with Kelly Mahler Oct 22, 2025 48:49 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this episode, Dr. Tay discusses the often overlooked yet crucial concept of interoception and its importance in supporting autistic children. Joined by guest Kelly Mahler, an experienced occupational therapist specializing in this area, they dive into what interoception is, how it impacts autistic children, and actionable strategies to improve intero

195 | perfectionism, over-accommodation, and finding the middle ground Oct 15, 2025 40:33 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇dr. tay dives deep into perfectionism — how it shows up in autism parenting, in clinical work, and even in content creation. she shares personal reflections, a powerful story from her group therapy model, and a reminder that perfectionism can hide behind our best intentions to help.this episode explores:the fine line between accommodation and over-accom

194 | embracing humanity + connection in autism with jessie caraway of the if you know one project Oct 8, 2025 39:45 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇Dr. Tay sits down with Jessie Caraway, creator of the If You Know One Project, to talk about her family’s journey, her daughter’s autism diagnosis, and how the project grew out of a desire to build community and awareness.They reflect on the long road to an autism diagnosis, reframing “high support needs,” and the importance of seeing each autistic chil

193 | instagram live q&a replay: autism headlines, affirming supports, + the just one thing challenge Oct 2, 2025 01:16:17 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇this episode is a replay of my instagram live q+a, where we processed the recent press conference linking autism and tylenol. i shared reflections on research, stigma, and neurodiversity-affirming care, and answered parent questions in real time. we covered the nuance of research, medication conversations, ableism and stigma, and most importantly —

192 | processing the press on autism and Tylenol Sep 24, 2025 10:40 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this mini, spontaneous episode, Dr. Tay addresses the recent press conference where the administration linked autism to Tylenol, causing guilt and anxiety among parents. She emphasizes the importance of taking time to process emotions, the prevalence of misinformation, and the need for compassion. Dr. Tay reassures listeners that it's okay to take a

191 | navigating demands + boundaries with the 3 bucket approach Sep 18, 2025 19:06 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this mini episode, Dr. Tay shares a sneak peek into a training within EVOLVE the memberhsip. Sh dives into the concept of low demand parenting, particularly for families with children who resonate with the PDA profile. Dr. Tay introduces and explains the "3 Bucket Approach" to help parents manage demands and boundaries effectively. The episode also o

190 | jealousy in autism parenting: why it’s normal (and what to do with it) Sep 10, 2025 35:04 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this episode, Dr. Tay, a licensed child psychologist and parental coach specializing in neurodiversity affirming care, explores the concept of jealousy and why it is a valid and normal emotion. Dr. Tay discusses the importance of experiencing and processing jealousy, rather than suppressing it, and how this can impact personal growth and well-being.

189 | building a neuro-inclusive family through couples therapy with Dr. Ali Sep 3, 2025 42:21  ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this episode, Dr. Tay delves into the underexplored topic of couples therapy within the autism community, emphasizing its proactive rather than reactive use. Joined by Dr. Ali Perkinson, a neurodiverse couples therapist and licensed psychologist, the discussion covers how couples therapy can support harmonious family dynamics, understanding neu

188 | the chaos of the new school year Aug 28, 2025 26:34 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this episode, Dr. Tay discusses the chaos surrounding the start of a new school year, especially for families of autistic kids. Sharing insights and practical advice from her extensive experience, she addresses anticipatory anxiety, the challenges of advocating within educational systems, and the importance of psychological safety for children. The e

187 | a membership sneak peek: neuroaffirming ways to share a diagnosis Q+A Aug 20, 2025 25:45 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇this week, i’m giving you a behind-the-scenes listen into a question from inside EVOLVE the membership — my neurodiversity-affirming space for parents of autistic children. in our private weekly q&a, a parent asked how to explain their child’s autism diagnosis to other adults in a way that’s both clear and affirming. in this episode, you’ll hea

