Afleveringen
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about this episode (+ scroll for resources) đ
autism does not look one way.
in this episode, dr. tay walks through several common autism profiles she sees in clinical practice, including more nuanced and high-masking presentations that are often missed, misunderstood, or explained away as anxiety, behavior, personality, or âjust being sensitive.â
through six composite profiles, dr. tay breaks down how autistic traits can show up across children, toddlers, adolescents, and late-diagnosed adults. youâll hear examples of differences in social communication, sensory needs, rigidity, masking, emotion regulation, language development, and special interests.
this episode is especially helpful if youâre trying to better understand your childâs autistic traits, exploring your own neurotype, or trying to recognize autism beyond the stereotypical presentations.
in this episode, you'll hear:how high-masking and nuanced autism presentations can be missedhow anxiety, behavior, sensory differences, and autism can overlapwhat autism may look like in verbally fluent childrenhow demand avoidance and advanced language can mask support needswhat early delays, sensory needs, and gestalt language processing can look likewhy literal thinking and emotional intensity may point to autistic traitshow autism can present in late-diagnosed adults, especially parentswhy diagnostic patterns matter more than one isolated trait
timestamps00:00 introduction to autism profiles and why they matter
01:52 understanding the diversity of autism presentations
05:07 profile a: anxious verbally fluent child
08:57 profile b: demand avoidant adolescent
15:09 profile c: preschooler with early delays
19:12 profile d: minimally verbal toddler with gestalt language
22:46 profile e: highly literal and emotionally intense child
25:50 profile f: the late-diagnosed, intellectually intense adult
30:14 summary and resources for understanding autism traits
resourcesâĄď¸ Autism Traits Guide â a $7 parent-friendly resource that breaks down autism diagnostic criteria and shares examples of how traits can show up across ages, support needs, and presentations
âĄď¸ episodes 4, 110, and 114 are referenced in this episode
âĄď¸ explore dr. tayâs clinical services, parent resources, and support at drtaylorday.com
âĄď¸ follow dr. tay on instagram @the.dr.tay for practical autism education and parenting insights
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about this episode (+ scroll for resources) đ
this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the next evolution of dr. tayâs work. she shares why she is pivoting parts of her business â not because she is stepping away from the work, but because she is leaning more deeply into the parts of the work that feel most aligned, impactful, and connected to her values.
she reflects on her journey from academia to private practice, the pivotal moments that shaped Dr. Tay Concierge Clinical Care, and why she is now creating more depth within her clinical services while also building more accessible educational resources for families.
this episode is also about trusting the process, listening to intuition, taking bold steps before everything is fully clear, and building a business that supports both the families she serves and her own nervous system capacity.
in this episode, you'll hear:why dr. tay is pivoting her business and what is guiding that shiftthe story behind how her clinical practice beganhow leaving academia shaped the work she does nowwhy aligned work matters for clinical impact and sustainabilityhow dr. tay is thinking about deeper support after an autism diagnosiswhy she is creating an evaluation toolkit for families navigating the diagnostic processhow in-home intensives may support families in a more immediate, real-life waywhy scalable resources and high-touch clinical care can both matterthe connection between parental mental health, intuition, and nervous system capacitywhat is coming next in dr. tayâs resource ecosystem
timestamps00:00 behind the scenes: why dr. tay is pivoting her business
02:26 origin story of dr. tayâs practice and business milestones
06:28 the power of seizing pivotal moments and trusting instincts
10:45 the ongoing evolution and diversification of clinical and educational offerings
13:36 why sheâs shifting toward deeper family support and educational resources
16:36 creating a comprehensive evaluation toolkit for families
20:01 building a pathway for families pre- and post-diagnosis
22:21 trusting your intuition and planning for future life stages
25:33 the role of intuition and external nudges in business growth
28:12 connecting with the community through social media and resources
resourcesâĄď¸ Autism Traits Guide â learn how autistic traits can show up across ages, support needs, and presentations so you can better understand what youâre noticing
âĄď¸ Summer Rhythm Masterclass â learn how to understand your childâs nervous system, identify their unique summer profile, and create a flexible rhythm that works for your family
âĄď¸ Couples Masterclass â support for couples navigating parenting, communication, conflict patterns, and the mental load of raising an autistic child
âĄď¸ High Masking Autism CE Training â continuing education training for clinicians who want to better understand and identify high-masking autism presentations
âĄď¸ explore dr. tayâs clinical services, parent resources, and support at drtaylorday.com. schedule a consult call and we can chat about the Immersive Evaluations and In-Home Intensives.
