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

In this episode, Dr. Tay interviews Kaley Stymeist about "Spell to Communicate" (S2C), a method used to support non-speaking autistic children in expressing themselves. Kaley shares her journey with her son Hudson, who is progressing his communication through S2C after language regression. The discussion covers the methodology of S2C, emphasizing its neurodiversity-affirming approach and the importance of motor planning. Kaley also addresses common misconceptions and the need for structured training. Listeners learn where to find S2C practitioners and how to get started.

00:00 Introduction to Spell to Communicate

00:42 Meet Kaley Stymeist

01:03 Dr. Tay's Background and Podcast Mission

02:20 Kaley's Family and Autism Journey

03:07 Hudson's Birth and Early Challenges

06:49 Discovering Spell to Communicate

15:38 Hudson's Progress and Motor Planning

25:32 Starting with Presuming Competence

25:50 Introduction to Three Letter Boards

26:16 Transition to 26 Letter Boards

26:54 The Importance of Prompting

28:32 Building Motor Control and Accuracy

30:08 Progressing to Open Communication

33:18 The Goal of Spell to Communicate

39:09 Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions

44:50 Finding a Practitioner and Training

47:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

RESOURCES

⚡️ connect with Kaley on Instagram @kaley_and_3 and learn more about her S2C practice @autismsoulspeak

⚡️ find a local S2C practitioner >> https://i-asc.org/

⚡️ 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: 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.

Dr. Tay shares a mini-episode where she dives into the complexities and controversies surrounding Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy in the autism field. She presents a balanced perspective on ABA, emphasizing the importance of informed consent and considering the diverse needs and privileges of families. Dr. Tay also highlights different neurodiversity affirming modalities under the ABA umbrella, upcoming podcast guests, and her own experiences, urging the need for more nuanced conversations in the field.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Update

00:52 Welcome to the Parenting Space

01:05 Diving into ABA Therapy

01:22 Controversies and Perspectives on ABA

01:41 Upcoming Podcast Guests and Topics

04:55 Informed Decision-Making for Families

05:42 Advocating for Neurodiversity Affirming Practices

07:06 Changing the Field from the Inside Out

08:55 Accessibility Issues in Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy

09:18 Challenges in Child Care for Working Parents

10:02 Intersectionality and Racial Perspectives in ABA

11:05 Safety and Compliance for Non-White Children

12:08 Balancing Family Needs and Therapy Approaches

12:43 Open Dialogue and Future Conversations

13:34 Supporting Families Through Free Resources and Memberships

14:47 Encouraging Informed Consent and Advocacy

15:37 Conclusion and Future Episodes

RESOURCES

⚡️ listen to episodes 26, 59, and 128, which further discuss ABA and varying approaches. and check out the Making the Shift episode on ABA that inspired this episode!

⚡️ 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

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

DISCLAIMER >> anything shared on this podcast should not be considered clinical advice, and you should consult with your team of medical, mental health, and developmental providers if you need support.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

In this episode, Dr. Tay welcomes Rob Gorski, known as The Autism Dad on social media, to discuss his experience as a father raising three autistic children. They explore the unique challenges and opportunities of fatherhood in the autism community, the grief process associated with diagnoses, and the importance of leaning into emotions. Rob shares his journey of starting a blog, the evolving support needs of his children, and the importance of self-care and mental health for parents. They also discuss the societal expectations for dads and the need for more inclusive and supportive conversations around fatherhood and autism.

00:00 Introduction and Today's Special Guest

00:58 Dr. Tay's Background and Podcast Mission

02:01 Rob Gorski's Family and Autism Journey

03:22 Challenges and Insights on Autism Diagnoses

08:48 Support Needs and Progress of Rob's Children

12:42 Navigating Parenting and Personal Challenges

13:39 The Role of Dads in Autism Parenting

18:05 Emotional Struggles and Mental Health

28:38 Understanding the Impact of Parental Emotions

29:34 Embracing Imperfection in Parenting

31:10 Navigating Social Media and External Judgments

32:54 The Importance of Repair and Recovery

34:50 Challenging Parenting Norms and Expectations

39:03 Advocating for Your Child's Needs

44:06 The Power of Vulnerability and Self-Care

48:33 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

RESOURCES

⚡️ connect with Rob on Instagram @theautismdad and on his website

⚡️ listen to our recent episode on Rob's podcast about autism in girls

⚡️ 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: 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 they have been exposed to the most.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

In this episode, Dr. Tay speaks with Carrie Cariello, a mother of five, including an autistic young adult. Carrie shares her family's journey, advocacy work, and the unique challenges and triumphs of raising an autistic child. They discuss practical strategies for fostering independence, the importance of community, navigating the education system, and marital dynamics. Carrie also shares insights into the transition to young adulthood, including finding supportive college programs. This episode offers hope, practical advice, and a reminder that families are not alone in their journey.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

