EVOLVE with Dr. Tay: the podcast for parents of autistic kids Dr. Taylor Day
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- Kids & Family
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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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124 | navigating social media, research, and BIPOC representation in the autistic community with Kaligirwa @blackspectrumscholar
ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇
Dr. Tay is joined by Kaligirwa @blackspectrumscholar, an AuDHD communication researcher, to discuss the intersection of neurodiversity and research, with a particular emphasis on BIPOC representation within the autism community. Kali shares her personal journey of discovering her autism diagnosis and her efforts to highlight the representation of Black autistic individuals on social media. The conversation covers broad topics such as the history of autism subtypes, the diagnostic challenges faced by BIPOC individuals, and the complexities of clinical diagnosis. Dr. Tay and Kali also delve into the importance of evolving our understanding and terminology around autism to build greater acceptance and support as well as how to use social media as a tool to learn while also knowing its limitations.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview
01:19 Host's Background and Podcast Purpose
02:22 Guest's Personal Journey with Autism
04:49 Challenges and Representation in Autism Research
07:14 Social Media and Misinformation
11:31 Navigating Research and Personal Experience
26:11 Discussion on Autism Subtypes and Diagnosis
30:53 Understanding PDD-NOS and Stigma
31:47 Challenges with DSM-5 Levels
32:58 Regional Differences in Diagnoses
33:44 Functional Assessment Over Levels
35:24 Issues with Profound Autism Label
37:18 Spiky Profiles and Individual Differences
39:22 BIPOC Representation in Autism Conversations
39:55 Cultural Barriers to Diagnosis
42:57 ODD and PDA: Shifting Perspectives
49:53 Complexities of Diagnosing Anxiety
51:24 Finding Affirming Practitioners
53:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
RESOURCES
⚡️ connect with Kaligirwa on Instagram and TikTok @blackspectrumscholar and check out her resource library
⚡️ 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 -
123 | nurturing yourself: self-compassion and self-care with Emily Hamblin
ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇
Dr. Tay and Emily Hamblin, a parent coach and neurodivergent mom of four, discuss practical strategies for self-compassion, regulating the nervous system, and addressing the challenges parents face. The episode covers the crucial role of self-care, debunking the notion that it's selfish, and highlights the impact it has on the parent and the entire family. Emily shares her personal journey, including her experiences and how understanding her own sensory needs and emotional triggers significantly improved her family dynamics. They discuss how to model healthy coping mechanisms for children and the importance of addressing underlying behaviors.
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:15 Meet Emily Hamblin: A Journey into Neurodivergent Parenting
02:31 The Challenges of Parenting Neurodivergent Children
03:31 Shifting Perspectives: From Control to Compassion
08:40 Understanding Self-Compassion and Its Importance
13:55 The Impact of Self-Compassion on Parenting
15:55 Modeling Positive Behavior for Children
17:46 The Beginning of a Challenging Journey
18:59 Coping with Extreme Parenting Stress
20:35 Finding Support and Validation
21:56 Balancing Self-Care and Parenting
23:35 Navigating Guilt and Self-Care
27:57 Teaching Emotional Intelligence to Kids
29:36 Membership Programs and Resources
32:34 Final Thoughts and Resources
RESOURCES
⚡️ connect with Emily Hamblin on Instagram @enlighteningmotherhood and learn more about her services https://emily-hamblin.com/
⚡️ listen to my episode on Emily's podcast Enlightening Motherhood episode 126
⚡️ 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: 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. -
122 | PANS, PANDAS, and neurodivergence with Dr. Joy Eberhardt
ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇
Dr. Tay and Dr. Joy Eberhardt, a holistic pediatrician specializing in integrative and functional medicine, discuss PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections). They delve into the complexities of diagnosing these conditions, particularly in neurodivergent children, and the importance of a holistic approach that includes conventional, integrative, and functional medicine. The conversation also covers the significance of parental advocacy, understanding neurodivergence, and defining thriving for both children and parents. Dr. Eberhardt shares insights into her clinical practice, challenges in differentiating symptoms, and ways to support families through personalized care plans.