âĄď¸ follow dr. tay on instagram @the.dr.tay for practical autism education, behind-the-scenes updates, and parenting insights
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about this episode (+ scroll for resources) đ
if you've ever found yourself researching, planning, making lists... but still feeling stuck, this episode is for you.
whether it's making changes to screen time, starting therapy, sending the email you've been avoiding, or finally taking the first step toward a recommendation, the hardest part of behavior change is almost always getting started.
in this episode, dr. tay shares a theme that unexpectedly emerged during a group therapy session: thinking isn't action. she explores why overthinking often keeps parents stuck, how to create momentum through small, meaningful steps, and why progress doesn't require the perfect plan... it simply requires getting started.
in this episode, you'll hear:why getting started is often the hardest part of behavior changehow overthinking and over-researching can keep parents stuckpractical ways to decide what first step to takethe difference between researching and creating real changehow to build momentum through small, intentional actionsexamples of applying this mindset to screen time, therapy, school, and everyday parenting decisions
timestamps0:00 the hardest part is getting started
1:34 overthinking vs. action
2:37 example with overthinking screen time and over-accommodation
7:22 three strategies for getting unstuck and creating momentum
12:52 over-researching as a form of self-sabotage
16:19 call-to-action to do one thing NOW!
resourcesâĄď¸ listen to the screentime masterclass by joining EVOLVE the membership
âĄď¸ explore dr. tay's clinical services and other resources at drtaylorday.com
âĄď¸ follow dr. tay on instagram @the.dr.tay for practical autism education and parenting insights
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about this episode (+ scroll for resources) đ
if summer has already felt harder than you expected, you're not alone.
many parents assume the solution is more structure, a better schedule, or keeping their child busier. but what if the real challenge isn't the schedule at all?
in this episode, dr. tay explores why summer often feels so dysregulating for autistic kids and their families, how to identify what your child's nervous system is actually asking for, and why flexibilityânot rigidityâis often the missing piece.
you'll also learn about dr. tay's framework of the structure seeker, autonomy craver, and shape shifter, and how understanding your child's unique profile can help you create a summer rhythm that actually works.
in this episode, you'll hear:why adding more structure isn't always the solutionhow to recognize your child's underlying nervous system needsthe difference between rigidity and flexibility in parentingintroduction dr. tay's three structure profiles: structure seeker, autonomy craver, and shape shifterwhy matching expectations to your child's capacity can change your entire summerhow to create a flexible summer rhythm that works for your family
timestamps00:00 why summer feels so hard for many families
03:40 understanding your child's nervous system needs
06:02 when more structure creates more rigidity
09:02 introducing the summer rhythm framework
12:33 looking beneath behavior to identify the real need
16:21 letting go of the "perfect" summer
17:46 matching your child's capacity throughout the summer
resourcesâĄď¸ grab the Summer Rhythm Masterclass for only $17 â learn how to understand your child's nervous system, identify their unique structure profile, and create a flexible rhythm that works for your family (note: if you are part of EVOLVE the membership, you have access to this masterclass in your private podcast feed)
âĄď¸ explore Dr. Tay's clinical services, parent resources, and support at drtaylorday.com
âĄď¸ follow @the.dr.tay on Instagram for practical autism education and parenting insights
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about this episode (+ scroll for resources) đ
this episode is a little different... but if you're parenting an autistic child, it may be one of the more important conversations we can have.
your health is part of the foundation that supports your family, and that includes your hormonal health.
using her own health journey as a starting point, dr. tay explores why understanding your cycle, hormones, and overall health may be one of the most overlooked parts of supporting yourself as a parent. this episode is an invitation to get curious about your body, recognize patterns in your mood, energy, and regulation, and advocate for yourself when something feels offâbecause your health deserves the same attention and compassion you so often give everyone else.
