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

Dr. Taylor Day
  • 5.0 (5)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

welcome to a parenting space actually designed for YOU! where you can get answers about navigating a life that includes autism. I’m Dr. Tay, a licensed child psychologist specializing in autism and neuroaffirming care. I have supported 100s of autistic children and their families and have been in the autism field for over a decade. on this podcast, we focus on supporting your autistic child AND your whole family, including you! every topic is on the table, and your questions (which you can submit through my social media) inspire the episodes created. I share some of my personal stories growing up with a brother who was diagnosed at 23 months of age as well as feature other families' stories so you know you are not navigating this journey alone. this is a space for you to be SEEN. HEARD. SUPPORTED. and get reputable and reliable information about autism instead of searching Google endlessly for hours. I am so dang grateful that you are here. ***disclaimer: not clinical advice, for educational purposes only*** subscribe to this podcast by hitting the plus or follow button so you don't miss an episode.

  1. 2D AGO

    203 | from shame to strategy: rethinking screen time with Ash Brandin

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 screen time doesn’t have to be all or nothing. in this episode, Dr. Tay sits down with Ash Brandin, @thegamereducator and author of Power On, to talk about balancing technology in a way that feels realistic, empowering, and aligned with your child’s brain, especially in neurodivergent children. this conversation moves beyond fear-based messaging and into nuance — exploring regulation, accommodations, executive functioning, transitions, and digital safety through a neurodiversity-affirming lens. in this episode:why screen time is morally neutral and why that mattershow video games can support executive functioning and skill buildingusing screen time as data about how your child’s brain workswhy some content is more dysregulating than otherspractical strategies for transitions off screenshow to scaffold digital safety over time timestamps00:00 introduction and today’s topic: screen time and technology 00:37 meet Ash Brandin 02:47 Ash’s journey to educating parents on technology 04:50 the importance of neutrality in technology use 06:10 balancing screen time: practical tips and insights 18:18 teaching technology skills: a lifelong approach 22:40 the benefits of screen time for autistic children 25:15 video games as accommodating environments 27:22 observing and learning from kids’ screen time 27:44 addressing hesitancy in using accommodations 29:58 engaging with kids through screen time 30:40 the importance of digital safety 31:48 exploring the book’s structure and key concepts 32:13 understanding access, behavior, and content in screen time 36:28 strategies for managing screen time transitions 40:04 final thoughts and resources RESOURCES ⚡️ follow Ash on Instagram and on Substack ⚡️ order Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family ⚡️ join EVOLVE: The Membership — a neurodiversity-affirming space for parents to find community, support, and ongoing learning. dive into the included masterclass to dive deeper into navigating screen time and its benefits for autistic kids ⚡️ learn more about Dr. Tay’s Whole Family Approach + current services at drtaylorday.com ⚡️ continue learning + submit questions for future episodes: Instagram → @the.dr.tay TikTok → @the.dr.tay

    47 min

  2. FEB 4

    202 | a live coaching session on grief, acceptance, and trusting yourself as an autism parent

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 in this special episode, Dr. Tay shares a live coaching session with Winter, a mom of a 6-year-old autistic boy. listeners are invited inside a real, unscripted coaching conversation — one that mirrors the questions, emotions, and uncertainty so many parents carry quietly. together, Dr. Tay and Winter explore what it’s like to sit with grief and acceptance at the same time, to question whether current supports are actually helping, and to feel the pressure to “do enough” while also wanting space to breathe. Dr. Tay helps Winter slow things down, name what’s coming up beneath the urgency, and reflect on what alignment, confidence, and quality of life could look like for her family. this episode offers a window into how parent coaching can help you: feel less alone in the emotional weight of an autism diagnosisuntangle urgency from what truly matters right nowexperiment with supports without shame or fear of “getting it wrong”build confidence in your instincts as your child’s parentreconnect with yourself while still showing up for your child if you’ve ever wondered what parent coaching actually sounds like — or wished for a space to talk things through out loud with someone who truly gets it — this episode is for you. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 introduction and episode overview 00:06 meet winter and her journey 02:52 navigating early diagnosis and initial support 04:02 challenges, grief, and emotional struggles 11:57 finding the right support and community 20:30 navigating autism as a first-time parent 20:43 the pressure of early intervention 21:53 the impact of how diagnoses are delivered 23:04 support systems and clinical care 23:47 parenting with confidence and love 27:09 concerns about the future 33:33 advocating for disability needs in public spaces 37:25 building community and self-advocacy 39:54 closing reflections and resources RESOURCES ⚡️ Connect with Winter @aspectrumfueledpurpose ⚡️ Join EVOLVE: The Membership — a neurodiversity-affirming space for parents to find community, support, and ongoing learning on this journey, with the option to add on a 1:1 coaching session like this ⚡️ Learn more about Dr. Tay’s Whole Family Approach + other services at drtaylorday.com ⚡️ Continue learning + submit questions for future episodes: Instagram → @the.dr.tay TikTok → @the.dr.tay