02:09 Meet Carrie Cariello: A Journey Through Autism

03:00 Carrie's Family and Early Diagnosis

04:07 From Writing to Advocacy

06:40 Navigating Challenges and Safety Concerns

08:59 Parenting Strategies and Splinter Skills

17:50 Redefining Family Dynamics

27:48 Parenting Challenges and Triumphs

28:41 Navigating Discomfort and Fix-It Mode

29:16 Dinner Time Dilemmas

31:28 College Program Search

36:24 Balancing Marriage and Parenting

40:12 Encouraging Independence

45:48 Final Thoughts and Resources

RESOURCES

⚡️ connect with Carrie >>

Instagram @carrie_cariello 

Facebook @whatcolorismonday

Website Link: https://carriecariello.substack.com

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

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

Instagram @the.dr.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

*please note: 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.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

In this episode, Dr. Tay hosts Maggie of Unfurling Littles and explores Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) lens. They discuss how to incorporate neurodiversity-affirming practices into ABA to create a compassionate, child-led approach. Maggie shares her journey into the field, her own lived experience as an autistic individual, and practical examples of how ACT principles can be applied within ABA for the benefit of both children and their families. The episode also addresses common concerns about traditional ABA and offers insights on fostering mindful play and regulation.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:46 Guest Introduction: Maggie from Unfurling Littles

02:33 Maggie's Journey into Early Childhood Special Education

03:43 Challenges and Criticisms of ABA

06:28 Maggie's Personal Neurodivergence Story

08:29 Founding Unfurling Littles and Professional Challenges

10:59 Navigating ABA and Neurodiversity Affirming Practices

14:38 Introduction to ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)

16:39 Implementing ACT in Family and Child Goals

21:26 Balancing Family and Child Values in Therapy

27:08 Practical Applications of ACT in Therapy

29:25 Measuring Engagement and Joy in Child Interactions

29:59 Integrating Child-Led Approaches in Therapy

30:27 Present Moment Awareness and Neurodiversity Affirming Practices

32:04 Mindfulness in Neurodiversity Affirming Care

34:16 Handling Dysregulation with ACT Principles

36:32 The Importance of Validating Emotions

40:41 Healing Through Neurodiversity Affirming Practices

44:33 The Evolution and Future of ABA

50:49 Connecting with Families and Resources

52:45 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

RESOURCES

⚡️ connect with Maggie on Instagram @unfurling_littles and her website https://www.unfurlinglittles.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

Note: PDA 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

👉🏼 ENROLL NOW >> http://drtaylorday.com/membership

If you find value in this podcast and want even more support, tune in to learn about “EVOLVE the membership.” This new membership offers a lower-cost, flexible alternative to traditional clinical services, designed to provide accessible support and education for autism families. I share personal insights about my journey from academia to entrepreneurship, the challenges faced in balancing multiple roles, and the motivation behind creating this membership. Making this launch happen even while I’m in Europe (and truthfully it feels quite sentimental!).

What’s included in the membership:

⚡️a comprehensive video library

⚡️community support

⚡️expert masterclasses

⚡️ resources

⚡️and if you’re a founding member, you get the opportunity to shape what’s in the membership and what I create.

👉🏼 MORE DETAIL HERE + ENROLL NOW >> http://drtaylorday.com/membership

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:32 Launching a New Membership

02:24 Personal Journey and Professional Growth

04:42 Challenges and Expanding Services

06:51 The Evolve Membership Details

09:46 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

12:02 Advocacy and Real-Life Stories

18:03 Membership Benefits and Pricing

31:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

Dr. Tay and Rachel Madel, a speech language pathologist specializing in AAC, dive into the benefits of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for autistic children, both non-speaking and verbally fluent children. They dispel common misconceptions about AAC, discuss various high-tech and low-tech AAC tools, and emphasize the importance of modeling and integrating AAC into daily routines. They also explore the impact of AAC on motor planning, literacy, and overall communication skills. Rachel shares practical tips for parents starting the AAC journey, highlights the significance of robust systems, and challenges the use of PECS. The episode includes insights on how technology can enhance communication, even among children with well-developed spoken language, and offers various resources for further learning.

00:00 Introduction to AAC and Its Importance

00:47 Meet Rachel Madel: AAC Specialist

02:34 Understanding AAC: Tools and Techniques

06:07 The Role of Technology in AAC

09:37 Starting the AAC Journey: Tips for Parents

14:21 Addressing Misconceptions About AAC

19:57 Motor Planning Challenges: Apraxia vs. Dyspraxia

26:08 Popular AAC Apps and Tools

30:01 The Importance of Core Words in AAC

30:20 Grammar and Literacy in AAC Systems

31:04 Modifying AAC Systems

32:54 Motivating Children to Use AAC

36:04 The Role of Modeling in AAC

39:00 Why Not PECS?