in this episode, you'll hear:why understanding your cycle can improve self-awareness and regulationhow hormonal health can influence mood, energy, and parenting capacitythe overlap between hormonal health and neurodivergencewhy tracking your cycle can help you recognize meaningful patternshow Dr. Tay's own health journey inspired her to better understand her bodywhy trusting your instincts and advocating for your own health matters
timestamps00:00 why hormonal health matters for parents of autistic kids
03:05 advocating for yourself when something feels off
06:18 understanding your cycle and recognizing your patterns
10:00 why your health is part of your parenting foundation
15:37 the overlap between hormones and neurodivergence
18:03 trusting your instincts and getting curious about your body
21:18 your health matters too
resourcesâĄď¸ explore Dr. Tay's clinical services, parent resources, and support at drtaylorday.com
âĄď¸ follow me on Instagram and share your thoughts about this episode @the.dr.tay
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about this episode (+ scroll for resources) đ
your child is in therapy.
you trust the therapist. you're showing up consistently. you're investing time, energy, and money.
so why does it feel like nothing is changing at home?
in this episode, dr. tay discusses one of the most common frustrations families experience: seeing progress in the therapy room but struggling to see those same skills transfer into everyday life.
you'll learn why this happens, the role of generalization, how family dynamics and nervous systems impact change, and the one thing that can help therapists better support your family when things feel stuck.
if you've ever found yourself wondering, "why isn't therapy working?" this episode is for you.
in this episode, you'll hear:why therapy progress doesn't always transfer into daily lifethe difference between learning a skill and generalizing a skillhow the home environment differs from the therapy roomthe role of parent regulation and the family ecosystemcommon reasons families get stuck despite having a great therapistpractical ways to collaborate more effectively with your child's therapista behind-the-scenes look at a new intensive support model dr. tay is exploring
timestamps00:00 why therapy can feel stuck, even with a great therapist
04:41 the hidden challenge: skills aren't transferring home
08:40 nervous systems, co-regulation, and the realities of parenting
12:33 why changing behavior is harder than most people realize
13:39 identifying what's different between therapy and home
14:50 the family ecosystem and why supporting parents matters
18:34 radical honesty: the secret sauce for getting unstuck
25:48 a new vision for in-home intensive support
28:40 how clinical work creates more accessible resources for families
33:32 who intensive support may be right for
resourcesâĄď¸ want to learn more about this in-home intensive model? email me at [email protected] with the word "Intensive" in the subject line
âĄď¸ learn more about Dr. Tay's other clinical services offered as well as her educational membership EVOLVE at drtaylorday.com
âĄď¸ miscellaneous resources referenced in this episode >>
-episodes 189 and 215
-couples masterclass (or included for free as part of the EVOLVE membership)
-autism traits guide
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about this episode (+ scroll for resources) đ
it's pride month, and if you're parenting an autistic child, this conversation matters.
whether your child has expressed anything about their identity or not, understanding the overlap between autism and LGBTQIA+ identities is important. it's about creating a home where your child knows they can come to you with questions, curiosity, and self-discovery.
in this episode, Dr. Tay explores the research behind the overlap between autism and LGBTQIA+ identities, why this matters for mental health, and what parents can do to create a safe and affirming environment.
in this episode, you'll hear:what the research says about the overlap between autism and LGBTQIA+ identitieswhy autistic individuals are more likely to question social norms around gender and sexualitywhy acceptance at home is one of the strongest protective factors for mental healthhow autistic people often approach identity differently than neurotypical peersthe role of authenticity, self-discovery, and questioning social normswhy affirming your full identity is just as important as affirming your child's neurotypepractical ways to create a safe space for conversations about identity and belonging
timestamps00:00 why this conversation matters for parents of autistic kids
02:30 understanding the overlap between autism and LGBTQIA+ identities
09:49 why younger generations are talking about identity differently
16:30 creating a safe landing place for your child
17:43 why autistic individuals may approach identity differently
24:57 what happens when only certain parts of a child feel accepted
27:23 the mental health impact of acceptance and belonging
30:15 practical ways to support your child without having all the answers
32:03 what it really means to be neurodiversity affirming
35:15 the question every parent should ask themselves
resourcesâĄď¸ LGBTQIA+ resources
Twainbow â an online community and information hub created to support autistic LGBTQIA+ individuals and provide identity-affirming resourcesAutistic LGBTQIA+ | I CAN Network â peer mentoring groups for autistic teens and young adults who identify as LGBTQIA+, including age-matched peer spaces and autistic mentorsAutistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN) â a nonprofit organization providing advocacy, community, and resources for autistic women, nonbinary individuals, and trans femmesThe Trevor Project â crisis support, education, and mental health resources for LGBTQIA+ youth and their familiesPFLAG â resources, education, and support for parents and families navigating conversations around sexual orientation and gender identityâĄď¸ listen to autistic LGBTQIA+ voices â seek out autistic self-advocates sharing their lived experiences with gender, sexuality, identity, and belonging
âĄď¸ learn more about Dr. Tay's current clinical services offered as well as her educational membership at drtaylorday.com
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about this episode (+ scroll for resources) đ
communication is not only about spoken words.