    41 min

  3. JAN 30

    201 | when an autism diagnosis brings more questions than answers

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 if you’ve recently received an autism diagnosis — or you’re pretty sure one is coming — this episode is for you. many parents expect to feel relief after a diagnosis. sometimes that happens briefly. but more often, things actually feel heavier, more confusing, and more urgent. in this episode, Dr. Tay breaks down why that happens, names the “trap of urgency” so many families fall into, and explains what actually helps in this early post-diagnosis phase. want more support? the You Got The Diagnosis. Now What? program was designed for you! a four-week, neurodiversity-affirming program designed to support families in the space between diagnosis and action — focused on clarity, self-trust, and sustainable next steps. LEARN MORE HERE: https://drtay.thrivecart.com/you-got-the-diagnosis-now-what CHAPTERS 00:00 navigating the autism diagnosis journey 02:26 understanding why diagnosis can create more questions 12:41 clarity over urgency: slowing down without falling behind 23:59 introducing support for families in the post-diagnosis phase RESOURCES ⚡️ learn more about Dr. Tay’s Whole Family Approach and other services https://drtaylorday.com ⚡️ continue learning from me >> Instagram @the.dr.tay TikTok @the.dr.tay

    31 min

  4. JAN 29

    200 | celebrating 200 episodes: values, visibility, and coming back after the pause

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 this episode marks a big milestone — 200 episodes — and a very human return after an unplanned pause. Dr. Tay shares openly about what led to stepping back, including grief, perfectionism, and the pressure she felt to make the “right” episode for this moment. from there, the conversation widens into something deeper: how personal values, neurodiversity-affirming care, and what’s happening in our country are deeply intertwined. this is an episode about alignment — as a parent, as a clinician, and as a human — and why staying silent doesn’t feel like an option when your values are at stake. CHAPTERS 00:00 return from hiatus and celebrating 200 episodes 05:48 navigating personal challenges, caregiving, and grief 12:19 the intersection of personal beliefs and professional practice 20:37 the importance of human connection in parenting 26:23 values, advocacy, and human rights 33:05 core values in clinical practice 36:38 affirming neurodivergence through collaboration 40:15 integrity, repair, and whole-family healing 44:00 living in alignment with your values 49:43 reflecting on privilege and responsibility in advocacy RESOURCES ⚡️ join EVOLVE the membership: a space for questions, community, and neurodiversity-affirming guidance https://drtaylorday.com/membership ⚡️ learn more about Dr. Tay’s Whole Family Approach and current services https://drtaylorday.com ⚡️ continue learning from me >> Instagram @the.dr.tay TikTok @the.dr.tay

    52 min

  5. 2025-11-13

    199 | should my autistic child do a social skills group?

    this week’s episode was inspired directly by a diagnostic feedback session inside dr. tay’s clinical practice. one parent asked a question that so many others wonder:   “should i be teaching social skills to my autistic child… and if so, how?”   in this episode, dr. tay breaks down why traditional social skills approaches often miss the mark, how they can unintentionally promote masking, and what a neurodiversity-affirming approach looks like instead.   you’ll learn:   why “social skills” often = neurotypical normswhat actually helps autistic kids build authentic connectionpractical ways to support social growth at home, without scripts or forcinghow to understand what your child needs based on their motivation, interests, and neurotype   TIMESTAMPS 00:00 introduction and episode inspiration 00:21 diagnostic feedback and recommendations 01:57 therapeutic approaches and parent coaching 04:34 addressing social skills in autistic children 05:52 neurodiversity affirming approaches 08:00 practical strategies and role-playing 12:04 real-life situations and empathy building 16:16 parental involvement and social skills groups 23:03 conclusion and next steps     RESOURCES ⚡️need more support navigating this? Join EVOLVE the membership — a neurodiversity-affirming space to ask YOUR questions. ⚡️ learn more about Dr. Tay’s Whole Family Approach + current services, including her small group therapy model, at drtaylorday.com ⚡️ keep learning Instagram → @the.dr.tay TikTok → @the.dr.tay

    27 min

  6. 2025-11-05

    198 | the role of parents as co-regulators for autistic children with Lisa Candera

