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 what a neurodiversity-affirming approach looks like instead.

you’ll learn:

1. why “social skills” often = neurotypical norms
2. what actually helps autistic kids build authentic connection
3. practical ways to support social growth at home, without scripts or forcing
4. how to understand what your child needs based on their motivation, interests, and neurotype

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 introduction and episode inspiration

00:21 diagnostic feedback and recommendations

01:57 therapeutic approaches and parent coaching

04:34 addressing social skills in autistic children

05:52 neurodiversity affirming approaches

08:00 practical strategies and role-playing

12:04 real-life situations and empathy building

16:16 parental involvement and social skills groups

23:03 conclusion and next steps

RESOURCES

⚡️need more support navigating this? Join EVOLVE the membership — a neurodiversity-affirming space to ask YOUR questions.

⚡️ learn more about Dr. Tay’s Whole Family Approach + current services, including her small group therapy model, at drtaylorday.com

⚡️ keep learning

Instagram → @the.dr.tay

TikTok → @the.dr.tay

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 behaviors. They also explore systemic issues, coping mechanisms, and the need for a holistic approach that includes listening to autistic voices. Despite the focus on parents, the core message underscores the importance of a balanced support system for the entire family unit.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:28 Lisa Candera's Background and Passion

00:45 The Role of Parents in Autism Support

01:28 Podcast Introduction and Disclaimer

02:30 Lisa's Journey as a Single Mom

05:25 Challenges and Early Diagnosis

06:48 Navigating Resources and Support Systems

08:27 The Importance of Parental Education

16:04 Understanding OCD and Autism

22:59 Coaching and Self-Regulation

28:21 Understanding the Distinctness of OCD

28:30 The Complexity of Compulsions

29:01 Parental Instincts and Fix-It Mode

29:31 The Illogical Nature of OCD

30:06 OCD and Autism: The Just Right Feeling

31:22 Building Acceptance in Parenting

32:22 The Psychological Definition of Acceptance

33:46 Behavioral Issues and Parental Pressure

35:05 Supporting Parents: Tips and Strategies

37:24 Validating Experiences Before Problem Solving

38:01 Common Challenges and Seeking Support

39:21 Navigating Grief and Acceptance

40:02 Ambiguous Grief and GOMO

41:17 Being the Safe Person and Self-Advocacy

44:31 Parental Regulation and Child's Behavior

46:36 Building a Well-Rounded Support Team

48:29 The Power of Tone and Voice

52:12 Conclusion and Resources

RESOURCES

⚡️ Continue learning from Lisa Candera at theautismmomcoach.com/ and @theautismmomcoach on Instagram and Facebook

⚡️ Download the Meltdown Action Plan

⚡️ Join EVOLVE: The Membership — a neurodiversity-affirming space for parents to find community, support, and ongoing learning on this journey.

⚡️ Learn more about Dr. Tay’s Whole Family Approach + current services at drtaylorday.com

⚡️ Continue learning + submit questions for future episodes:

Instagram → @the.dr.tay

TikTok → @the.dr.tay

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 parents, such as managing inappropriate comments and excessive affectionate behaviors.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:24 Inspiration Behind the Episode

01:30 Understanding Impulse Control in Autistic Children

03:02 Proactive Skill Building Strategies

03:53 Engaging Activities to Teach Impulse Control

06:29 Addressing Common Questions from Parents

15:36 Impulse Control vs. Other Behavioral Issues

17:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

RESOURCES

⚡️ Join EVOLVE: The Membership — a neurodiversity-affirming space for parents to find community, support, and ongoing learning on this journey.

