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

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

Dr. Tay welcomes Mercedes Palermo to discuss her experiences as a parent of an autistic daughter diagnosed with ARFID. Mercedes shares her journey, from the initial diagnosis to managing daily challenges, while highlighting her advocacy efforts in spreading awareness. The episode covers key issues like understanding avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), balancing the needs of siblings, and creating supportive environments. Mercedes also talks about her initiatives, including a nonprofit providing recreational programs for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of community support and neurodiversity.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement

00:28 Meet Mercedes Palermo

01:18 Dr. Tay's Background and Podcast Purpose

02:28 Mercedes' Family and Autism Journey

04:08 Diagnosis Process and Early Signs

06:59 Challenges and Advocacy

10:14 Understanding ARFID

12:50 Navigating ARFID and Family Dynamics

30:35 Community Building and Support

36:13 Final Thoughts and Resources

37:26 Closing Remarks and Next Steps

RESOURCES

⚡️ Follow Mercedes on Instagram @autismoutloud

⚡️ 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 Dr. Michelle Fardella, a clinical and school psychologist from Canada, to discuss the critical topic of sex education for autistic youth. The conversation covers various aspects, including the importance of proactive sex education, teaching body autonomy, consent, and addressing misconceptions. They delve into barriers faced by autistic youth in accessing comprehensive sex education and emphasize safety and appropriate teaching methods. Additionally, the episode touches on gender identity, sexual orientation, and provides practical resources for parents and educators. Trigger warnings and the importance of seeking support are also highlighted to ensure a safe and informative discussion.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:29 Meet Dr. Michelle Fardella

02:43 Trigger Warning and Sensitive Topics

03:57 Dr. Fardella's Background and Passion

06:26 Challenges in Sex Education for Autistic Youth

08:09 Importance of Tailored Sex Education

10:27 Parental Mindset and Barriers

18:03 Starting Early: Teaching Consent and Safety

20:01 Navigating Discomfort and Finding Safe Persons

23:43 The Accidental Exposure to Pornography

23:58 Discussing Pornography with Young Children

25:11 Proactive Conversations About Intercourse

26:04 Addressing Misconceptions from Pornography

28:13 Honesty in Answering Kids' Questions

30:10 Resources for Teaching Sexual Health

32:46 Masturbation: Education and Safety

36:00 Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

41:04 Conclusion and Additional Resources

RESOURCES

⚡️ find resources for talking about these topics on Dr. Michelle’s blog >> https://www.wondertreepractice.ca/post/a-caregiver-s-guide-to-teaching-sex-education-to-neurodivergent-youth

⚡️follow WonderTree Practice on Instagram and learn more about their services here if you’re in Ontario

⚡️ 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, a licensed child psychologist and parental coach, speaks with Dr. Mona Amin, a board-certified pediatrician known for her social media presence as PedsDocTalk. They discuss critical aspects of navigating the journey of raising an autistic child, including effective strategies for interacting with pediatricians, advocating for necessary accommodations, and understanding the nuances of autism diagnosis. Dr. Mona shares insights on the importance of continual learning for clinicians and collaboration between professionals and parents. The conversation also addresses handling common challenges such as anxiety, behavioral issues, and medical fears in autistic children. This episode is a valuable resource for parents and professionals alike, providing practical tips and underscoring the significance of empathy and communication in pediatric care.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:31 Meet Dr. Mona Amin

02:50 Dr. Mona's Online Education Journey

05:32 Navigating Autism Diagnosis

07:44 State Differences in Autism Diagnosis

10:58 Screening Tools and Challenges

15:11 Parental Advocacy and Pediatrician Collaboration

19:27 Collaborations and Resources

25:38 Accommodations for Autistic Patients

26:28 Understanding Accommodations for Autistic Children

26:57 Creating a Low-Stim Environment

27:50 Effective Communication with Autistic Children

28:28 Handling Medical Procedures with Care

31:47 Addressing Anxiety and Medical Fears

32:18 Role-Playing and Preparation at Home

33:04 Strategies for Reducing Stress in Medical Settings

34:31 Training Medical Staff for Better Care

40:08 Procedures and Special Considerations

41:26 Addressing Sleep, Feeding, and Behavior Issues

47:10 Final Thoughts and Resources

RESOURCES

⚡️ continue learning and connecting with Dr. Mona @pedsdoctalk on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, podcast, and her website.