186 | do you really need the ADOS-2 to diagnose autism? Aug 13, 2025 24:09 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this episode, Dr. Tay addresses a commonly asked question: Is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) necessary for an autism diagnosis? Dr. Tay explains what the ADOS-2 is, its role in autism evaluations, and clarifies that while it is a widely respected tool, it is not required for diagnosing autism. The episode emphasiz

185 | it’s ok to three-putt: golf metaphors for autism parenting Aug 6, 2025 19:34 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this solo episode, Dr. Tay dives into the concept of perfectionism in autism parenting, sharing insights from her own journey and the experiences of parents she works with. Dr. Tay discusses the challenges of striving for perfection, the importance of being present, and the benefits of responding to feedback. She offers tips for navigating the autism

184 | respecting autonomy and honoring differences in autism parenting with @sprinkledspectrum Jul 30, 2025 40:25 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this episode, Dr. Tay welcomes Leila from @sprinkledspectrum to discuss the joys and challenges of parenting autistic children. Leila shares her journey of discovering her children's neurodivergence, the importance of building community, and the value of learning from autistic adults. Together, they emphasize the significance of parent coaching, crea

183 | holistic approaches to co-occurring health conditions in autistic individuals with Dr. Melissa Houser Jul 23, 2025 44:31 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this episode, Dr. Tay is joined by Dr. Melissa Houser, founder and executive director of All Brains Belong, to discuss co-occurring medical conditions in autistic individuals. The conversation covers Dr. Houser's personal and professional journey, the interconnected nature of conditions like hypermobility, POTS, mast cell activation syndrome, and the

182 | structure seeker, autonomy craver, or shape shifter? a sneak peek into EVOLVE the membership Jul 17, 2025 24:32 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇Dr. Tay introduces the vision to provide deeper insights and support for families navigating the autism journey. Highlighting the benefits of her new membership offering, she explains how it differs from her free podcast and clinical services. Through personal reflections and practical examples, listeners learn about the types of content and community s

181 | seeking support and decreasing stigma around your own medication use Jul 9, 2025 35:01 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇Dr. Tay discusses the importance of parents of autistic children seeking support for themselves. She highlights the role of therapy and medication, addressing the stigma and misconceptions surrounding them. Dr. Tay also shares her journey in creating resources for parents. She encourages self-care, therapy, and medication as essential tools for enhancin

180 | complex emotions in autism parenting: the path from grief to acceptance Jul 2, 2025 52:50 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this episode, Dr. Tay dives into the concept of grief that parents may experience upon learning about their child's autism diagnosis. Dr. Tay discusses the various stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—and how these emotions impact the parenting journey. She emphasizes that grieving in this context is not about mournin

179 | navigating autism misdiagnosis with Dr. Marie Hooper Jun 25, 2025 43:51 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇Dr. Tay is joined by Dr. Marie Hooper, a clinical psychologist (supervised practice) from Toronto, Canada. They dive into the nuances of autism diagnosis, discussing why autism is often misdiagnosed and the importance of differential diagnosis. Dr. Marie shares her personal journey of being diagnosed as autistic at 43 and talks about her clinic, Flouris

178 | peeling back the layers: identity and self-discovery Jun 18, 2025 30:21 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this candid and vulnerable episode, Dr. Tay dives deep into the theme of identity, sharing personal insights and challenges from her own journey. She discusses the importance of showing up as one's true, authentic self, especially for parents navigating life with autism. Dr. Tay touches on the struggles of balancing various roles in life and the disc

177 | navigating medication conversations with your autistic child: insights from Dr. Stacy Greeter Jun 11, 2025 43:39 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇Dr. Tay welcomes psychiatrist Dr. Stacy Greeter to discuss the complexities of explaining medication to autistic children. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a neurodiversity-affirming approach, focusing on informed consent, and fostering a healthy relationship with medication. Dr. Greeter shares personal experiences and tips on building trust

176 | understanding your inner authority: insights from human design with Rosy Crescitelli Jun 4, 2025 01:04:00 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this episode, Dr. Tay dives into the concept of inner authority from human design and its significance in enhancing parental advocacy and personal growth. Joined by Rosy Crescitelli, a human design specialist and multisensory reading expert, they explore various types of inner authorities such as sacral, emotional, splenic, ego, self, sounding board,

