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

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

In this episode, Dr. Tay explores the topic of neurodivergence in adults, particularly parents, with guest Dr. Salena Justice, a psychologist specializing in late diagnoses of autism and ADHD. They discuss the indicators of neurodivergence, the evaluation process, and the differences between self-diagnosis and formal diagnosis. The conversation also addresses common issues faced by neurodivergent adults, the therapy approaches that can be beneficial, and the importance of finding the right therapist.

00:00 Introduction to Neurodivergence in Parenting

00:37 Guest Introduction: Dr. Salena Justice

00:50 Understanding Late Diagnoses in Adults

01:35 Host's Background and Podcast Purpose

02:44 Challenges in Diagnosing Autism in Adults

07:35 Evaluation Process for Adults

12:21 Common Presentations of Autism in Adults

15:14 ADHD in Adults: Common Presentations and Challenges

17:45 Discussing Autism Diagnoses and Common Misdiagnoses

19:08 Evaluating Autism and ADHD in Women

23:15 Therapy Approaches for Autism and ADHD

26:52 Finding the Right Therapist

28:40 Connecting with Dr. Salena Justice

31:04 Conclusion and Next Steps

RESOURCES

⚡️ connect with Dr. Salena on Instagram @@psychologywithsalena and check out her website

⚡️ 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 discusses child-led therapy with Nicole Casey, a speech-language pathologist known for her work with gestalt language processing. The conversation delves into the importance of child-led approaches, how they differ from traditional methods, and what parents should look for in therapy sessions. They also touch on the misconceptions around play-based therapy, the challenges and benefits of truly child-led sessions, and the significance of honoring all forms of communication. Nicole shares her experience of growing her practice and social media presence, advocating for child-centered methods, and collaborating within the field to offer authentic support for neurodivergent children.

00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic

00:21 Meet Nicole Casey: Speech Therapist and Advocate

01:59 Nicole's Journey and Social Media Impact

09:03 Defining Child-Led Therapy

11:18 Balancing Therapy Goals with Child-Led Approaches

15:56 The Importance of Play in Therapy

27:31 Communication Beyond Spoken Language

32:11 Kids Taking Initiative

32:29 Recognizing Progress in Therapy

33:38 Mindset Shifts for Parents

34:55 Child-Led Therapy in Practice

38:05 Navigating Real-World Challenges

40:07 Balancing Boundaries and Freedom

45:34 Adapting Child-Led Approaches in Different Settings

49:22 Conclusion and Resources

RESOURCES

⚡️ connect with Nicole Casey on Instagram @connectionsspeechpathology and her website www.greatlanguagepartner.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 mini episode, Dr. Tay discusses the distinction between Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Inspired by conversations with parents in her group therapy program, she delves into the complexities and overlaps between the two diagnoses. Dr. Tay emphasizes the importance of understanding PDA within the framework of anxiety and highlights the stigmas associated with ODD, especially in racialized communities. She also touches on the limitations of behavioral approaches and the significance of adopting neurodiversity-affirming practices.

00:00 Introduction and Life Updates

00:45 Exploring PDA and ODD

02:03 Nuances and Misconceptions

02:49 Clinical Perspectives and Research

05:33 Therapeutic Approaches and Stigma

09:52 Evidence-Based Practices

14:46 Conclusion and Future Episodes

*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

RESOURCES

⚡️ 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

⚡️ 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.

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