ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

this week, i’m giving you a behind-the-scenes listen into a question from inside EVOLVE the membership — my neurodiversity-affirming space for parents of autistic children. in our private weekly q&a, a parent asked how to explain their child’s autism diagnosis to other adults in a way that’s both clear and affirming.

in this episode, you’ll hear my full response, with approaches you can start using right away — from choosing identity-first language to framing your child’s strengths and support needs when talking with educators, family, and friends.

you’ll also get a feel for what it’s like inside EVOLVE the membership, where members can bring their real-life questions instead of turning to Google, ChatGPT, or social media, and get thoughtful, personalized guidance.

00:00 introduction

00:25 welcome to this parenting space

01:34 why EVOLVE the membership?

03:59 behind the scenes of EVOLVE the membership

06:37 this week’s Q&A

11:01 neuroaffirming language explained

22:29 conclusion and membership invitation

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

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

In this episode, Dr. Tay addresses a commonly asked question: Is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) necessary for an autism diagnosis? Dr. Tay explains what the ADOS-2 is, its role in autism evaluations, and clarifies that while it is a widely respected tool, it is not required for diagnosing autism. The episode emphasizes the importance of using multiple assessment tools and clinical judgment in making an autism diagnosis. Dr. Tay also offers guidance for parents on how to advocate for their children, including questions to ask clinicians. Finally, Dr. Tay highlights the importance of neurodiversity affirming practices and discusses the role of other evaluation tools and telehealth assessments.

00:00 Introduction and Common Questions

00:31 Understanding the ADOS-2

01:02 Training Levels and Misconceptions

02:09 Clinical vs. Research Use

04:07 Sensitivity, Specificity, and Misuse

06:50 Neurodiversity Movement and High Masking

10:26 Alternative Tools and Insurance Challenges

12:26 Challenges with Insurance-Mandated Assessments

12:45 Telehealth Evaluations: Validity and Tools

13:20 Alternative Assessment Tools for Autism

15:58 Key Questions to Ask Your Clinician

19:28 Understanding Autism Traits: Quantity vs. Quality

20:59 Free Resource Guide and Final Thoughts

RESOURCES

⚡️Download the Autism Traits Guide

⚡️ 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

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

In this solo episode, Dr. Tay dives into the concept of perfectionism in autism parenting, sharing insights from her own journey and the experiences of parents she works with. Dr. Tay discusses the challenges of striving for perfection, the importance of being present, and the benefits of responding to feedback. She offers tips for navigating the autism parenting journey, including the value of collaboration, reflection, and admitting mistakes. Using the metaphor of golf, Dr. Tay illustrates the importance of analyzing and adapting to each situation as it arises. She encourages parents to embrace continuous growth and be adaptable, reassuring them that it's okay to not have everything figured out.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Inspiration

00:12 Perfectionism in Autism Parenting

01:14 Building a Supportive Community

04:20 Golf as a Metaphor for Parenting

06:12 Reflecting and Adapting in Parenting

07:56 Admitting Mistakes and Validating Your Child

08:49 Group Therapy and Support Options

09:28 Understanding the Transition to School

09:43 Dealing with Uncertainty and Burnout

10:14 The Power of Flexibility and Collaboration

11:39 Challenging Perfectionism in Parenting

13:02 Navigating the Transition Together

13:22 Golf Analogy: Embracing the Process

14:56 Partnering with Your Child and Yourself

17:00 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

In this episode, Dr. Tay welcomes Leila from @sprinkledspectrum to discuss the joys and challenges of parenting autistic children. Leila shares her journey of discovering her children's neurodivergence, the importance of building community, and the value of learning from autistic adults. Together, they emphasize the significance of parent coaching, creating a supportive environment, and respecting children's dignity and autonomy. This episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for navigating the autism journey as a family.

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast

00:30 Meet Leila from @sprinkledspectrum

00:50 Dr. Tay's Background and Approach

02:07 Leila's Journey and Social Media Presence

04:09 Challenges and Rewards of Sharing Online

05:49 Navigating Different Perspectives in the Autism Community

07:46 Balancing Personal and Family Needs

13:45 Therapy Modalities and Parental Involvement

15:54 Integrating Therapy into Daily Life

20:24 Changing Family Systems: Responding to Meltdowns

21:36 Navigating a Child's Diagnosis

22:58 The Importance of Tailored Support

23:37 Recognizing Unique Needs in Autism

24:22 The Journey to Diagnosis and Acceptance

29:37 Building Community and Finding Support

32:50 Advocating for Dignity and Respect

33:19 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

38:42 Connecting with the Community

RESOURCES

⚡️ follow Leila @sprinkledspectrum on Instagram and TikTok

⚡️ 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 >>

Instagram @the.dr.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

In this episode, Dr. Tay is joined by Dr. Melissa Houser, founder and executive director of All Brains Belong, to discuss co-occurring medical conditions in autistic individuals. The conversation covers Dr. Houser's personal and professional journey, the interconnected nature of conditions like hypermobility, POTS, mast cell activation syndrome, and the importance of holistic and inclusive healthcare. Together, they emphasize the value of community and explore the diverse resources offered by All Brains Belong to support both children and adults. Dr. Houser provides practical advice for parents and professionals seeking to improve care for neurodivergent individuals and shares impactful stories from their work.