175 | how questions propel progress (and an exciting announcement!) May 29, 2025 16:33 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇Dr. Tay emphasizes the importance of asking questions as a tool for progress, especially for parents navigating the challenges of raising an autistic child. She discusses her own journey to launch a membership for parents seeking support, inspired by a serendipitous experience with a community she belongs to. Dr. Tay shares the story of how asking the r

174 | masking, delayed diagnosis, and autism identification in females with Amanda Moses May 21, 2025 01:02:51 In this episode, Dr. Tay is joined by guest Amanda Moses, a neurodivergent psychologist from Australia, who specializes in autism identification in those with complex and highly masked presentations. They discuss the differences in how autism presents in females versus males, the concept of masking, and the unique social challenges that often lead to delayed diagnoses. Amanda offers practical advi

173 | overthinking, fire ants, and big decisions May 14, 2025 30:04 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇Dr. Tay shares personal experiences and insights about making significant life changes. She discusses the challenges and importance of trusting one's instincts, especially when overthinking sets in. Dr. Tay recounts a personal story involving a car accident and fire ants, which led her to a profound realization about her own business decisions, particul

172 | shining light on high support needs with Jessie Mewshaw, MS, CCC-SLP May 7, 2025 54:00 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this episode, Dr. Tay chats with Jessie Mewshaw, a speech language pathologist, to discuss the often overlooked topic of medium and high support needs in autism. They dive into why this conversation is vital, sharing personal experiences and professional insights. Jessie discusses her unique journey into the field and her current work with nonspeakin

171 | embracing uncertainty in this season: personal reflections and parenting applications Apr 30, 2025 48:56 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this episode, Dr. Tay addresses the current uncertainties of the autism space and how it applies to clinical practice, her personal business, and your parenting journey. She provides an honest reflection on the challenges of navigating unknowns, both personally and within the context of autism care. Dr. Tay emphasizes the importance of serving onesel

170 | let’s chat shame, language, and autism research Apr 23, 2025 30:27 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇Think of this episode like sitting down with Dr. Tay to chat about a variety of topics, while she is getting ready for morning sessions. She shares her struggles with neck pain and ties it to stress and shame while discussing the application to your parenting journey. Dr. Tay then dives into the recent political climate, particularly RFK Jr.'s controver

169 | from navigating a medical condition and developmental disabilities to advocacy with Camille Joy Apr 16, 2025 40:43 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇Dr. Tay is joined by Camille Joy, an advocate and host of the Moments of Joy podcast. They discuss Camille's journey as a mother of five boys, including her youngest son Maison, who has a congenital heart defect, autism, and intellectual disability. They dive into the importance of early diagnosis, navigating the education system, and advocating for chi

168 | what therapies are families ACTUALLY doing? Apr 14, 2025 12:37 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this mini episode, Dr. Tay shares what families with autistic children are ACTUALLY doing in terms of therapy and support services. Emphasizing the importance of quality over quantity, Dr. Tay discusses common therapies like ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and mental health support. The episode also highlights the significance of individua

167 | declarative language with Linda Murphy: from introduction to in-depth application Apr 9, 2025 49:57 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇Dr. Tay explores the concept of declarative language and its benefits, especially for demand-avoidant children, with Linda Murphy—a speech therapist, RDI consultant, writer, and expert on the topic. They discuss the definition of declarative language and how it differs from demand-based phrases, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful communication tha

166 | the power of noticing wins in autism parenting (without toxic positivity!) Apr 7, 2025 15:47 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this mini-episode, Dr. Tay discusses the importance of noticing and reinforcing small wins in the autism parenting journey. Emphasizing the balance between avoiding toxic positivity and acknowledging positive moments, Dr. Tay explains how behaviorism done in a neurodiversity affirming way can play a role in promoting desired behaviors in autistic chi