⚡️ Learn more about Dr. Tay’s Whole Family Approach + current services at drtaylorday.com

⚡️ Continue learning + suggest topics for future episodes:

Instagram → @the.dr.tay

TikTok → @the.dr.tay

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 interoceptive awareness. The conversation also touches on the significance of adult modeling, school-based interventions, and a comprehensive approach to sensory regulation. Additionally, they explore the connection between interoception and autistic burnout, providing valuable insights and resources for parents and educators.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

02:04 Guest Introduction: Kelly Mahler

02:11 Kelly's Journey into Interoception

04:17 Understanding Interoception

08:57 Interoception in Autistic Individuals

14:44 Building Interoceptive Awareness in Kids

23:16 Challenges and Advocacy in Schools

25:25 Understanding Interoception and Compliance

26:01 Adult Modeling and Focus Area Experiments

28:59 Sequential Process: Body, Emotion, Action

32:18 Challenges in School-Based OT and Sensory Regulation

38:47 Autistic Burnout and Interoception

46:52 Resources and Final Thoughts

RESOURCES

⚡️ check out all of Kelly’s resources → www.kelly-mahler.com

⚡️ Join EVOLVE: The Membership — a neurodiversity-affirming space for parents to find community, support, and ongoing learning on this journey.

⚡️ Learn more about Dr. Tay’s Whole Family Approach + current services at drtaylorday.com

⚡️ Continue learning + submit questions for future episodes:

Instagram → @the.dr.tay

TikTok → @the.dr.tay

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:

1. the fine line between accommodation and over-accommodation
2. perfectionism as a form of rigidity and how it sneaks into parenting
3. learning to release shame and accept imperfection as part of growth

00:00 introduction: what perfectionism looks like in parenting

00:54 reflections from clinical practice and lived experience

01:33 perfectionism behind the scenes of podcasting and social media

02:36 when “doing it right” becomes doing too much

12:46 finding the balance between accommodation and over-accommodation

21:17 learning to release control and practice repair over perfection

25:15 a group reflection on perfectionism and shared growth

35:42 closing encouragement and ways to stay connected

⚡️ join evolve: the membership — a space for parents to reflect, connect, and grow through their autism journey.

⚡️ learn more about dr. tay’s whole family approach and current clinical services at drtaylorday.com.

⚡️ continue learning from me and submit questions (they may be featured on a future episode!)

instagram → @the.dr.tay

tiktok → @the.dr.tay

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 child through a lens of humanity rather than fear or deficit. Jessie shares how her journey with her daughter, Eliza, inspired her to create the If You Know One Project — a space that celebrates individuality and connection through neurodiversity-affirming awareness, apparel, and storytelling.

Together, Dr. Tay and Jessie explore what it means to move forward with compassion, to hold complexity in parenting, and to remind families that every story — every one — matters.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement

00:29 Host’s Background and Podcast Purpose

01:31 Guest Introduction and Family Background

02:01 Starting the If You Know One Project

03:29 Community Engagement and Resource Sharing

06:50 Challenges in the Diagnosis Journey

11:36 Navigating the Healthcare System

18:23 The If You Know One Project’s Mission and Future Goals

22:59 Navigating the Journey Together

23:22 Support for Families

24:04 Community and Connection

24:33 Understanding High Support Needs

25:22 The Value of Individuality

26:20 Perspective Shifts and Humanity

28:24 Building Trust and Communication

32:19 Sharing Stories and Advocacy

36:12 Encouragement for Parents

38:56 Final Thoughts and Resources

💛 RESOURCES

⚡️ Connect with Jessie Caraway + The If You Know One Project:

Instagram → @jess_ifyouknowone

Etsy Shop → If You Know One

⚡️ Join EVOLVE: The Membership — a neurodiversity-affirming space for parents to find community, support, and ongoing learning on this journey.