00:00 Introduction to Co-Occurring Medical Conditions with Autism

00:50 Meet Dr. Melissa Houser: An Autistic Physician's Journey

01:21 Dr. Tay's Personal and Professional Background

02:29 Dr. Mel's Medical Background and Autism Diagnosis

04:04 The Founding of All Brains Belong

05:19 Challenges in Healthcare for Neurodivergent Individuals

05:40 The Importance of Self-Identification and Formal Evaluation

07:20 Conflicting Access Needs in Neurodivergent Families

07:59 Mission and Impact of All Brains Belong

20:41 Common Co-Occurring Conditions in Autistic Individuals

24:35 Understanding the Cluster of Conditions

25:10 Challenges in Medical Collaboration

25:59 Resources for Patients and Families

27:46 Impact of Long COVID on Neurodivergent Individuals

28:30 Cardiovascular Risks in Autistic Individuals

30:34 Advocacy and Self-Acceptance

37:32 Community Programs and Support

42:55 Final Thoughts and Resources

RESOURCES

⚡️ resources from Dr. Melissa Houser>>

• Everything is Connected to Everything: Improving the Healthcare of Autistic & ADHD Patients - resources for patients & clinicians
• Kid & Teen Connections - free customized friend-matching program for ages 4-17 based on shared interests
• Brain Club® - weekly virtual community education program for adults

⚡️ keep connecting with Dr. Houser on her website and Instagram @allbrainsbelongvt

⚡️ Zerbo et al. (2015) mentioned on the episode

⚡️ 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 >>

Instagram @the.dr.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

Dr. Tay introduces the vision to provide deeper insights and support for families navigating the autism journey. Highlighting the benefits of her new membership offering, she explains how it differs from her free podcast and clinical services. Through personal reflections and practical examples, listeners learn about the types of content and community support available. Dr. Tay shares a sneak peek from one training about creating a schedule based on your child's need for structure, autonomy, or a mix of both, and offers strategies for creating a supportive environment. She finishes the episode sharing about the advantages of enhanced access to her expertise and the power of community within the membership.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Vision

00:35 Balancing Clinical Services and Membership

03:38 Membership Benefits and Differences

06:48 Founding Member Launch and Community Building

09:25 Masterclass and Custom GPT

13:19 Summer Structure Strategies

17:31 Parent and Child Needs Alignment

22:44 Conclusion and Membership Invitation

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

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

Dr. Tay discusses the importance of parents of autistic children seeking support for themselves. She highlights the role of therapy and medication, addressing the stigma and misconceptions surrounding them. Dr. Tay also shares her journey in creating resources for parents. She encourages self-care, therapy, and medication as essential tools for enhancing parental wellbeing and, consequently, better supporting their children. Note: as with all episodes, this episode is for educational purposes only; please speak to a qualified medical professional.

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Episode

00:34 Personal Background and Experience

01:03 Disclaimer and Therapy Normalization

01:32 Focus on Medication Support

03:06 The Whole Family Approach

04:48 Starting a Business and Marketing Strategy

06:50 The Importance of Seeking Support

16:28 Medication Stigma and Benefits

24:44 Exploring Medication Options

27:58 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

33:53 Conclusion and Additional Resources

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

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

In this episode, Dr. Tay dives into the concept of grief that parents may experience upon learning about their child's autism diagnosis. Dr. Tay discusses the various stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—and how these emotions impact the parenting journey. She emphasizes that grieving in this context is not about mourning the child but rather a shift in expectations and the challenges of raising an autistic child in a predominantly neurotypical world. The episode includes real-life examples from Dr. Tay’s community, highlighting the diverse experiences of parents. Additionally, Dr. Tay shared about her educational membership and clinical services aimed at providing continuous support for parents processing grief and a sense of community for parents navigating similar journeys.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:58 Understanding Grief in the Context of Autism

04:49 Personal Experiences and Examples of Grief

08:43 Navigating Grief and Acceptance

13:51 Community Insights on Grief

25:56 Navigating Different Parenting Perspectives

26:19 Seeking Support and Resources

28:05 Understanding the Stages of Grief

28:48 Denial in the Grief Process

30:12 Anger and Its Manifestations

32:07 Bargaining and Desperate Measures

33:47 Depression and Its Impact

35:49 Acceptance and Psychological Flexibility

40:59 Complicated Grief and Its Variations

47:59 The Importance of Community and Support

52:07 Final Thoughts and Resources

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