Podcast

136 | understanding obsessive traits in autism

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay explores obsessive traits in autistic children, inspired by a conversation with Katherine @theneurodiversitymom. The discussion focuses on distinguishing between autism-related behaviors and potential co-occurring conditions like OCD. The episode highlights the need for diagnostic clarity and continuous reassessment of children’s behaviors to…

LISTEN NOW

135 | discovering your neurodivergence: autism and ADHD diagnosis in adults with Dr. Salena Justice

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay explores the topic of neurodivergence in adults, particularly parents, with guest Dr. Salena Justice, a psychologist specializing in late diagnoses of autism and ADHD. They discuss the indicators of neurodivergence, the evaluation process, and the differences between self-diagnosis and formal diagnosis. The…

LISTEN NOW

134 | the real meaning behind child-led therapy with Nicole Casey @connectionsspeechpathology

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay discusses child-led therapy with Nicole Casey, a speech-language pathologist known for her work with gestalt language processing. The conversation delves into the importance of child-led approaches, how they differ from traditional methods, and what parents should look for in therapy sessions. They…

LISTEN NOW

133 | PDA and ODD: clarifying the differences

In this mini episode, Dr. Tay discusses the distinction between Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Inspired by conversations with parents in her group therapy program, she delves into the complexities and overlaps between the two diagnoses. Dr. Tay emphasizes the importance of understanding PDA within the framework of anxiety and highlights…

LISTEN NOW

132 | unlocking communication: an introduction to Spell to Communicate with Kaley Stymeist

In this episode, Dr. Tay interviews Kaley Stymeist about “Spell to Communicate” (S2C), a method used to support non-speaking autistic children in expressing themselves. Kaley shares her journey with her son Hudson, who is progressing his communication through S2C after language regression. The discussion covers the methodology of S2C, emphasizing its neurodiversity-affirming approach and the…

LISTEN NOW

131 | the privilege of choice: nuanced discussion around ABA

Dr. Tay shares a mini-episode where she dives into the complexities and controversies surrounding Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy in the autism field. She presents a balanced perspective on ABA, emphasizing the importance of informed consent and considering the diverse needs and privileges of families. Dr. Tay also highlights different neurodiversity affirming modalities under the…

LISTEN NOW

130 | navigating fatherhood and autism with Rob Gorski

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay welcomes Rob Gorski, known as The Autism Dad on social media, to discuss his experience as a father raising three autistic children. They explore the unique challenges and opportunities of fatherhood in the autism community, the grief process associated with diagnoses, and…

LISTEN NOW

129 | from diagnosis to adulthood: author Carrie Cariello’s insights

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay speaks with Carrie Cariello, a mother of five, including an autistic young adult. Carrie shares her family’s journey, advocacy work, and the unique challenges and triumphs of raising an autistic child. They discuss practical strategies for fostering independence, the importance of community,…

LISTEN NOW

128 | ACT and neurodiversity affirming approaches in ABA with Unfurling Littles

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay hosts Maggie of Unfurling Littles and explores Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) lens. They discuss how to incorporate neurodiversity-affirming practices into ABA to create a compassionate, child-led approach. Maggie shares her journey into the field, her…

LISTEN NOW

127 | launching “EVOLVE the membership”: in-depth neurodiversity affirming education + support

If you find value in this podcast and want even more support, tune in to learn about “EVOLVE the membership.” This new membership offers a lower-cost, flexible alternative to traditional clinical services, designed to provide accessible support and education for autism families. I share personal insights about my journey from academia to entrepreneurship, the challenges…

LISTEN NOW

126 | AAC part 2 with speech therapist Rachel Madel

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 Dr. Tay and Rachel Madel, a speech language pathologist specializing in AAC, dive into the benefits of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for autistic children, both non-speaking and verbally fluent children. They dispel common misconceptions about AAC, discuss various high-tech and low-tech AAC tools, and emphasize the…

LISTEN NOW

125 | AAC Part 1 with Lilly’s Voice

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 In this episode, Dr. Tay welcomes Stefanie, the president and co-founder of the nonprofit Lilly’s Voice. Stefanie shares the inspiring story of her non-speaking autistic daughter, Lilly, whose journey with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices led to the creation of the nonprofit. Lilly’s Voice provides AAC…

LISTEN NOW

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…

LISTEN NOW

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…

LISTEN NOW

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…

LISTEN NOW

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…

LISTEN NOW

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…

LISTEN NOW

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…

LISTEN NOW

118 | how to support sensory regulation at home with occupational therapist Courtney English

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 Dr. Tay and Courtney English discuss: importance of sensory systems introduction to sensory profiles how to support sensory regulation at home RESOURCES ⚡️ connect with Courtney English on Instagram @courtneyenglish.ot and on TikTok @courtneyenglish.ot ⚡️ get access to Courtney’s resources here, including learning about your child’s sensory…

LISTEN NOW

117 | exploring DIRFloortime in autism care with parent and advocate, Dr. Daniella Boyd

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇 Dr. Tay and Dr. Daniella Boyd discuss: Daniella’s personal and parental journey in navigating neurodivergence An explanation of DIRFloortime, including engagement in play and relationship-based activities. Supporting BIPOC neurodivergent children and the adaptability of Floortime to meet culture-specific needs RESOURCES ⚡️ connect with Dr. Daniella Boyd through…

LISTEN NOW