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:10 Meet Dr. Joy Everhart: Holistic Pediatrician
00:43 Dr. Tay's Background and Podcast Mission
01:49 Welcoming Dr. Joy to the Podcast
02:32 Dr. Joy's Journey and Expertise
04:08 Understanding Neurodivergence in Dr. Joy's Family
08:24 Dr. Joy's Professional Practice and Expansion
13:20 Navigating Pediatric Care and Neurodivergence
17:41 Introduction to PANS and PANDAS
25:51 Understanding the Complexity of Child Burnout
26:50 The Importance of History in Diagnosis
28:14 Exploring PANS and PANDAS
30:04 Identifying and Treating Inflammation
32:57 The Three-Legged Stool Approach
36:35 Holistic and Integrative Medicine
38:22 Defining Thriving for Your Child
41:33 Advocacy and Finding the Right Support
48:07 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts
RESOURCES
⚡️ connect with Dr. Eberhardt on Instagram @orchidpediatrics and visit her website www.orchidpediatrics.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
*please note: PDA 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 -
121 | navigating culture and religion with Sunita Theiss
ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇
Dr. Tay and Sunita Theiss, an Indian neurodivergent mom, discuss Sunita's journey through autism diagnoses for herself and her children, the impact of South Asian cultural values on her parenting, and the integration of neurodivergent needs within religious communities. Sunita shares her personal experiences, the challenges of advocating for her child's needs within faith-based settings, and practical strategies for creating more inclusive communities. Together, they discuss the importance of accommodations, self-advocacy, and intentional parenting.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview
00:54 Host's Background and Podcast Mission
01:57 Sunita's Family and Personal Journey
02:51 Navigating Neurodivergence in the Family
05:22 Cultural Influences and Misattributions
11:44 Parenting Approaches and Self-Advocacy
21:40 Accommodations and Long-Term Support
26:41 Meeting Online and Family Backgrounds
27:11 Integrating Different Upbringings
27:42 Reparenting and Healing
28:29 Family Time and Dinner Table Dynamics
31:21 Parenting Strategies and Research
33:28 Navigating Neurodivergence in the Family
37:01 Cultural and Community Reactions
41:30 Supporting Neurodivergent Families in Religious Communities
49:00 Final Thoughts and Resources
RESOURCES
⚡️ connect with Sunita on Instagram @sunitatheiss, visit her website, and read her Substack
⚡️ 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
*PDA 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 -
120 | embracing uncertainty and making mistakes in parenting your autistic child
ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇
In this solo episode, Dr. Tay discusses the importance of being comfortable with being wrong and sitting with the discomfort that accompanies it. She draws from her personal experiences and professional journey to provide insights on navigating life with an autistic child while balancing evidence-based practices with neurodiversity-affirming approaches. Dr. Tay addresses the evolving landscape of autism care, emphasizes the value of lived experiences, and offers practical advice to parents.
RESOURCES
⚡️ want to learn more about Dr. Tay's Whole Family Approach and current services offered? visit drtaylorday.com
⚡️ 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 -
119 | navigating neurodiversity and inclusion in education with Chandele Morris
ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇
Dr. Tay and Chandele Morris, an inclusive educational consultant and author, discuss the barriers in the educational system, the importance of understanding neurodiversity and tangible steps to be better advocates for autistic children. Chandele shares her experiences as a former educator and a parent of an autistic/ADHD child, emphasizing the need for inclusive education and the significance of updating educational training. The episode also highlights practical strategies for creating inclusive classrooms and the role of community and resources in supporting neurodivergent children.
00:00 Introduction to the Educational System and Advocacy
00:41 Meet Chandele Morris, an Inclusive Educational Consultant
02:25 Understanding Neurodiversity in Education
03:29 Challenges in Teacher Training and Awareness
05:45 The Need for Systemic Change in Education
09:24 Inclusion vs. Segregation in Classrooms
15:41 Real-Life Examples and Solutions for Inclusion
27:10 Fidgets and Sensory Breaks in Classrooms
28:01 Inclusive Classroom Practices
29:01 Understanding Neurodivergence in Families
29:38 AAC Devices and Communication
31:24 Teaching Empathy and Inclusion
36:25 Challenges in Changing Educational Systems
41:36 Finding Community and Support
44:06 The Role of Children's Books in Neurodiversity
46:38 Conclusion and Next Steps
RESOURCES
⚡️ connect with Chandele Morris
Instagram @Diversityofminds
TikTok @Diversityofminds
Facebook @Diversityofminds
⚡️ check out Chandele's books
The Beauty of Us All
I'm Just a Kid: A Social Emotional Book about Self-Regulation
⚡️email Morrishousepublishers@gmail.com to schedule an author visit, professional development, or order bulk copies of books
⚡️ 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: 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.
Customer Reviews
Easy to understand and apply!
I love Dr. Tay’s EVOLVE podcast! I gain so much knowledge from each episode, and it helps me to have a deeper understanding of what my child is experiencing. The guests are always fabulous and have so much wisdom to share, but I also enjoy Dr. Tay’s solo episodes, particularly some of the more recent episodes where she dives deeper into the PDA profile. I felt more prepared to ask questions and speak with autism evaluators and my child’s doctors after having listened to several episodes. Moving forward, EVOLVE with Dr. Tay will be at the top of my recommendation list for other parents and family members who want to learn more about autism and neurodiversity to better support their loved ones!
Knowledge is power
Love Dr. Tay’s podcast. She has been a wealth of information. I look forward to listening and sharing what I have learned with my husband.
Such a great podcast
Loveee this podcast and what Dr.Tay shares! I look forward to listening each week. Being a mother to an autistic daughter she shares so much knowledge and guidance.