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

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:

1. the fine line between accommodation and over-accommodation
2. perfectionism as a form of rigidity and how it sneaks into parenting
3. learning to release shame and accept imperfection as part of growth

00:00 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

⚡️ 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

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