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

[please note: some explicit language is used in this episode so please be aware if you're listening around children.]

join the evolve Facebook community to participate in the weekly Q+A >> facebook.com/groups/evolveautism

are you in the diagnosis process right now and that process is really long and extended? maybe you're in the stages of first concerns or you're even post-diagnosis, and you're asking yourself, "now what?"

in this episode, I'm joined by Chelsea Farmer, an autism parent with a passion for sharing her life and encouraging others who are on their own autism journeys. we discuss our shared goals to normalize the emotions that arise throughout the diagnosis process and the healing that can follow.

this episode will help you: 

• identify how to navigate early concerns and the diagnostic process
• highlight many of the emotions that parents commonly experience throughout the autism journey
• learn how to shift to a healing and acceptance journey post-diagnosis

Chelsea is someone who is willing to share so openly and remind others they are not alone in this journey and I am blessed to be able to share our conversation. follow Chelsea for more autism experiences and encouragement on Instagram @chelseamfnfarmer.

in this episode, I mention my diagnostic services and my group coaching program to support autism parents! to learn more about these services, DM me or email at [email protected].

other places you can learn from me >>

Instagram @the.dr.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

LinkedIn @the-dr-tay

join the evolve Facebook community to participate in the weekly Q+A >> facebook.com/groups/evolveautism

this week, I'm opening the floor to my community of autism parents. I know there's not always an easy place for parents to ask questions, so we're going to answer a few submissions I received in this episode!

this episode will answer: 

• what are the levels of autism? should my child have a level? (2:09)
• how do I find the right speech, sensory, OT, or family therapist? (8:24)
• what can parents do to support their own needs when childcare is limited? (13:49)
• when is it appropriate to share your child's autism diagnosis with extended family and friends, particularly on social media? (21:42)
• what is something you wish every parent with a newly diagnosed child knew? what can I expect walking into my child's evaluation? (33:37)
• how can I differentiate my child's spectrum behaviors versus when he/she being a kid? (38:05)

find my book recommendation here: Uniquely Human by Dr. Barry Prizant

in this episode, I shared about my group coaching program designed for you! to learn more about this offer or other services I provide, DM me or email at [email protected].

other places you can learn from me >>

Instagram @the.dr.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

LinkedIn @the-dr-tay

join the evolve Facebook community to participate in the weekly Q+A >> facebook.com/groups/evolveautism

have you ever had concerns about your autistic child's eating habits and wondered how do I seek support? do they need medical intervention?

today I'm talking with special guest, registered dietician Dr. Patty Ann Ford. food and habits around eating are daily encounters that affect the whole family unit, but it doesn't have to be your child's identity. picky eating can be ok, and is also something that can be worked on through small mindset shifts and lifestyle tweaks.

this episode will help you: 

• understand what constitutes picky eating
• learn how to effectively break down picky eating habits and address them one step at a time
• determine when intervention is helpful
• learn about ARFID and how it is more than picky eating

connect with Dr. Patty Ann on Instagram @dr.pattyannford

you can also learn more at www.drpatriciafordwellness.com or reach out to her directly at [email protected]

other places you can learn from me >>

Instagram @the.dr.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

LinkedIn @the-dr-tay

join the evolve Facebook community to participate in the weekly Q+A >> facebook.com/groups/evolveautism

have you ever wondered about the best ways to use visual supports for your autistic child?

today we're hearing from a special guest, Molly Johnson. Molly has her master's in education and is a former autism teacher. she now has become "the autism consultant" on Instagram. she teaches parents about visual supports, potty training, and behavior and coping - and we talk about it all in this episode.

this episode will help you: 

• learn the rationale behind visual supports and why they are so effective
• understand the most effective ways visual supports are used for autistic children
• consider how can parents can help integrate the things they are doing at home with things happening in the classroom

connect with Molly on Instagram @theautismconsultant

and find Molly's courses on potty training, behavioral coping, and resources for visual schedules and communication boards here: https://www.theautismconsultant.us/linkinbio

other places you can learn from me >>

Instagram @the.dr.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

LinkedIn @the-dr-tay

join the evolve Facebook community to participate in the weekly Q+A >> facebook.com/groups/evolveautism

how many times have you been told about the power of positive thinking?

the way our culture has shifted, we've started to think about positive thinking as magic fairy dust. but will it actually set you up for success?

in this week's episode, we explore how you can truly accept and embrace your current reality to find joy even amongst the challenges.

this episode will help you: 