and for many autistic individuals, especially non-speaking or minimally speaking individuals, the challenge is not a lack of thoughts, understanding, or desire to communicate. it may be that their body does not reliably do what their brain wants it to do.
in this episode, dr. tay shares reflections after observing several Spelling to Communicate (S2C) sessions, including sessions with open spellers who were able to describe their own experiences of motor planning, communication, and brain-body disconnect.
this conversation is about more than one communication modality. it is an invitation to think differently about communication, apraxia, motor planning, autonomy, consent, and what it means to presume competence.
even if your child uses complex spoken language, this episode offers powerful insight into why communication can still break down, why behavior may not always mean what we think it means, and why giving time, space, and access matters.
a special shoutout to Olivia of Brain2Body Therapy (Instagram: @brain2bodytherapy) and the families who allowed me to observe sessions - I am SO grateful!
in this episode, youâll hear:why communication should not be defined only by spoken languagehow S2C supports communication through motor planningwhat apraxia and brain-body disconnect can look like in autistic individualswhy some autistic individuals may say one thing while their body or spelling communicates something differenthow autonomy, agency, and consent can show up in communication workwhat open spellers can teach us about presuming competencewhy time, regulation, and a trusted communication partner matterhow these lessons apply even when a child has spoken language
timestamps00:00 introduction to Spelling to Communicate (S2C) and why this topic matters
02:08 understanding communication beyond spoken language
05:49 observations from S2C sessions
12:00 autonomy, agency, and consent in communication work
18:08 motor planning, apraxia, and communication challenges
23:48 key insights from open spellers
28:05 when communication does not match what the body is doing
30:20 understanding how much effort communication can take
34:29 the brain-body disconnect and what it can teach us
39:10 navigating consent, autonomy, and ânoâ
46:53 the importance of time, space, and regulation in learning
51:51 reflections on communication, presuming competence, and learning differently
resourcesâĄď¸ listen to episode 132 for more information on S2C and episode 159 to learn more about apraxia
âĄď¸ learn more about Dr. Tay's current clinical services offered as well as her educational membership at drtaylorday.com
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about this episode (+ scroll for resources) đ
traveling with an autistic child can feel overwhelming to even imagine.
what if they struggle with the routine change? what if the flight is hard? what if the unpredictability feels too overwhelming for everyone?
in this episode, dr. tay reflects on her recent european trip and her thoughts on traveling with autistic children. this episode is a conversation about fear, accommodations, and why having an autistic child does not automatically mean your family can't explore the world.
dr. tay discusses how preparation, research, flexibility, and realistic expectations can help families feel more confident trying new experiences, while also honoring their childâs nervous system and support needs.
in this episode, youâll hear:how fear and uncertainty can quietly stop families from travelingwhy research and preparation can make travel feel more manageablepractical ways to build accommodations and predictability into tripswhy flexibility matters more than a perfectly structured itineraryhow vacations and novel experiences can sometimes support regulationpractical accommodations like TSA cares and sunflower lanyardswhy autistic children deserve opportunities to explore the world too
timestamps00:00 why traveling with your autistic child can feel overwhelming
03:32 understanding fear, uncertainty, and routine changes
06:58 travel, budgeting, and accessibility realities
12:10 planning, prep, and reducing stress while traveling
18:21 balancing flexibility with structure on vacation
21:21 the mindset shift that changes everything
25:46 how travel can support growth and regulation
27:28 stories of autistic children thriving while traveling
29:02 final reflections and encouragement for families
resourcesâĄď¸ follow our travel account @explore.to.evolve if you want to learn more about travel and logistics
âĄď¸ learn more about dr. tayâs whole family approach + clinical services
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about this episode (+ scroll for resources) đ
one reason autism can be missed in children is the belief that kids âcanât mask.â
but they absolutely can.
