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

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.

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Dr. Tay and Dr. Joy Eberhardt, a holistic pediatrician specializing in integrative and functional medicine, discuss PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections). They delve into the complexities of diagnosing these conditions, particularly in neurodivergent children, and the importance of a holistic approach that includes conventional, integrative, and functional medicine. The conversation also covers the significance of parental advocacy, understanding neurodivergence, and defining thriving for both children and parents. Dr. Eberhardt shares insights into her clinical practice, challenges in differentiating symptoms, and ways to support families through personalized care plans.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:10 Meet Dr. Joy Everhart: Holistic Pediatrician

00:43 Dr. Tay's Background and Podcast Mission

01:49 Welcoming Dr. Joy to the Podcast

02:32 Dr. Joy's Journey and Expertise

04:08 Understanding Neurodivergence in Dr. Joy's Family

08:24 Dr. Joy's Professional Practice and Expansion

13:20 Navigating Pediatric Care and Neurodivergence

17:41 Introduction to PANS and PANDAS

25:51 Understanding the Complexity of Child Burnout

26:50 The Importance of History in Diagnosis

28:14 Exploring PANS and PANDAS

30:04 Identifying and Treating Inflammation

32:57 The Three-Legged Stool Approach

36:35 Holistic and Integrative Medicine

38:22 Defining Thriving for Your Child

41:33 Advocacy and Finding the Right Support

48:07 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

RESOURCES

⚡️ connect with Dr. Eberhardt on Instagram @orchidpediatrics and visit her website www.orchidpediatrics.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

*please 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

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Dr. Tay and Sunita Theiss, an Indian neurodivergent mom, discuss Sunita's journey through autism diagnoses for herself and her children, the impact of South Asian cultural values on her parenting, and the integration of neurodivergent needs within religious communities. Sunita shares her personal experiences, the challenges of advocating for her child's needs within faith-based settings, and practical strategies for creating more inclusive communities. Together, they discuss the importance of accommodations, self-advocacy, and intentional parenting.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

00:54 Host's Background and Podcast Mission

01:57 Sunita's Family and Personal Journey

02:51 Navigating Neurodivergence in the Family

05:22 Cultural Influences and Misattributions

11:44 Parenting Approaches and Self-Advocacy

21:40 Accommodations and Long-Term Support

26:41 Meeting Online and Family Backgrounds

27:11 Integrating Different Upbringings

27:42 Reparenting and Healing

28:29 Family Time and Dinner Table Dynamics

31:21 Parenting Strategies and Research

33:28 Navigating Neurodivergence in the Family

37:01 Cultural and Community Reactions

41:30 Supporting Neurodivergent Families in Religious Communities

49:00 Final Thoughts and Resources

RESOURCES

⚡️ connect with Sunita on Instagram @sunitatheiss, visit her website, and read her Substack

⚡️ 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

*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

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

In this solo episode, Dr. Tay discusses the importance of being comfortable with being wrong and sitting with the discomfort that accompanies it. She draws from her personal experiences and professional journey to provide insights on navigating life with an autistic child while balancing evidence-based practices with neurodiversity-affirming approaches. Dr. Tay addresses the evolving landscape of autism care, emphasizes the value of lived experiences, and offers practical advice to parents.

RESOURCES

⚡️ 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

LinkedIn @the-dr-tay

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

Dr. Tay and Chandele Morris, an inclusive educational consultant and author, discuss the barriers in the educational system, the importance of understanding neurodiversity and tangible steps to be better advocates for autistic children. Chandele shares her experiences as a former educator and a parent of an autistic/ADHD child, emphasizing the need for inclusive education and the significance of updating educational training. The episode also highlights practical strategies for creating inclusive classrooms and the role of community and resources in supporting neurodivergent children.

00:00 Introduction to the Educational System and Advocacy

00:41 Meet Chandele Morris, an Inclusive Educational Consultant

02:25 Understanding Neurodiversity in Education

03:29 Challenges in Teacher Training and Awareness

05:45 The Need for Systemic Change in Education

09:24 Inclusion vs. Segregation in Classrooms

15:41 Real-Life Examples and Solutions for Inclusion

27:10 Fidgets and Sensory Breaks in Classrooms

28:01 Inclusive Classroom Practices

29:01 Understanding Neurodivergence in Families

29:38 AAC Devices and Communication

31:24 Teaching Empathy and Inclusion

36:25 Challenges in Changing Educational Systems

41:36 Finding Community and Support

44:06 The Role of Children's Books in Neurodiversity

46:38 Conclusion and Next Steps

RESOURCES

⚡️ connect with Chandele Morris

Instagram @Diversityofminds

TikTok @Diversityofminds  

Facebook @Diversityofminds

⚡️ check out Chandele's books

The Beauty of Us All

I'm Just a Kid: A Social Emotional Book about Self-Regulation

⚡️email [email protected] to schedule an author visit, professional development, or order bulk copies of books

⚡️ 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.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

Dr. Tay and Courtney English discuss:

1. importance of sensory systems
2. introduction to sensory profiles
3. how to support sensory regulation at home

RESOURCES

⚡️ connect with Courtney English on Instagram @courtneyenglish.ot and on TikTok @courtneyenglish.ot

⚡️ get access to Courtney's resources here, including learning about your child's sensory profile

⚡️ 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.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

Dr. Tay and Dr. Daniella Boyd discuss:

1. Daniella's personal and parental journey in navigating neurodivergence
2. An explanation of DIRFloortime, including engagement in play and relationship-based activities.
3. Supporting BIPOC neurodivergent children and the adaptability of Floortime to meet culture-specific needs

RESOURCES

⚡️ connect with Dr. Daniella Boyd through her website https://allplayisok.com/ or through Instagram @montessoriandsensory

⚡️ 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.

⚡️ 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 Dr. Sarah Wayland discuss:

1. her journey and insights into using relationship-based dynamic intelligence (RDI) to enhance family bonds and your autistic child's growth
2. the role of co-regulation and autonomy in parenting your autistic child
3. practical advice for parents on integrating RDI principles into daily life

RESOURCES

⚡️ connect with Sarah Wayland, Ph.D., parent coach + founder of Guiding Exceptional Parents on her website and on Facebook and LinkedIn

⚡️ learn more about Relationship-based Dynamic Intelligence (RDI™) and working with Dr. Wayland

⚡️ purchase her book along with Dr. Donna Henderson and Jamell White "Is This Autism? A Guide for Clinicians and Everyone Else"

⚡️ reference another great resource from Dr. Wayland: Behavior Revolution

⚡️ 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.

⚡️ 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.