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

Dr. Taylor Day

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. 4天前

    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 分钟
  2. 10月22日

    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 分钟
  3. 10月16日

    195 | perfectionism, over-accommodation, and finding the middle ground

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇dr. tay dives deep into perfectionism — how it shows up in autism parenting, in clinical work, and even in content creation. she shares personal reflections, a powerful story from her group therapy model, and a reminder that perfectionism can hide behind our best intentions to help. this episode explores: the fine line between accommodation and over-accommodationperfectionism as a form of rigidity and how it sneaks into parentinglearning to release shame and accept imperfection as part of growth TIMESTAMPS00:00 introduction: what perfectionism looks like in parenting 00:54 reflections from clinical practice and lived experience 01:33 perfectionism behind the scenes of podcasting and social media 02:36 when “doing it right” becomes doing too much 12:46 finding the balance between accommodation and over-accommodation 21:17 learning to release control and practice repair over perfection 25:15 a group reflection on perfectionism and shared growth 35:42 closing encouragement and ways to stay connected RESOURCES⚡️ join evolve: the membership — a space for parents to reflect, connect, and grow through their autism journey. ⚡️ learn more about dr. tay’s whole family approach and current clinical services at drtaylorday.com. ⚡️ continue learning from me and submit questions (they may be featured on a future episode!) instagram → @the.dr.tay tiktok → @the.dr.tay

    41 分钟
  4. 10月8日

    194 | embracing humanity + connection in autism with jessie caraway of the if you know one project

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 Dr. Tay sits down with Jessie Caraway, creator of the If You Know One Project, to talk about her family’s journey, her daughter’s autism diagnosis, and how the project grew out of a desire to build community and awareness. They reflect on the long road to an autism diagnosis, reframing “high support needs,” and the importance of seeing each autistic child through a lens of humanity rather than fear or deficit. Jessie shares how her journey with her daughter, Eliza, inspired her to create the If You Know One Project — a space that celebrates individuality and connection through neurodiversity-affirming awareness, apparel, and storytelling. Together, Dr. Tay and Jessie explore what it means to move forward with compassion, to hold complexity in parenting, and to remind families that every story — every one — matters. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement 00:29 Host’s Background and Podcast Purpose 01:31 Guest Introduction and Family Background 02:01 Starting the If You Know One Project 03:29 Community Engagement and Resource Sharing 06:50 Challenges in the Diagnosis Journey 11:36 Navigating the Healthcare System 18:23 The If You Know One Project’s Mission and Future Goals 22:59 Navigating the Journey Together 23:22 Support for Families 24:04 Community and Connection 24:33 Understanding High Support Needs 25:22 The Value of Individuality 26:20 Perspective Shifts and Humanity 28:24 Building Trust and Communication 32:19 Sharing Stories and Advocacy 36:12 Encouragement for Parents 38:56 Final Thoughts and Resources 💛 RESOURCES ⚡️ Connect with Jessie Caraway + The If You Know One Project: Instagram → @jess_ifyouknowone Etsy Shop → If You Know One ⚡️ 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

    40 分钟
  5. 10月2日

    193 | instagram live q&a replay: autism headlines, affirming supports, + the just one thing challenge

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇this episode is a replay of my instagram live q+a, where we processed the recent press conference linking autism and tylenol. i shared reflections on research, stigma, and neurodiversity-affirming care, and answered parent questions in real time.   we covered the nuance of research, medication conversations, ableism and stigma, and most importantly — how parents can ground themselves and their families.   a special thank you to sam marion, lcsw (@sammarioncounseling) for moderating the live chat and helping to hold respectful space for this conversation. THE JUST ONE THING CHALLENGEtoward the end of this episode, i introduce the just one thing challenge—a free 7-day practice designed to help parents slow down, ground themselves, and notice one small glimmer in the middle of daily overwhelm.   join the just one thing challenge starting monday, october 6th, 2025 – on instagram: follow @the.dr.tay and message JOTCHALLENGE – not on instagram? sign up here   TIMESTAMPS00:00 introduction + intent of the live 01:46 introducing sam marion 03:51 processing the press conference 06:20 what neurodiversity affirming care really means 07:50 dr. tay’s background + perspective 09:52 making sense of autism research 12:36 diving into parent questions 24:05 responding to the administration’s narrative 39:54 fda-approved medications + leucovorin discussion 41:51 understanding pda + affirming supports 44:15 debunking tylenol + autism myths 45:56 confronting stigma + ableism 48:58 concerns about government policies 51:54 supporting autistic kids + families 01:10:51 the just one thing challenge 01:15:34 closing reflections + resources RESOURCES⚡️ join EVOLVE the membership to find community + support in your parenting journey ⚡️ learn more about dr. tay's whole family approach + current clinical services offered at drtaylorday.com ⚡️ continue learning from me + submit questions that may be featured on a future episode >> instagram @the.dr.tay tiktok @the.dr.tay

    1 小时 16 分钟
  6. 9月18日

    191 | navigating demands + boundaries with the 3 bucket approach

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this mini episode, Dr. Tay shares a sneak peek into a training within EVOLVE the memberhsip. Sh dives into the concept of low demand parenting, particularly for families with children who resonate with the PDA profile. Dr. Tay introduces and explains the "3 Bucket Approach" to help parents manage demands and boundaries effectively. The episode also outlines the benefits of joining the membership where deeper guidance, resources, and community support are provided. Additionally, Dr. Tay highlights the importance of understanding family values and giving children autonomy, while maintaining necessary non-negotiable boundaries for safety and key family values. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:36 Membership Insights and Podcast Differences 01:15 Introducing a New Resource 02:22 Understanding Low Demand Parenting 06:21 The Three Bucket Approach 06:55 Non-Negotiables and Key Family Values 08:41 The Shoulds: Dropping Unnecessary Demands 11:01 The Ideal or Yet Bucket 11:57 Practical Examples and Applications 15:48 Conclusion and Membership Invitation 18:00 Episode Wrap-Up and Future Content   RESOURCES ⚡️ join EVOLVE the membership here ⚡️ learn more about Dr. Tay's Whole Family Approach and current clinical services offered as well as her new educational membership? visit drtaylorday.com ⚡️ continue learning from me and submit any questions [could be featured on a future episode] >> Instagram @the.dr.tay TikTok @the.dr.tay

    19 分钟
4.8
共 5 分
68 个评分

关于

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.

你可能还喜欢