in this episode, dr. tay breaks down what masking can look like in autistic children, including why a child may seem âfineâ at school but completely fall apart at home.
youâll learn how masking can be conscious or unconscious, how culture and reinforcement shape behavior, and why subtle signs matter so much during autism evaluations.
this episode is especially helpful if youâve ever wondered why your child seems so different across environments, or if youâve been told their challenges must be âjust behavioralâ because they are not showing up everywhere.
in this episode, youâll hear:why autistic children can mask, even at young ageshow masking can contribute to delayed or missed autism diagnoseswhy kids may hold it together all day and then melt down at homethe difference between conscious masking and subconscious maskinghow reinforcement, modeling, and culture, can shape masking behaviorswhy people pleasing and anxiety often plays a role in masking and self-advocacywhat evaluators need to understand when assessing high-masking childrenhow to create safer spaces for kids to unmask and build self-advocacy over time
timestamps00:00 understanding masking in children
02:50 the cycle of masking and rebound effects
05:49 the nuances of masking: conscious vs. unconscious
09:05 cultural influences on masking behaviors
11:52 modeling and reinforcement in masking
15:01 people-pleasing traits and their impact
17:57 the role of anxiety in masking
20:47 evaluation challenges in high-masking individuals
23:52 subtle indicators of autism in masking
26:54 creating safe spaces for unmasking
29:47 empowering self-advocacy in autistic children
resourcesâĄď¸ autism traits guide â a $7 parent-friendly resource breaking down autism diagnostic criteria and sharing more in-depth traits, including those in high masking individuals
âĄď¸ high masking continuing education (CE) training for clinicians
âĄď¸ learn more about diagnostic evaluations through dr. tay concierge clinical care
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about this episode (+ scroll for resources) đ
parents of autistic kids are often told, âyou need your own support too.â
but what happens when traditional talk therapy doesnât feel like enough or a good fit? or hasn't historically worked?
in this episode, dr. tay is joined by dr. carolyn solo, a therapist specializing in EMDR, IFS, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, and intensive therapy models. together, they explore why parents of neurodivergent kids may carry more chronic stress and nervous system overwhelm than they realize, and why bottom-up therapy approaches can be so helpful.
this conversation is not about âfixingâ you as a parent. itâs about understanding how your nervous system has been carrying the weight of advocacy, hypervigilance, uncertainty, and caregiving, and what kinds of support may help you show up with more grounding, compassion, and capacity.
in this episode, youâll hear:why parents of neurodivergent kids may experience chronic stress and trauma symptomshow supporting the parent can support the entire family systemwhat IFS is and why âall parts are welcomeâ fits so naturally with neurodiversity-affirming carehow EMDR helps process experiences that continue to activate the nervous systemwhy bottom-up therapies can be helpful when insight alone is not creating changewhat ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is and how it may support deeper therapeutic workhow intensive therapy models can offer a different path for busy, overwhelmed parentswhy noticing your childâs progress, not just their next goal, can be part of your own healing
timestamps00:00 introduction to alternative therapies for parents of autistic kids
02:54 the journey of a therapist and parent
06:00 understanding trauma in parenting neurodivergent children
09:01 the importance of parental self-care
11:57 exploring internal family systems (IFS) therapy
17:53 the benefits of bottom-up therapies
22:50 understanding eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and its mechanism
29:09 exploring the intensive model of therapy
31:29 the role of ketamine in therapy
39:22 mindset shifts for parents of neurodiverse children
resourcesâĄď¸ connect with dr. carolyn solo + learn more about her therapy approach here plus follow on Instagram @integritas_wellness_recovery
âĄď¸ learn more about dr. tayâs whole family approach + clinical services
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about this episode (+ scroll for resources) đ
one of the biggest misconceptions parents hear is:
âtheyâre too young to diagnose autism.â
but research tells us something very different.
in this episode, dr. tay breaks down what we actually know about early autism diagnosis, including how autism can present in toddlers, why early signs are often missed or explained away, and what parents should be paying attention to when something feels different.
youâll also learn why the phrase âwait and seeâ can sometimes do more harm than good and how to think about timing, evaluations, and support through a neurodiversity-affirming lens.
in this episode, youâll hear:why autism can be reliably diagnosed much earlier than many parents are toldhow to recognize patterns that may point toward autism in toddlerswhy âwait and seeâ advice can sometimes delay meaningful supporthow an early diagnosis can shift understanding, accommodations, and access to serviceswhat it looks like to advocate for your child when something feels different
timestamps00:00 what age can autism actually be diagnosed?