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay emphasizes the importance of supporting parents in the autistic journey. Joined by Lisa Candera, a single mom and coach for parents of autistic children, they discuss the role of parents as primary co-regulators for their children as well as strategies for staying regulated, building self-trust, and supporting their children's behaviors. They also explore systemic issues, coping mechanisms, and the need for a holistic approach that includes listening to autistic voices. Despite the focus on parents, the core message underscores the importance of a balanced support system for the entire family unit. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:28 Lisa Candera's Background and Passion 00:45 The Role of Parents in Autism Support 01:28 Podcast Introduction and Disclaimer 02:30 Lisa's Journey as a Single Mom 05:25 Challenges and Early Diagnosis 06:48 Navigating Resources and Support Systems 08:27 The Importance of Parental Education 16:04 Understanding OCD and Autism 22:59 Coaching and Self-Regulation 28:21 Understanding the Distinctness of OCD 28:30 The Complexity of Compulsions 29:01 Parental Instincts and Fix-It Mode 29:31 The Illogical Nature of OCD 30:06 OCD and Autism: The Just Right Feeling 31:22 Building Acceptance in Parenting 32:22 The Psychological Definition of Acceptance 33:46 Behavioral Issues and Parental Pressure 35:05 Supporting Parents: Tips and Strategies 37:24 Validating Experiences Before Problem Solving 38:01 Common Challenges and Seeking Support 39:21 Navigating Grief and Acceptance 40:02 Ambiguous Grief and GOMO 41:17 Being the Safe Person and Self-Advocacy 44:31 Parental Regulation and Child's Behavior 46:36 Building a Well-Rounded Support Team 48:29 The Power of Tone and Voice 52:12 Conclusion and Resources     RESOURCES ⚡️ Continue learning from Lisa Candera at theautismmomcoach.com/ and @theautismmomcoach on Instagram and Facebook ⚡️ Download the Meltdown Action Plan ⚡️ Join EVOLVE: The Membership — a neurodiversity-affirming space for parents to find community, support, and ongoing learning on this journey. ⚡️ Learn more about Dr. Tay’s Whole Family Approach + current services at drtaylorday.com ⚡️ Continue learning + submit questions for future episodes: Instagram → @the.dr.tay TikTok → @the.dr.tay

    54 min

  7. 2025-10-29

    197 | developing impulse control in autistic children

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this mini episode, Dr. Tay discusses impulse control for autistic children and offers proactive strategies to develop this skill without inducing shame. Dr. Tay emphasizes the importance of a regulated state for teaching impulse control and using fun, engaging games like Red Light, Green Light and Simon Says. The episode also answers questions from parents, such as managing inappropriate comments and excessive affectionate behaviors. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:24 Inspiration Behind the Episode 01:30 Understanding Impulse Control in Autistic Children 03:02 Proactive Skill Building Strategies 03:53 Engaging Activities to Teach Impulse Control 06:29 Addressing Common Questions from Parents 15:36 Impulse Control vs. Other Behavioral Issues 17:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   RESOURCES ⚡️ Join EVOLVE: The Membership — a neurodiversity-affirming space for parents to find community, support, and ongoing learning on this journey. ⚡️ Learn more about Dr. Tay’s Whole Family Approach + current services at drtaylorday.com ⚡️ Continue learning + suggest topics for future episodes: Instagram → @the.dr.tay TikTok → @the.dr.tay

    18 min

  8. 2025-10-22

    196 | understanding interoception and supporting body awareness in autistic kids with Kelly Mahler

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay discusses the often overlooked yet crucial concept of interoception and its importance in supporting autistic children. Joined by guest Kelly Mahler, an experienced occupational therapist specializing in this area, they dive into what interoception is, how it impacts autistic children, and actionable strategies to improve interoceptive awareness. The conversation also touches on the significance of adult modeling, school-based interventions, and a comprehensive approach to sensory regulation. Additionally, they explore the connection between interoception and autistic burnout, providing valuable insights and resources for parents and educators. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 02:04 Guest Introduction: Kelly Mahler 02:11 Kelly's Journey into Interoception 04:17 Understanding Interoception 08:57 Interoception in Autistic Individuals 14:44 Building Interoceptive Awareness in Kids 23:16 Challenges and Advocacy in Schools 25:25 Understanding Interoception and Compliance 26:01 Adult Modeling and Focus Area Experiments 28:59 Sequential Process: Body, Emotion, Action 32:18 Challenges in School-Based OT and Sensory Regulation 38:47 Autistic Burnout and Interoception 46:52 Resources and Final Thoughts RESOURCES ⚡️ check out all of Kelly’s resources → www.kelly-mahler.com ⚡️ Join EVOLVE: The Membership — a neurodiversity-affirming space for parents to find community, support, and ongoing learning on this journey. ⚡️ Learn more about Dr. Tay’s Whole Family Approach + current services at drtaylorday.com ⚡️ Continue learning + submit questions for future episodes: Instagram → @the.dr.tay TikTok → @the.dr.tay

    49 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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About

welcome to a parenting space actually designed for YOU! where you can get answers about navigating a life that includes autism. I’m Dr. Tay, a licensed child psychologist specializing in autism and neuroaffirming care. I have supported 100s of autistic children and their families and have been in the autism field for over a decade. on this podcast, we focus on supporting your autistic child AND your whole family, including you! every topic is on the table, and your questions (which you can submit through my social media) inspire the episodes created. I share some of my personal stories growing up with a brother who was diagnosed at 23 months of age as well as feature other families' stories so you know you are not navigating this journey alone. this is a space for you to be SEEN. HEARD. SUPPORTED. and get reputable and reliable information about autism instead of searching Google endlessly for hours. I am so dang grateful that you are here. ***disclaimer: not clinical advice, for educational purposes only*** subscribe to this podcast by hitting the plus or follow button so you don't miss an episode.

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