⚡️ watch Dr. Mona and Andi Putt @mrsspeechiep's YouTube video on autism characteristics and signs here.

⚡️ 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 shares a real-time update on US policy changes and their impact for autistic individuals and neurodiversity affirming supports. This episode was recorded and published on Jan 29th, 2025 and addresses topics such as DEI, Medicaid, NIH, gender recognition, ICE, and Elon Musk. This episode is not intended to be a news source but instead encourages you to stay informed and presents the implications for the neurodiversity affirming movement. If you feel passionate about neurodiversity and autistic supports, this is a must-listen.

RESOURCES

⚡️ 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 is joined by school psychologist Briana Drimmer to explore the complexities of school eligibility criteria for autism. They discuss the differences between medical diagnoses and educational eligibility, the role of an IEP team, and how to advocate for your autistic child within the school system. The episode also covers the educational impact, specially designed instruction, and other common eligibility categories such as OHI and ED. Tune in to learn how to effectively navigate the school system and ensure your child receives the support they need.

00:00 Introduction to School and Autism Eligibility

00:36 Meet Briana Drimmer: School Psychologist

01:34 Navigating School Systems vs. Clinical Diagnoses

04:21 Understanding the IEP Team

05:31 The Process of School Evaluation for Autism

08:13 Challenges and Denials in the Evaluation Process

14:52 Eligibility Criteria for Autism in Schools

21:58 Differences Between DSM and IDEA Criteria

30:58 Understanding Educational Impact Beyond Grades

31:05 Communication and Social Challenges

31:35 Emotional and Adaptive Skills

31:59 Mobility and Academic Examples

32:27 Curiosity and Broader Definitions

32:59 Specially Designed Instruction

35:10 Accommodations vs. Special Education

36:27 The Role of 504 Plans

38:21 Specialized Academic Instruction

39:24 Behavioral and Counseling Services

42:33 Navigating School Systems and Advocacy

51:10 Co-Occurring Diagnoses and Eligibility

57:32 Final Thoughts and Resources

RESOURCES

⚡️ Follow Briana on Instagram @educationallypsyched

⚡️ Check out her resources on Teachers Pay Teachers

⚡️ 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 hosts Marissa Ramos, a bilingual English/ASL speech therapist, to discuss the benefits of incorporating sign language into communication strategies for autistic and hard of hearing children. They dive into the overlapping needs of these children, the surprisingly low percentage of speech therapists who are fluent in ASL, and share insights on the importance of early language exposure. Marissa also discusses her personal journey with ASL and her advocacy for its broader use in therapy. The conversation highlights the significance of multimodal communication and introduces listeners to resources for learning and integrating ASL into everyday practice.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

03:28 Marissa's Background and Journey into ASL

05:36 Understanding Deaf Culture and Terminology

09:26 The Power of ASL in Early Childhood

13:13 Neurodiversity Affirming Approaches to ASL

17:06 Sign Language as a Form of Communication

20:20 Spoken Language vs AAC: Efficiency and Accessibility

21:25 Understanding the Difference: ASL vs AAC

22:34 The Benefits of Teaching Sign Language

25:11 Statistics on Hearing Loss in Autistic Children

28:15 The Importance of Multimodal Communication

33:12 Language Deprivation Syndrome

37:19 Resources for Learning ASL

39:10 Conclusion and Next Steps

RESOURCES

⚡️ connect with Marissa on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook

⚡️ check out her resources, including the free 100 word checklist here

⚡️ 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 Iris Wong, a speech-language pathologist, executive functioning coach, and late diagnosed AuDHD mother with ND children to discuss the importance of executive functions. The conversation covers the definition of executive functions, how they manifest in daily life, and particularly how they impact autistic and ADHD children. They explore practical examples and strategies to support executive functioning skills, focusing on using special interests and leveraging AI tools. This episode emphasizes the importance of understanding individual brain patterns and provides resources for continued learning.

