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

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

in this podcast episode, Dr. Tay welcomes Eleanor Ezell, LCSW to the podcast. we discuss selective mutism, also known as SM, an anxiety disorder where children are unable to speak in certain settings, with certain people, or in certain situations. Eleanor offers insights into how this disorder can be identified, distinguished from language delay, and effectively treated with Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for SM (PCIT-SM). the episode concludes with a discussion on differential diagnosis and the interplay between selective mutism and autism. a great listen if you have concerns about your child not speaking in public or you want to learn more about co-occurring diagnoses with autism.

CHAPTERS

0:00:00 introduction to Eleanor Ezell, LCSW and selective mutism (SM)

0:08:10 identifying SM

0:17:27 treatment for SM using Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT-SM)

0:31:21 overlap of autism and SM

0:43:18 communication challenges in autism and SM and the use of neurodivergent affirming care

0:53:55 supports and resources for parents

RESOURCES

⚡️ connect and learn from Eleanor on Instagram @growlittleminds and her clinical practice. resources also on Selective Mutism Association, for which Eleanor serves as a a board member

⚡️ 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

*please note: in this episode, both identity-first (autistic child) and person-first language (child with autism) are used. although as clinicians and practitioners, we are slowly learning to shift our language and take the lead from the autistic community, the stance of this podcast is that we ultimately want to honor what each child and family prefer. additionally, in the SM field, person-first language remains most common at this time.

in this mini episode, Dr. Tay explores the complexities of autism genetics. the episode also looks into the phenomenon of parents questioning their own neurodivergence following their child's autism diagnosis.

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 Approachᵀᴹ 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 today's episode, I am answering a frequently asked question. we dive into next steps after your child gets diagnosed. we cover: processing your emotions, reading the report, deciding on intervention approaches, navigating the school system, and learning about neurodiversity. dr. tay also shares insights on what she says to parents during the feedback session.

RESOURCES

⚡️ resources to learn more about neurodiversity >>

Start Here: A guide for parents of autistic kids

Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN)

⚡️ 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 Approachᵀᴹ 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) 👇

Dr. Tay welcomes Kayla Castro to the podcast, a certified autism travel professional and parent to an autistic child. this episode focuses on the fears, challenges, and joys of traveling as an autism family. Kayla shares her family's story and provides practical advice on how to navigate travel with autistic family members. the conversation includes tips on how to make travel more accessible, including the use of the Disability Access Service Pass at Disney and the TSA Cares Initiative. Kayla also discusses tools and strategies to prepare your child for travel. the episode offers a comprehensive guide to autism-friendly travel.

CHAPTERS

(0:00:00) - introduction and description of a certified autism travel professional

(0:05:00) - sharing her family's autism story and their travel experiences

(0:10:48) - IBCCES and certified autism centers (learn more here)

(0:12:17) - Disability Access Service Pass at Disney and Accessibility Cards for other theme parks

(0:21:36) - TSA Cares Initiative and other flying accomodations

(0:28:29) - sunflower lanyard (get yours here)

(0:32:00) - preparation for trips, including front-loading, YouTube, and picky eating

(0:35:10) - a deeper discussion around fear

(0:41:30) - travel services Kayla provides for families

RESOURCES

⚡️connect with Kayla on Instagram and via email. and visit her website to learn more about her services and offerings and read her blog.

⚡️ 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

*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.

in this mini episode, Dr. Tay shares a recent comment on social media that led to unpacking her approaches and why she focuses on supporting the whole family. we touch on the sensitive balance of meeting the needs of the autistic child while acknowledging the energy and emotions of the entire family unit.

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 Approachᵀᴹ 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 personal and reflective episode, Dr. Tay shares her journey and growth as she approaches her 34th birthday. she discusses her experiences as a single woman and her dedication to helping families of neurodivergent children despite not having any of her own. drawing parallels from her own life, she introduces the concept of a crystal ball and reasons that knowing the future will not actually give us the peace we desire. through her introspective dialogue, she underscores the importance of accepting uncertainties, finding hope, and not letting worries 'hijack' our present joys. this episode will hit home if you have worries about your autistic child's future!

RESOURCES

⚡️ if you want to give me a birthday present, share an episode on your social media (and tag me!) and/or leave a 5-star review! THANK YOU 🩷

⚡️book referenced in the episode >> No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz, PhD

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

⚡️ 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

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

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

this episode is aimed at redefining what early intervention for young autistic children can look like, with a shift from trying to "cure" autism to instead supporting and affirming neurodivergence. we dive into leveraging Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs) to accomplish that goal.

the presented approaches emphasize the effectiveness of parental involvement and how to embed learning into everyday activities, and are an alternative to the more widely known yet controversial ABA (check out episode 26 for more information on this). strategies shared are centered on engagement and connection with your autistic child, such as staying within the child's attentional zone, using imitation for language development, and narrating the child's activities. emphasis is also placed on acknowledging all forms of communication, slowing down to give children time to think and process, and providing neurodivergent affirming care.

RESOURCES

⚡️book and corresponding website referenced:

An Early Start for Your Young Child with Autism

Help Is In Your Hands

⚡️ 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 mini episode, Dr. Tay explores the parallels between the intense interests of Taylor Swift's fans and the passions of autistic children. the purpose of this episode is to challenge societal norms that largely celebrate Swifties and pathologize autistic children. listeners are invited to shift their perspectives to view autistic interests not as disordered but as passions that should be embraced and accepted.

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 Approachᵀᴹ 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) 👇

today is a special Q+A episode. Dr. Tay brought back special education attorney Ashley Barlow to answer your questions. we address the following topics:

1. 504 vs. IEP for your autistic child
2. how to prioritize learning vs. coping and self-advocacy
3. how to navigate finding the best schools
4. re-evaluation of autism
5. how to measure progress
6. educational funding and what influences special education decisions
7. thoughts on half days for therapy
8. prioritizing friends in the classroom
9. considerations for homeschooling
10. meeting with your teacher before school

RESOURCES

⚡️ ways to connect with Ashley >>

learn more about her free and affordable resources at ashleybarlowco.com

follow her on Instagram @ashleybarlowco and Facebook Ashley Barlow Co

⚡️ 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

*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 welcomes Sofya Stearns, founder of Izabella's Gourmet Chow, to the podcast to share her journey of using cooking as a means to explore cultures, support autistic children, and promote healthy eating. Sofya also shares tips on making cooking fun and safe for kids, such as using plastic knives and transforming ordinary foods into extraordinary creations. throughout the episode, she emphasizes the importance of making cooking a fun exploration and a journey rather than just a task.

RESOURCES

⚡️ learn about Izabella's Gourmet Chow and virtual cooking classes for your child.

⚡️ connect with Chef Sofya on social media, including 5 recipes she put together for you >>

Instagram @izabellasgourmetchow

TikTok @izabellasgourmetchow

Facebook Izabella's Gourmet Chow

⚡️ 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

*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.