43:54 Introducing AAC to Verbal Children

46:46 Resources and Final Thoughts

RESOURCES

⚡️ connect with Rachel on Instagram @rachelmadelslp, find resources on her website www.rachelmadel.com, and listen to her podcast Talking with Tech

⚡️ get on the waitlist for Rachel's course, AAC Ally

⚡️ 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 welcomes Stefanie, the president and co-founder of the nonprofit Lilly's Voice. Stefanie shares the inspiring story of her non-speaking autistic daughter, Lilly, whose journey with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices led to the creation of the nonprofit. Lilly’s Voice provides AAC devices to children who have communication differences for families who cannot access these tools through conventional means, such as through school funding, insurance, or other grant mechanisms. Lilly’s Voice also provides education on AAC. The episode covers the importance of AAC, debunks common myths, and emphasizes best practices for parents to support their children's communication. Stefanie also discusses fundraising efforts and the impactful work of Lilly’s Voice.

00:00 Introduction to Lily's Voice Nonprofit

02:19 Meet Stephanie: The Inspiration Behind Lily's Voice

03:32 The Journey to AAC: Challenges and Discoveries

05:51 Launching Lily's Voice: A Nationwide Nonprofit

08:34 Understanding Apraxia and the Role of AAC

12:11 Debunking Myths About AAC

20:01 Navigating the Process of Acquiring AAC Devices

25:48 How Lily's Voice Supports Families

27:18 App Limitations and Popular Choices

28:02 Guidance for Parents on Choosing Apps

30:20 Personal Experiences with AAC Apps

31:28 Best Practices for AAC Devices

34:55 Learning and Customizing AAC Devices

40:12 Fundraising and Support for Lily's Voice

45:25 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

46:39 Conclusion and Next Steps

RESOURCES

⚡️ learn more about Lilly's Voice, apply for a scholarship, and learn about AAC on their website

⚡️ connect with Stefanie through the nonprofit’s Instagram account @lillysvoice and Lilly’s personal page @afriendforlillybug

⚡️ 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 is joined by Kaligirwa @blackspectrumscholar, an AuDHD communication researcher, to discuss the intersection of neurodiversity and research, with a particular emphasis on BIPOC representation within the autism community. Kali shares her personal journey of discovering her autism diagnosis and her efforts to highlight the representation of Black autistic individuals on social media. The conversation covers broad topics such as the history of autism subtypes, the diagnostic challenges faced by BIPOC individuals, and the complexities of clinical diagnosis. Dr. Tay and Kali also delve into the importance of evolving our understanding and terminology around autism to build greater acceptance and support as well as how to use social media as a tool to learn while also knowing its limitations.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

01:19 Host's Background and Podcast Purpose

02:22 Guest's Personal Journey with Autism

04:49 Challenges and Representation in Autism Research

07:14 Social Media and Misinformation

11:31 Navigating Research and Personal Experience

26:11 Discussion on Autism Subtypes and Diagnosis

30:53 Understanding PDD-NOS and Stigma

31:47 Challenges with DSM-5 Levels

32:58 Regional Differences in Diagnoses

33:44 Functional Assessment Over Levels

35:24 Issues with Profound Autism Label

37:18 Spiky Profiles and Individual Differences

39:22 BIPOC Representation in Autism Conversations

39:55 Cultural Barriers to Diagnosis

42:57 ODD and PDA: Shifting Perspectives

49:53 Complexities of Diagnosing Anxiety

51:24 Finding Affirming Practitioners

53:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

RESOURCES

⚡️ connect with Kaligirwa on Instagram and TikTok @blackspectrumscholar and check out her resource library

⚡️ 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 and Emily Hamblin, a parent coach and neurodivergent mom of four, discuss practical strategies for self-compassion, regulating the nervous system, and addressing the challenges parents face. The episode covers the crucial role of self-care, debunking the notion that it's selfish, and highlights the impact it has on the parent and the entire family. Emily shares her personal journey, including her experiences and how understanding her own sensory needs and emotional triggers significantly improved her family dynamics. They discuss how to model healthy coping mechanisms for children and the importance of addressing underlying behaviors.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:15 Meet Emily Hamblin: A Journey into Neurodivergent Parenting

02:31 The Challenges of Parenting Neurodivergent Children

03:31 Shifting Perspectives: From Control to Compassion

08:40 Understanding Self-Compassion and Its Importance

13:55 The Impact of Self-Compassion on Parenting

15:55 Modeling Positive Behavior for Children

17:46 The Beginning of a Challenging Journey

18:59 Coping with Extreme Parenting Stress

20:35 Finding Support and Validation

21:56 Balancing Self-Care and Parenting

23:35 Navigating Guilt and Self-Care

27:57 Teaching Emotional Intelligence to Kids

29:36 Membership Programs and Resources

32:34 Final Thoughts and Resources

RESOURCES

⚡️ connect with Emily Hamblin on Instagram @enlighteningmotherhood and learn more about her services https://emily-hamblin.com/

⚡️ listen to my episode on Emily's podcast Enlightening Motherhood episode 126

⚡️ 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: 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.