07:22 why early diagnosis matters
12:26 âmindful waitingâ vs. âwait and seeâ
20:03 access to supports and services
24:02 early autism signs in toddlers
34:10 trusting your instincts and advocating early
resourcesâĄď¸ autism traits guide â a $7 parent-friendly resource breaking down autism diagnostic criteria and sharing more in-depth traits
âĄď¸ nuanced discussions on ABA: episodes 26, 59, 128, and 131
âĄď¸ learn more about diagnostic evaluations for young children through dr. tay concierge clinical care
âĄď¸study referenced in today's episode (Pierce et al., 2019)
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about this episode (+ scroll for resources) đ
for a lot of parents, the autism journey doesnât stop with their childâs diagnosis.
at some point⌠it starts to feel personal.
you hear the questions during an evaluation,
you start learning more about autism,
and suddenly youâre thinking: âthis sounds like meâŚâ
in this episode, dr. tay walks through what this process actually looks like â why itâs so common, why it can feel complicated, and how it can impact not just you, but your relationship and your entire family dynamic.
because this isnât just about understanding your child.
itâs about understanding yourself and what that means for how you move forward.
resourcesâĄď¸ other episodes referenced in this episode: 180, 189, 208
âĄď¸ autism traits guide â a resource to help you understand diagnostic criteria and recognize patterns across ages and presentations
âĄď¸ neurodiverse communication masterclass with Dr. Ali â tools and strategies to support communication and connection in your relationship
âĄď¸ learn more about dr. tayâs whole family approach + clinical services, including booking a free consult call for our adult evaluations
in this episode, youâll hear:why so many parents begin questioning their own neurotype after their childâs diagnosishow this realization often unfolds (and why it doesnât always happen right away)the likelihood of parents being neurodivergent and why this mattersthe grief that can come with realizing you werenât supported or accommodated in the same wayhow self-exploration can feel both clarifying and overwhelmingwhere to start if youâre exploring your own neurotype (including self-identification vs evaluation)why understanding diagnostic criteria is key â not just relying on social mediawhy loved ones may resist or struggle to understand this processhow this shift can impact your relationship dynamic and communicationwhy many couples feel more disconnected during this stage and whatâs actually happening underneaththe importance of understanding patterns in communication, not just surface-level conflicthow learning new communication tools can support your entire family system
timestamps00:00 when the autism journey starts to feel personal
03:12 are parents of autistic kids more likely to be neurodivergent?
05:28 how parents begin exploring their own neurotype
09:25 should you consider an adult autism evaluation?
10:40 what happens when others donât understand
16:00 why relationships can feel harder after a diagnosis
20:45 how to start improving communication as a couple
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about this episode (+ scroll for resources) đ
if youâve ever found yourself googling late at nightâŚ
âis this autism?â
and somehow ended up more confused than when you started â youâre not alone.
thereâs a lot of information out there.
and many time it doesnât help you actually make sense of what youâre seeing in your child.
in this episode, dr. tay breaks down the most common questions parents are searching and why those questions often lead to more confusion instead of clarity.
youâll learn how to move beyond one-off traits and start understanding the patterns that actually matter when it comes to autism so you can feel more confident in what youâre noticing and how to advocate for your child.
in this episode, youâll hear:why googling âis this autism?â often leads to more confusion (not clarity)the difference between a developmental delay vs. autism and when to look deeperhow to think through âis this autism or something else?â (like ADHD, anxiety, or sensory differences)why no single trait can confirm or rule out autismhow autism is identified through patterns, not isolated behaviorswhat to consider when your child seems âfine at schoolâ but struggles at homehow masking and environment can impact what others see (or donât see)why âwait and seeâ advice can sometimes delay needed supporthow to trust your instincts, even when others arenât concernedhow to better articulate what youâre seeing so providers actually listen
timestamps00:00 introduction to common parental questions about autism
05:30 is this autism or just a delay?
08:02 is this autism or something else?
11:54 can my child be autistic and still do x, y, and z?
19:29 theyâre fine at school, but not at home â could it still be autism?