165 | the fight for equal opportunity and inclusion with Lo Farmer Apr 2, 2025 40:52 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇Dr. Tay welcomes Lo Farmer to discuss the role of parental advocacy. Lo shares her journey from discovering her son's developmental delays to advocating for equitable access to services. Highlighted topics include the emotional and logistical challenges of getting a diagnosis, the broken support systems for special needs families, and Lo's significant e

164 | 5 key reasons to seek an autism evaluation NOW Mar 31, 2025 15:03 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇Dr. Tay discusses five compelling reasons why parents should consider getting their child assessed for autism, despite the current political climate. This mini episode offers insights into the benefits of obtaining a tailored plan, gaining greater understanding and acceptance of your child, boosting parental confidence, and being proactive in mental hea

163 | "Autism Handbooks": understanding autism in today's world with Andi Putt @mrsspeechiep Mar 26, 2025 47:38 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇Dr. Tay welcomes Andi Putt, better known on social media as @mrsspeechiep. Andi, a late identified autistic speech therapist, discusses her work doing autism evaluations and the resources she provides for the autism community. They explore topics including the nuances of autism diagnosis, the importance of neurodiversity-affirming care, and the developm

162 | preparing for Autism "Awareness" Month Mar 24, 2025 13:01 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this mini episode, Dr. Tay discusses the challenges and debates surrounding Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month. She shares insights from conversations about the division within the autism community over terminologies, symbols, and approaches, emphasizing the importance of unity and empathy. Dr. Tay highlights the pressing issues like the spread of

161 | parenting, emotions, and cultural reflections with Lisa Jean-Francois Mar 19, 2025 51:12 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this insightful episode, Dr. Tay welcomes Lisa Jean-Francois, known as @consciouslylisa_ on social media. Lisa shares her in-depth and personal journey of parenting two autistic children. The conversation covers her initial struggles and breakthroughs in understanding autism, the unexpected discovery of her husband's late diagnosis, and her introspec

160 | is there an intersection between evidence-based practice and neurodiversity affirming care? Mar 17, 2025 13:32 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this mini episode, Dr. Tay explores the intersection between evidence-based practices and neurodiversity affirming care in autism treatment. Drawing from her extensive background in research and clinical practice, she discusses the challenges of integrating these approaches to provide tailored, effective support for autistic individuals. Emphasizing

159 | understanding apraxia and its connections to autism with Jordan LeVan @fightingformyvoice Mar 12, 2025 01:02:55 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this episode, Dr. Tay discusses apraxia with Jordan Levan, a disability advocate and founder of The Apraxia Foundation. They explore the differences between apraxia and dyspraxia, signs and symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis. Jordan shares his personal journey with childhood apraxia of speech, the types of therapeutic approaches availabl

158 | unshaming neurodivergence: a deep dive into parenting and self-discovery with Isabeau Korylak @neurofriendlybeau Mar 5, 2025 33:28 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this episode, Dr. Tay connects with Neurofriendly Beau, a neurodivergent ADHD coach and parent of a neurodivergent child. They discuss the challenges and dynamics of parenting when the parent and child have different neurotypes. Beau shares insights on her late ADHD diagnosis and limitations of the diagnosis process as well as details her journey thr

157 | A Kid’s Book about Neurodiversity: celebrating the 2nd edition release with Laura Petix @theotbutterfly Feb 26, 2025 37:13 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇Dr. Tay, a licensed child psychologist specializing in neurodiversity affirming care, interviews Laura Petix @theotbutterfly about her children's book on neurodiversity. They discuss how to help children understand their autistic brain and neurodivergent traits, Laura's inspiration for writing the book, and her background as a pediatric occupational the

156 | SPECIAL EPISODE education laws under siege: what it means for your autistic child Feb 21, 2025 01:09:49 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this special episode, Dr. Tay welcomes back special education attorney Ashley Barlow to discuss critical updates impacting special education in the U.S. They delve into the Texas vs. Becerra case regarding the potential elimination of Section 504 protections, explore potential changes within the Department of Education, and highlight the significance