00:00 Introduction to Executive Functions

00:27 Meet Iris Wong: A Journey Through Neurodivergence

01:11 Understanding Executive Functions in Daily Life

01:29 Welcome to A Parenting Space Designed for You

02:48 Iris Wong's Personal and Professional Background

04:31 The Role of Executive Functions in Family Dynamics

06:53 Challenges and Strategies for Parents

08:45 Defining Executive Functions

15:45 Executive Functions and PDA Profile

18:33 Navigating Burnout and Executive Functions

21:46 Real-Life Examples and Practical Advice

23:25 Flexible Schooling and Self-Care Tasks

25:26 Understanding Body Doubling in Schools

25:51 Navigating Self-Care with EF Challenges

26:43 Innovative Self-Care Strategies

27:54 Supporting Neurodivergent Adults

28:44 Accommodations for Executive Functioning

29:43 Demand Avoidance and Overwhelm

30:04 Personal Stories and EF Challenges

31:55 Special Interests and EF Skills

42:28 The Role of AI in Supporting EF

45:14 Resources and Final Thoughts

RESOURCES

⚡️ Follow Iris on Instagram

⚡️ Learn about her resources >> www.eftoolkit.com

⚡️ Check out her book all things EF >> https://akidsco.com/products/a-kids-book-about-executive-functioning

⚡️ 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 referenced in this episode. it 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 final episode of 2024, Dr. Tay recaps the top 10 most downloaded podcast episodes of the year, reflecting on the amazing growth and impact of the show. The podcast, focused on autism and parenting, has garnered significant attention with an average of 1,400 downloads per week recently, and a total of over 55,000 all-time downloads. Highlighted episodes include deep dives into PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), autism in females, low demand parenting, sensory regulation at home, and various therapeutic approaches. Dr. Tay also discusses future plans for monetization to enhance the podcast's reach and quality, including potential ads and sponsorships that align with the listeners' interests. Listeners are encouraged to provide feedback and topic suggestions for future episodes. Happy New Year and looking forward to the exciting developments in 2025!

00:00 Welcome and Episode Recap Introduction

00:51 Podcast Analytics and Listener Engagement

02:32 Future Plans and Monetization

03:58 Top Episode #1: What is PDA?

05:18 Top Episodes #2-5: PDA and Beyond

10:48 Top Episodes #6-10: Autism Insights and Alternatives

19:26 Honorable Mentions and Listener Appreciation

20:37 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

⚡️ 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 discusses the pressures of modern life, the need for human connection, and the importance of being present. She reflects on her experiences from the past year, including her professional milestones and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of celebrating accomplishments instead of always striving for more. Dr. Tay also talks about her upcoming plans, including the highly-anticipated membership launch. As she recaps the year, Dr. Tay invites listeners to focus on their own growth and wins, and to remember that epic fails do not define them, but how they recover and move forward does.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:22 Personal Reflections and Social Media Insights

02:19 The Importance of Slowing Down

03:27 Taylor Swift and Personal Growth

07:13 Holiday Season Reflections

10:41 Epic Fail and Business Update

13:33 Neuro Affirming Care and Personal Growth

14:10 Balancing Work and Personal Life

15:00 The Membership Journey

17:17 Reflecting on Achievements and Failures

23:35 Parenting and Personal Development

24:42 Wrapping Up and Looking Forward

⚡️ 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 hosts Betsy Hicks (@betsyonthego) who discusses her journey parenting her 31-year-old non-speaking autistic son, Joey. The conversation delves into Betsy's experiences with autism awareness over the years, the impact of nutrition on Joey's behavior, and the significant breakthrough they experienced with Spelling to Communicate. Betsy shares the process and emotional experience of Joey moving out and gaining independence, emphasizing the importance of following one's intuition as a parent. Dr. Tay and Betsy also address the challenges and nuances of parenting within the autism community and the role of social media in providing support and spreading awareness.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

02:23 Betsy's Journey Begins

03:40 Discovering the Impact of Diet

04:27 A New Chapter with John

05:55 The Shift in Understanding Autism

07:34 Spelling to Communicate

09:14 Reflections and Insights

15:25 Navigating Social Media and Advocacy

29:27 Joey's Progress and Moving Out

31:54 Realizing Children's Independence

33:44 Joey's New Caregiver: Nick's Story

35:29 The Apartment Community's Support

42:03 Navigating Section 8 Housing

45:39 Balancing Caregiving and Independence

49:25 The Importance of Nutrition

54:30 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

RESOURCES

⚡️ Follow Betsy @betsyonthego on TikTok and Instagram and learn about her resources betsyonthego.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