23:04 doctors say to wait and see â should i?
27:24 am I overreacting or just anxious?
resources from today's episodeâĄď¸ autism traits guide â a $7 resource to help you understand diagnostic criteria, recognize patterns, and advocate with clarity
keep learning from dr. tayâĄď¸join EVOLVE the membership and submit your questions for dr. tay to answer
âĄď¸learn more about dr. tayâs whole family approach + clinical services
âĄď¸ follow on >>
instagram â @the.dr.tay
tiktok â @the.dr.tay
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about this episode (+ scroll for resources) đ
if your child is a selective eaterâŚ
youâve probably wondered:
are they getting the nutrients they actually need?
and if not, what are you supposed to do about it?
in this episode, Dr. Tay welcomes back registered dietitian Brittyn Coleman to break down one of the most common (and confusing) questions parents have: when to consider supplements, what actually matters nutritionally, and how to make informed decisions without getting lost in the noise.
because while selective eating is common in autistic kids, we can't ignore the impact it has on their body, regulation, and overall well-being.
this conversation will help you understand when to trust your gut, what to look for, and how to approach supplementation in a way that actually supports your child... without overwhelm.
⨠ORDER BEST PART HERE (USE CODE "DRTAY" FOR 10% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER) â¨
in this episode, youâll hear:why selective eating is so common in autistic children and how sensory sensitivities play a rolehow limited diets can lead to nutrient gaps, even when kids are growing ânormallyâa key marker (the â20 food ruleâ) to help you decide when to seek additional supporthow nutrient deficiencies can impact regulation, energy, and overall functioningwhen supplementation might be helpful and how it fits alongside feeding therapywhy bloodwork can be helpful (but shouldnât be a barrier to getting started)what to actually look for in a high-quality multivitaminwhy bioavailable nutrients and chelated minerals matter for absorptioncommon pitfalls in supplements (including misleading marketing + hidden ingredients)how to build trust with your child when introducing supplementswhat makes a supplement safe, effective, and worth considering
timestamps00:00 understanding nutritional concerns for autistic children
05:51 identifying when to seek help
10:50 the role of supplements in nutrition
14:51 navigating nutritional testing and its challenges
17:02 choosing the right supplements for your child
24:52 navigating supplement labels
28:18 understanding nutrient absorption
31:39 building trust in supplementation
34:13 the importance of third-party testing
36:46 the development of Best Part
41:54 empowering parents in nutrition
resources from today's episodeâĄď¸ Use code "DRTAY" to get 10% off of Best Part | sensory-friendly vitamins for kids >> order here.
âĄď¸ follow Brittyn on Instagram @autismdietitian and Best Part @bestpartkids
âĄď¸ interested in Brittyn's picky eating membership? learn more here
keep learning from Dr. TayâĄď¸join EVOLVE the membership and submit your questions for Dr. Tay to answer
âĄď¸learn more about Dr. Tayâs whole family approach + clinical services
âĄď¸ follow on >>
instagram â @the.dr.tay
tiktok â @the.dr.tay
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about this episode (+ scroll for resources) đ
feeling confused about what to do next with your child?
most parents assume that means they need more information.
more strategies.
more answers.
but what if thatâs actually the thing keeping you stuck?
in this episode, weâre talking about why confusion isnât a problem to fix and how constantly searching for more information can actually create more overwhelm.
if youâve been overthinking, second-guessing, or feeling like you should âknow moreâ by now⌠this episode will help you slow down, reconnect, and find clarity in a completely different way.
in this episode, youâll hear:why confusion doesnât mean youâre failing and how it can actually guide your next stepshow overconsuming information can keep you stuck in a cycle of overwhelmwhat it looks like to âslow down to speed upâ in your parenting decisionshow to ground yourself in what you already know to be true about your childwhy not all autism parenting content is relevant to you at every stagea simple âbucketâ framework to help you organize what to focus on now vs laterwhy going deeper (not wider) is often the key to clarityhow to take your next step without needing to have everything figured out
timestamps00:00 embracing confusion in parenting
03:44 finding your rhythm: the beat of parenting
06:47 judgment and acceptance in parenting
09:25 navigating information overload
12:25 understanding different stages of parenting
15:10 actionable takeaways for parents
17:49 creating clarity amidst confusion
20:33 building foundations for future growth
24:02 the journey of self-discovery in parenting
resourcesâĄď¸need support in finding your next best steps? join EVOLVE the membership and submit your questions for dr. tay to answer
âĄď¸ learn more about dr. tayâs whole family approach + clinical services
âĄď¸ share your insights from this episode with me >>
instagram â @the.dr.tay
email â [email protected]
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about this episode (+ scroll for resources) đ
April is "autism month" and with it comes more conversations, more content, and more opinions.
