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

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇in this episode, Dr. Tay talks about helpful tips and strategies for autism families navigating the holiday season. we discuss the importance of preparing for potential disruptions to routines, setting realistic expectations, giving choices, and setting boundaries. Dr. Tay addresses several elements including helping your child anticipate upcoming events, being mindful of safe foods, empowering your child by involving them in the process, and handling comments from others. there is an emphasis on the importance of being present during these moments and cherishing the progress that your child has made since the last holiday season. RESOURCES⚡️ want to learn more about Dr. Tay's Whole Family Approachᵀᴹ and current services offered? schedule a free consult call here or email [email protected] if you have questions.⚡️ 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.tayTikTok @the.dr.tayLinkedIn @the-dr-tay

In this special mini-episode Dr. Tay, a child psychologist specializing in autism, discusses how extended family members can better support parents of autistic children during the holiday season. Drawing on over a decade of experience and direct feedback from parents, Dr. Tay shares practical advice, such as understanding triggers, recognizing the effort parents put into preparing for events, and ways to offer meaningful help. This episode is what your loved one wants you to know! A special thank you to the parents who submitted their insights and are featured on this episode. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast01:12 Understanding Autism and Neurodiversity02:21 Holiday Support for Autistic Children03:29 Parental Insights and Requests06:38 Common Misunderstandings and Challenges15:07 Sensory and Social Considerations18:38 Creating a Supportive Environment for Neurodivergent Children19:05 Offering Help and Dropping Judgment20:21 Understanding Meltdowns and Neurodivergence21:11 Challenges in Getting Diagnoses and Support21:51 Validating Parents' Efforts and Experiences23:23 Navigating Family Traditions and Accommodations27:18 Grief and Emotional Complexity in Parenting32:08 Final Thoughts and EncouragementRESOURCES⚡️ 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.tayTikTok @the.dr.tayLinkedIn @the-dr-tay

In this episode, Dr. Tay welcomes back Ashley Barlow, a special education attorney and advocate, for her third appearance. The discussion dives into the complexities of special education disputes, specifically focusing on mediation, due process, and parental rights. They explore the challenges parents face with school systems, legal options available, and the importance of advocacy and negotiation. Essential resources and strategies for navigating these situations are also shared, providing parents with valuable insights to better support their children’s education.00:00 Introduction and Guest Reintroduction00:33 Overview of Today's Topic01:18 Host and Guest Backgrounds02:43 Challenges in Special Education03:59 Navigating Special Education Law05:21 Advocacy and Negotiation Strategies10:36 Understanding Due Process23:32 Legal Counteractions in School Disputes24:05 Understanding Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE)24:43 Financial Considerations and Attorney Fees26:24 The Role of Due Process in Special Education28:50 Navigating 504 Plans and Anti-Discrimination Laws36:44 Alternative Approaches to Due Process41:32 Final Thoughts and Resources for Parents44:08 Wrap-Up and Next StepsRESOURCES⚡️ listen to episodes 53 and 57 for more information about special education from Ashley as well as her podcast The Collaborative IEP⚡️ see all that Ashley has to offer here, including her newly launched IEP Guru Academy ⚡️ follow Ashley on Instagram @thecollaborativeiep⚡️ 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.tayTikTok @the.dr.tayLinkedIn @the-dr-tay*please note: PDA is referenced in this episode. it 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

In this episode, Dr. Tay invites Alyssa Campbell of Seed & Sew to discuss the importance of supporting autistic students at a classroom-wide level, particularly focusing on their nervous system and sensory regulation. Alyssa, with her extensive background in early childhood education and emotional development, shares insights and practical strategies for creating sensory-friendly environments and understanding individual sensory profiles. They explore the benefits of proactive versus reactive strategies in educational settings, the vital role of teachers and parents in advocating for proper supports, and the importance of normalizing neurodiverse needs to foster inclusive learning spaces for all students. The episode is filled with actionable insights that are beneficial for educators, parents, and anyone involved in the care and development of autistic children.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:48 Meet Alyssa Campbell: Expert in Emotional Development01:58 Dr. Tay's Background and Mission03:33 Alyssa's Journey and Collaborative Emotion Processing Method04:12 Understanding Sensory Regulation and Nervous System18:00 Practical Applications in the Classroom20:34 Supporting Sensory Needs in Education25:19 Parental and Teacher Collaboration25:58 Understanding Early Childhood Sensory Responses27:17 Proactive Strategies in Schools35:13 Supporting Teachers and Parents38:32 Managing Diverse Needs in the Classroom45:55 The Role of Occupational Therapy49:26 Resources and Final ThoughtsRESOURCES⚡️check out Alyssa and her parent-friendly resources, including the sensory quiz here: https://www.seedandsew.org/parents⚡️check out her resources for teachers and schools, including her certification here: https://www.seedandsew.org/seedcertificationteachers⚡️follow her on Instagram @seed.and.sew and listen to her podcast Voices of Your Village⚡️ 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.tayTikTok @the.dr.tayLinkedIn @the-dr-tay*please note: PDA is referenced in this episode. it 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