⚡️ Learn more about Dr. Tay’s Whole Family Approach + current services at drtaylorday.com

⚡️ Continue learning + submit questions for future episodes:

Instagram → @the.dr.tay

TikTok → @the.dr.tay

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 — how parents can ground themselves and their families.

a special thank you to sam marion, lcsw (@sammarioncounseling) for moderating the live chat and helping to hold respectful space for this conversation.

toward the end of this episode, i introduce the just one thing challenge—a free 7-day practice designed to help parents slow down, ground themselves, and notice one small glimmer in the middle of daily overwhelm.

join the just one thing challenge starting monday, october 6th, 2025

– on instagram: follow @the.dr.tay and message JOTCHALLENGE

– not on instagram? sign up here

00:00 introduction + intent of the live

01:46 introducing sam marion

03:51 processing the press conference

06:20 what neurodiversity affirming care really means

07:50 dr. tay’s background + perspective

09:52 making sense of autism research

12:36 diving into parent questions

24:05 responding to the administration’s narrative

39:54 fda-approved medications + leucovorin discussion

41:51 understanding pda + affirming supports

44:15 debunking tylenol + autism myths

45:56 confronting stigma + ableism

48:58 concerns about government policies

51:54 supporting autistic kids + families

01:10:51 the just one thing challenge

01:15:34 closing reflections + resources

⚡️ join EVOLVE the membership to find community + support in your parenting journey

⚡️ learn more about dr. tay's whole family approach + current clinical services offered at drtaylorday.com

⚡️ continue learning from me + submit questions that may be featured on a future episode >>

instagram @the.dr.tay

tiktok @the.dr.tay

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 pause, mute social media, and focus on emotional processing rather than seeking immediate answers. She encourages parents to embrace their current reality with their autistic child and highlights the complexity of autism's causes.

00:00 Introduction

00:19 Addressing the Press Conference on Autism and Tylenol

00:52 Processing and Community Feedback

02:25 Neurodiversity and Emotional Support

05:08 Clarifying Misconceptions about Autism Causes

06:38 Encouragement and Self-Care Tips

09:47 Final Thoughts and Outro

RESOURCES

⚡️ join EVOLVE the membership here to have a community support you during these trying times

⚡️ learn more about Dr. Tay's Whole Family Approach and current clinical services offered at drtaylorday.com

⚡️ continue learning from me and submit any questions [could be featured on a future episode] >>

Instagram @the.dr.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

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 outlines the benefits of joining the membership where deeper guidance, resources, and community support are provided. Additionally, Dr. Tay highlights the importance of understanding family values and giving children autonomy, while maintaining necessary non-negotiable boundaries for safety and key family values.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:36 Membership Insights and Podcast Differences

01:15 Introducing a New Resource

02:22 Understanding Low Demand Parenting

06:21 The Three Bucket Approach

06:55 Non-Negotiables and Key Family Values

08:41 The Shoulds: Dropping Unnecessary Demands

11:01 The Ideal or Yet Bucket

11:57 Practical Examples and Applications

15:48 Conclusion and Membership Invitation

18:00 Episode Wrap-Up and Future Content

RESOURCES

⚡️ join EVOLVE the membership here

⚡️ learn more about Dr. Tay's Whole Family Approach and current clinical services offered as well as her new educational membership? visit drtaylorday.com

⚡️ continue learning from me and submit any questions [could be featured on a future episode] >>

Instagram @the.dr.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

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. The episode also addresses the complexity of co-existing emotions like hope and jealousy, and provides insights on how to navigate these feelings as a parent of an autistic child. Dr. Tay shares personal stories, professional insights, and practical advice on emotion regulation to help parents better support themselves and their families.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:05 Understanding Jealousy as a Valid Emotion

01:15 The Impact of Suppressing Emotions

04:06 Coping Mechanisms and Emotional Processing

12:06 Real-Life Applications and Parental Support

18:27 Affirmation and Momentum

18:42 Understanding Jealousy

19:06 Balancing Emotions

19:31 Validating Emotions

20:53 Navigating Jealousy and Hope

21:39 Seeking Support

24:00 Embracing Jealousy

26:38 Reflecting on Jealousy

33:15 Final Thoughts and Resources

RESOURCES

⚡️ join EVOLVE the membership here and listen to my glimmers training that helps you to better understand progress

⚡️ learn more about Dr. Tay's Whole Family Approach and current clinical services offered. visit drtaylorday.com

⚡️ continue learning from me and submit any questions [could be featured on a future episode] >>

Instagram @the.dr.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay