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 episodes include deep dives into PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), autism in females, low demand parenting, sensory regulation at home, and various therapeutic approaches. Dr. Tay also discusses future plans for monetization to enhance the podcast's reach and quality, including potential ads and sponsorships that align with the listeners' interests. Listeners are encouraged to provide feedback and topic suggestions for future episodes. Happy New Year and looking forward to the exciting developments in 2025!

00:00 Welcome and Episode Recap Introduction

00:51 Podcast Analytics and Listener Engagement

02:32 Future Plans and Monetization

03:58 Top Episode #1: What is PDA?

05:18 Top Episodes #2-5: PDA and Beyond

10:48 Top Episodes #6-10: Autism Insights and Alternatives

19:26 Honorable Mentions and Listener Appreciation

20:37 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

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

⚡️ join the Evolve Facebook community to participate in the episode Q+As >> facebook.com/groups/evolveautism

⚡️ learn from me and submit your questions [could be featured on a future episode] >>

Instagram @the.dr.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

LinkedIn @the-dr-tay

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 upcoming plans, including the highly-anticipated membership launch. As she recaps the year, Dr. Tay invites listeners to focus on their own growth and wins, and to remember that epic fails do not define them, but how they recover and move forward does.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:22 Personal Reflections and Social Media Insights

02:19 The Importance of Slowing Down

03:27 Taylor Swift and Personal Growth

07:13 Holiday Season Reflections

10:41 Epic Fail and Business Update

13:33 Neuro Affirming Care and Personal Growth

14:10 Balancing Work and Personal Life

15:00 The Membership Journey

17:17 Reflecting on Achievements and Failures

23:35 Parenting and Personal Development

24:42 Wrapping Up and Looking Forward

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

⚡️ join the Evolve Facebook community to participate in the episode Q+As >> facebook.com/groups/evolveautism

⚡️ learn from me and submit your questions [could be featured on a future episode] >>

Instagram @the.dr.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

LinkedIn @the-dr-tay

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 process and emotional experience of Joey moving out and gaining independence, emphasizing the importance of following one's intuition as a parent. Dr. Tay and Betsy also address the challenges and nuances of parenting within the autism community and the role of social media in providing support and spreading awareness.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

02:23 Betsy's Journey Begins

03:40 Discovering the Impact of Diet

04:27 A New Chapter with John

05:55 The Shift in Understanding Autism

07:34 Spelling to Communicate

09:14 Reflections and Insights

15:25 Navigating Social Media and Advocacy

29:27 Joey's Progress and Moving Out

31:54 Realizing Children's Independence

33:44 Joey's New Caregiver: Nick's Story

35:29 The Apartment Community's Support

42:03 Navigating Section 8 Housing

45:39 Balancing Caregiving and Independence

49:25 The Importance of Nutrition

54:30 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

RESOURCES

⚡️ Follow Betsy @betsyonthego on TikTok and Instagram and learn about her resources betsyonthego.com

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

⚡️ join the Evolve Facebook community to participate in the episode Q+As >> facebook.com/groups/evolveautism

⚡️ learn from me and submit your questions [could be featured on a future episode] >>

Instagram @the.dr.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

LinkedIn @the-dr-tay

In this heartfelt mini-episode, Dr. Tay sheds light on the disturbing practice of using seclusion rooms for dysregulated children, often presented under names like 'calm down rooms' or 'regulation rooms.' Highlighting the traumatic impact of these practices, Dr. Tay empowers parents with information on how to identify and advocate against the use of these rooms. The episode includes practical tips for parents on educating themselves about state laws, inquiring about school policies in IEP meetings, and proposing proactive, humane solutions. Dr. Tay calls for community unity in advocating for neurodiversity-affirming care and ensuring autistic children are treated with dignity and respect.

00:00 Introduction to a Difficult Topic

00:29 Understanding Seclusion Rooms

01:42 Real-Life Stories and Impact

02:56 Advocating for Change

08:32 Proactive Strategies and Solutions

15:35 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

RESOURCES

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

⚡️ join the Evolve Facebook community to participate in the episode Q+As >> facebook.com/groups/evolveautism

⚡️ learn from me and submit your questions [could be featured on a future episode] >>

Instagram @the.dr.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

LinkedIn @the-dr-tay

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

in this episode, Dr. Tay talks about helpful tips and strategies for autism families navigating the holiday season. we discuss the importance of preparing for potential disruptions to routines, setting realistic expectations, giving choices, and setting boundaries. Dr. Tay addresses several elements including helping your child anticipate upcoming events, being mindful of safe foods, empowering your child by involving them in the process, and handling comments from others. there is an emphasis on the importance of being present during these moments and cherishing the progress that your child has made since the last holiday season.

RESOURCES

⚡️ want to learn more about Dr. Tay's Whole Family Approachᵀᴹ and current services offered? schedule a free consult call here or email [email protected] if you have questions.

⚡️ join the Evolve Facebook community to participate in the episode Q+As >> facebook.com/groups/evolveautism

⚡️ learn from me and submit your questions [could be featured on a future episode] >>

Instagram @the.dr.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

LinkedIn @the-dr-tay

In this special mini-episode Dr. Tay, a child psychologist specializing in autism, discusses how extended family members can better support parents of autistic children during the holiday season. Drawing on over a decade of experience and direct feedback from parents, Dr. Tay shares practical advice, such as understanding triggers, recognizing the effort parents put into preparing for events, and ways to offer meaningful help. This episode is what your loved one wants you to know! A special thank you to the parents who submitted their insights and are featured on this episode.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:12 Understanding Autism and Neurodiversity

02:21 Holiday Support for Autistic Children

03:29 Parental Insights and Requests

06:38 Common Misunderstandings and Challenges

15:07 Sensory and Social Considerations

18:38 Creating a Supportive Environment for Neurodivergent Children

19:05 Offering Help and Dropping Judgment

20:21 Understanding Meltdowns and Neurodivergence

21:11 Challenges in Getting Diagnoses and Support

21:51 Validating Parents' Efforts and Experiences

23:23 Navigating Family Traditions and Accommodations

27:18 Grief and Emotional Complexity in Parenting

32:08 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

RESOURCES

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

⚡️ join the Evolve Facebook community to participate in the episode Q+As >> facebook.com/groups/evolveautism

⚡️ learn from me and submit your questions [could be featured on a future episode] >>

Instagram @the.dr.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

LinkedIn @the-dr-tay

In this episode, Dr. Tay welcomes back Ashley Barlow, a special education attorney and advocate, for her third appearance. The discussion dives into the complexities of special education disputes, specifically focusing on mediation, due process, and parental rights. They explore the challenges parents face with school systems, legal options available, and the importance of advocacy and negotiation. Essential resources and strategies for navigating these situations are also shared, providing parents with valuable insights to better support their children’s education.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Reintroduction

00:33 Overview of Today's Topic

01:18 Host and Guest Backgrounds

02:43 Challenges in Special Education

03:59 Navigating Special Education Law

05:21 Advocacy and Negotiation Strategies

10:36 Understanding Due Process

23:32 Legal Counteractions in School Disputes

24:05 Understanding Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE)

24:43 Financial Considerations and Attorney Fees

26:24 The Role of Due Process in Special Education

28:50 Navigating 504 Plans and Anti-Discrimination Laws

36:44 Alternative Approaches to Due Process

41:32 Final Thoughts and Resources for Parents

44:08 Wrap-Up and Next Steps

RESOURCES

⚡️ listen to episodes 53 and 57 for more information about special education from Ashley as well as her podcast The Collaborative IEP

⚡️ see all that Ashley has to offer here, including her newly launched IEP Guru Academy

⚡️ follow Ashley on Instagram @thecollaborativeiep

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

⚡️ join the Evolve Facebook community to participate in the episode Q+As >> facebook.com/groups/evolveautism

⚡️ learn from me and submit your questions [could be featured on a future episode] >>

Instagram @the.dr.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

LinkedIn @the-dr-tay

*please note: PDA is referenced in this episode. it is a theorized profile of autism and not a clinical diagnosis. however, it has been a helpful conceptualization for many parents to learn about how their child's brain is wired. our knowledge of PDA is currently unfolding and I do my best to share up-to-date, balanced information. to learn more about PDA, please listen to episode 110

In this episode, Dr. Tay invites Alyssa Campbell of Seed & Sew to discuss the importance of supporting autistic students at a classroom-wide level, particularly focusing on their nervous system and sensory regulation. Alyssa, with her extensive background in early childhood education and emotional development, shares insights and practical strategies for creating sensory-friendly environments and understanding individual sensory profiles. They explore the benefits of proactive versus reactive strategies in educational settings, the vital role of teachers and parents in advocating for proper supports, and the importance of normalizing neurodiverse needs to foster inclusive learning spaces for all students. The episode is filled with actionable insights that are beneficial for educators, parents, and anyone involved in the care and development of autistic children.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:48 Meet Alyssa Campbell: Expert in Emotional Development

01:58 Dr. Tay's Background and Mission

03:33 Alyssa's Journey and Collaborative Emotion Processing Method

04:12 Understanding Sensory Regulation and Nervous System

18:00 Practical Applications in the Classroom

20:34 Supporting Sensory Needs in Education

25:19 Parental and Teacher Collaboration

25:58 Understanding Early Childhood Sensory Responses

27:17 Proactive Strategies in Schools

35:13 Supporting Teachers and Parents

38:32 Managing Diverse Needs in the Classroom

45:55 The Role of Occupational Therapy

49:26 Resources and Final Thoughts

RESOURCES

⚡️check out Alyssa and her parent-friendly resources, including the sensory quiz here: https://www.seedandsew.org/parents

⚡️check out her resources for teachers and schools, including her certification here: https://www.seedandsew.org/seedcertificationteachers

⚡️follow her on Instagram @seed.and.sew and listen to her podcast Voices of Your Village

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

⚡️ join the Evolve Facebook community to participate in the episode Q+As >> facebook.com/groups/evolveautism

⚡️ learn from me and submit your questions [could be featured on a future episode] >>

Instagram @the.dr.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

LinkedIn @the-dr-tay

*please note: PDA is referenced in this episode. it is a theorized profile of autism and not a clinical diagnosis. however, it has been a helpful conceptualization for many parents to learn about how their child's brain is wired. our knowledge of PDA is currently unfolding and I do my best to share up-to-date, balanced information. to learn more about PDA, please listen to episode 110

In this episode, Dr. Tay speaks with Courtney Peebles, co-founder of Solobo Toys, which designs educational toys with neurodivergent children in mind. Courtney shares personal stories about her diagnoses, launching the company, and navigating a neurodiverse household. Courtney designs toys for all ability levels. They discuss how parents can select toys that promote children's learning and interests.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement

01:23 Meet Dr. Tay: Your Host

02:25 Courtney's Journey and Family Background

03:09 The Diagnosis Journey

09:41 Starting Solobo Toys

13:36 Challenges and Triumphs in Business

23:03 The Story Behind the Emotional Baggage Toy

23:55 Changing the Narrative in Parenting

24:52 Navigating Autism and Family Support

25:32 Self-Advocacy and Permission

26:58 Modeling Behavior for Kids

27:43 Challenging Unrealistic Expectations

28:22 Teaching Self-Advocacy Early

29:31 Creating a Safe Space at Home

32:50 Exploring and Setting Boundaries

36:11 Designing Inclusive Toys

41:53 Balancing Business and Accessibility

46:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

RESOURCES

⚡️ shop Solobo Toys and check out their sensory guide

⚡️ follow @solobotoys on Instagram

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

⚡️ join the Evolve Facebook community to participate in the episode Q+As >> facebook.com/groups/evolveautism

⚡️ learn from me and submit your questions [could be featured on a future episode] >>

Instagram @the.dr.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

LinkedIn @the-dr-tay

*please note: PDA is referenced in this episode. it is a theorized profile of autism and not a clinical diagnosis. however, it has been a helpful conceptualization for many parents to learn about how their child's brain is wired. our knowledge of PDA is currently unfolding and I do my best to share up-to-date, balanced information. to learn more about PDA, please listen to episode 110

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

In this podcast episode, Dr. Tay welcomes back Dr. Arielle Rubin, a triple board certified psychiatrist, to discuss the role of psychiatry for autistic children with co-occurring mental health conditions. This is a follow-up to episode 94, where Dr. Rubin answers parent-submitted questions.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:15 Recap of Episode 94

00:53 Challenges in Psychiatry

01:12 Disclaimer and Podcast Purpose

02:25 Welcome Dr. Arielle Rubin

02:38 Dr. Arielle Rubin's Background

03:57 Breaking the Status Quo in Psychiatry

04:22 Community Support for Families

06:18 Diving into Parent Questions

06:51 Stimulant Medication for ADHD

11:11 Alternatives to Atypical Antipsychotics

14:55 When to Consider Psychiatry

20:08 Tips for Discussing PDA with Psychiatry

23:24 Genesight Testing for Kids

27:42 Considering Mental Health Programs

29:09 Inpatient Psychiatry: When and Why

30:53 Residential Treatment Centers

32:04 Intensive Outpatient Programs and Partial Hospitalization

35:19 Medications for Rumination and Aggression

39:36 Medications to Avoid and Supplement Interactions

42:53 Final Thoughts and Resources

RESOURCES

⚡️ listen to episode 94 on Apple or Spotify

⚡️ follow Dr. Rubin on Instagram, join the Autism Roadmaps Community, and sign-up for her newsletter

⚡️ download the Supplement Guide for Autism and Mental Health referenced in the episode

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

⚡️ join the Evolve Facebook community to participate in the episode Q+As >> facebook.com/groups/evolveautism

⚡️ learn from me and submit your questions [could be featured on a future episode] >>

Instagram @the.dr.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

LinkedIn @the-dr-tay

*please note:

1) in this episode, many terminologies and phrases are used to describe autism. Dr. Tay honors what each child and family prefers, and intentionally chooses to use affirming and identity-first language after listening to autistic adults and their preferences. various guests on the podcast are likely to use the language that they have been exposed to the most.

2) PDA is referenced in this episode. it is a theorized profile of autism and not a clinical diagnosis. however, it has been a helpful conceptualization for many parents to learn about how their child's brain is wired. our knowledge of PDA is currently unfolding and I do my best to share up-to-date, balanced information. to learn more about PDA, please listen to episode 110