155 | autism, ARFID, and parental advocacy with Mercedes Palermo @autismoutloud Feb 19, 2025 38:30 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇Dr. Tay welcomes Mercedes Palermo to discuss her experiences as a parent of an autistic daughter diagnosed with ARFID. Mercedes shares her journey, from the initial diagnosis to managing daily challenges, while highlighting her advocacy efforts in spreading awareness. The episode covers key issues like understanding avoidant/restrictive food intake diso

154 | sex education for autistic youth with Dr. Michelle Fardella Feb 12, 2025 42:17 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇Dr. Tay is joined by Dr. Michelle Fardella, a clinical and school psychologist from Canada, to discuss the critical topic of sex education for autistic youth. The conversation covers various aspects, including the importance of proactive sex education, teaching body autonomy, consent, and addressing misconceptions. They delve into barriers faced by auti

153 | a new era of pediatric care with Dr. Mona Amin @pedsdoctalk Feb 5, 2025 49:07 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this episode, Dr. Tay, a licensed child psychologist and parental coach, speaks with Dr. Mona Amin, a board-certified pediatrician known for her social media presence as PedsDocTalk. They discuss critical aspects of navigating the journey of raising an autistic child, including effective strategies for interacting with pediatricians, advocating for n

152 | how US policy updates impact the neurodiversity movement Jan 29, 2025 43:15 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇Dr. Tay shares a real-time update on US policy changes and their impact for autistic individuals and neurodiversity affirming supports. This episode was recorded and published on Jan 29th, 2025 and addresses topics such as DEI, Medicaid, NIH, gender recognition, ICE, and Elon Musk. This episode is not intended to be a news source but instead encourages

151 | school vs. clinical: autism diagnosis and eligibility differences with Briana Drimmer Jan 22, 2025 01:02:16 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this episode, Dr. Tay is joined by school psychologist Briana Drimmer to explore the complexities of school eligibility criteria for autism. They discuss the differences between medical diagnoses and educational eligibility, the role of an IEP team, and how to advocate for your autistic child within the school system. The episode also covers the educ

150 | unlocking the world of sign language with Marissa Ramos @riseandsigntherapies Jan 15, 2025 40:13 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this episode, Dr. Tay hosts Marissa Ramos, a bilingual English/ASL speech therapist, to discuss the benefits of incorporating sign language into communication strategies for autistic and hard of hearing children. They dive into the overlapping needs of these children, the surprisingly low percentage of speech therapists who are fluent in ASL, and sha

149 | the EF toolkit: supporting autistic children with navigating life in a neuroaffirming way with Iris Wong Jan 8, 2025 50:35 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this episode, Dr. Tay welcomes Iris Wong, a speech-language pathologist, executive functioning coach, and late diagnosed AuDHD mother with ND children to discuss the importance of executive functions. The conversation covers the definition of executive functions, how they manifest in daily life, and particularly how they impact autistic and ADHD chil

148 | Counting Down the Top 10 Episodes in Autism and Parenting for 2024 Dec 31, 2024 23:15 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇In this final episode of 2024, Dr. Tay recaps the top 10 most downloaded podcast episodes of the year, reflecting on the amazing growth and impact of the show. The podcast, focused on autism and parenting, has garnered significant attention with an average of 1,400 downloads per week recently, and a total of over 55,000 all-time downloads. Highlighted e

147 | my epic fail and where to go from here Dec 19, 2024 27:06 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇Dr. Tay discusses the pressures of modern life, the need for human connection, and the importance of being present. She reflects on her experiences from the past year, including her professional milestones and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of celebrating accomplishments instead of always striving for more. Dr. Tay also talks about her upco

146 | a mindset shift to presume competence in her autistic adult son with Betsy Hicks Dec 11, 2024 55:28 ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇Dr. Tay hosts Betsy Hicks (@betsyonthego) who discusses her journey parenting her 31-year-old non-speaking autistic son, Joey. The conversation delves into Betsy's experiences with autism awareness over the years, the impact of nutrition on Joey's behavior, and the significant breakthrough they experienced with Spelling to Communicate. Betsy shares the

EVOLVE with Dr. Tay: the podcast for parents of autistic kids

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