• learn where positive thinking came from
• understand how positive thinking can sabotage you more than help you
• give you 4 ways you can actually create more joy

in this episode, I shared about the new group coaching program I am launching! ready to dive in? sign up here: https://drtaycoaching.com/founding-member-checkout.

have questions about the program? send me a DM or book a consult call using the link above.

other places you can learn from me >>

Instagram @the.dr.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

LinkedIn @the-dr-tay

join the evolve Facebook community to participate in the weekly Q+A >> facebook.com/groups/evolveautism

a commonly asked question I get as a child psychologist specializing in autism is "how do I reduce challenging behaviors?" this episode will introduce you to the ABCs - antecedents, behaviors, and consequences. at the heart of this episode is identifying the function of your child's behavior before you try to intervene.

this episode will help you: 

• identify what happens before the behavior (antecedent) and after the behavior that is reinforcing it (consequence)
• understand how to track data to discover patterns about when and why your child's challenging behaviors occur
• get clarity on what your child is trying to communicate (because yes even their challenging behaviors are communicative!) and learn how to use the data to intervene

learn more about my Whole Family Approachᵀᴹ and current services offered >> drtaylorday.com or email [email protected] if you are wanting to schedule a consult call

other places you can learn from me >>

Instagram @the.dr.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

LinkedIn @the-dr-tay

join the evolve Facebook community to participate in the weekly Q+A >> facebook.com/groups/evolveautism

are you the type of person who likes to see the behind the scenes? and get to know the person behind the professional?

one year is all it took to put myself on a completely different trajectory. this week, we'll explore the lessons and insights inspired by my personal evolution in becoming a clinical psychologist that focuses on children and autism. and i'll walk through the career pivots I've made to create intentional space for parents of autistic children to have more support.

this episode will help you: 

• get to know me from the point of my career. dive into my training, my previous job as a researcher and academic, and why I launched the dr. tay brand.
• hear some of my biggest lessons and insights I share with families.
• empower you to change the status quo in your life.

learn more about my Whole Family Approachᵀᴹ and current services offered >> drtaylorday.com

other places you can learn from me >>

Instagram @the.dr.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

LinkedIn @the-dr-tay

join the evolve Facebook community to participate in the weekly Q+A >> facebook.com/groups/evolveautism

Dina is a mother of an autistic son as well as two other neurodivergent children. she shares about her journey of advocating for her son's autism diagnosis for years (yes, you read that right!) as well as what inspired her to start sharing the unleashed version of her family's life on TikTok.

this episode will help you: 

• learn how to best advocate for your child during the diagnostic process
• identify shifts in parenting that can help you increase your communication with your child
• understand the importance of supporting your own well-being in the autism journey

connect with Dina >>

TikTok @unleashedpartyof5

Instagram @unleashedpartyof5

and explore Lovevery Play Kits and BrainPop (use DINA15 for 15% off) as mentioned by Dina in the episode!

learn more about my Whole Family Approachᵀᴹ and current services offered >> drtaylorday.com

other places you can learn from me >>

Instagram @the.dr.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

LinkedIn @the-dr-tay

join the evolve Facebook community to participate in the weekly Q+A >> facebook.com/groups/evolveautism

in this week's episode, I sit down to candidly discuss neurodiversity, cultural shifts around autism, and even some of my story as an expert in this field who has become committed to constantly learning and evolving. I hope to bring more awareness to this topic shared through what I see as a well-rounded perspective and to help encourage more understanding and acceptance.

this episode will help you: 

• learn what neurodiversity is and understand some of its evolution
• explore how neurodiversity is different than how autism has been previously conceptualized
• learn how I discuss neurodiversity with my patients and their families as well as things I've learned from the autistic community

a great additional resource on neurodiversity as referenced in this episode is Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism by Barry M. Prizant, PhD.

learn more about my Whole Family Approachᵀᴹ and current services offered >> drtaylorday.com

other places you can learn from me >>

Instagram @the.dr.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

LinkedIn @the-dr-tay

join the evolve Facebook community to participate in the weekly Q+A >> facebook.com/groups/evolveautism

this week's episode was inspired by a member of my Facebook community. she said "how do you deal with family that thinks your child is normal and they think I blow things out of proportion?" i'll break down the steps for navigating your child's diagnosis/identity when your circle is unsupportive.

this episode will help you: 

• learn effective communication with family members and friends about autism
• understand the importance of gaining permission before you educate
• set appropriate boundaries when necessary

learn more about my Whole Family Approachᵀᴹ and current services offered >> drtaylorday.com

other places you can learn from me >>

Instagram @the.dr.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

LinkedIn @the-dr-tay