and while that can be incredibly valuable⌠it can also feel overwhelming.
for many parents, this month brings up a mix of emotions: gratitude, frustration, confusion, and sometimes even pressure to feel a certain way about your childâs diagnosis.
in this episode, Dr. Tay breaks down what autism acceptance actually means â beyond the surface-level messaging â and why this concept can feel harder than it sounds.
youâll also hear how to navigate the increased noise during this month, protect your own capacity, and begin to define what acceptance looks like in your real, day-to-day parenting.
in this episode, youâll hear:the difference between autism awareness and autism acceptance (and why both still matter)what âacceptanceâ actually means from a psychological perspective (not just the mainstream definition)why this month can feel overwhelming, overstimulating, or even frustrating for parentshow increased conversations can sometimes lead to conflict, misinformation, or pressurepermission to step back, disconnect, or set boundaries during this monthhow to balance gratitude for awareness with protecting your own nervous systemwhat it looks like to move toward acceptance while still holding space for griefwhy acceptance is not a one-time decision, but an ongoing process in your parenting journeyhow to define what acceptance looks like for you and your family
timestamps00:00 understanding autism month: awareness vs. acceptance
09:02 the importance of acceptance in autism
18:09 defining acceptance: beyond the surface
26:51 navigating emotions: acceptance in parenting
34:04 embracing the journey of acceptance
resourcesâĄď¸ join EVOLVE the membership to have your questions answered and have more in-depth education like you heard in today's episode
âĄď¸ learn more about dr. tayâs whole family approach + clinical services
âĄď¸ follow me on
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tiktok â @the.dr.tay
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about this episode (+ scroll for resources) đ
you started this journey trying to understand your childâŚ
and somewhere along the way, you started to notice traits yourself in it too.
for many parents, this moment is both clarifying and confusing.
you recognize the patterns. but then the question becomes:
what do I actually do?
in this episode, dr. tay walks through what it looks like to explore your own neurodivergence as an adult, including when self-identification feels enough and when you might want more clarity.
she also breaks down what an autism evaluation can actually look like for adults (and why it often doesnât need to be the same long, overwhelming process many families go through with their children).
in this episode, youâll hear:why so many parents begin to question their own neurotype after their childâs diagnosiswhat self-identification can offer and when it may or may not feel sufficienthow masking, learned behaviors, and life experiences can make it harder to recognize autism in yourselfwhy adult autism is often missed or misidentified earlier in lifewhat a comprehensive autism evaluation is designed to assess and why that model doesnât always fit adult needshow adult evaluations can be more streamlined, collaborative, and focused on lived experiencewhat clarity, validation, and outside perspective can offer beyond self-explorationhow an evaluation can support not just you but your parenting and your relationship with your childthe difference between needing âall the dataâ vs. needing confirmation and next stepshow to think about whether an evaluation is the right next step for you
timestamps00:00 Understanding Neurodivergence in Families
10:04 The Importance of Self-Identification
19:10 Navigating Evaluations and Diagnoses
28:31 Finding Clarity and Supporting
resourcesâĄď¸ learn more about dr. tayâs whole family approach + clinical services, including booking a free consult call for our adult evaluations
âĄď¸ explore DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for autism (made accessible by @blackspectrumscholar as part of their free resource library)
âĄď¸ join EVOLVE the membership to have you questions answered like mentioned in today's episode
âĄď¸ follow me on
instagram â @the.dr.tay
tiktok â @the.dr.tay
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about this episode (+ scroll for resources) đ
do you ever feel like there are a million things going on with your child and no clear place to start?
maybe youâre wondering if itâs autism.
or anxiety.
or adhd.
or something else entirely.
and every time you try to figure it out, it just feels more tangled.
in this episode, dr. tay walks you through how to untangle the overwhelm, without needing all the answers first. using the analogy of a tangled ball of yarn, she breaks down how to find your starting point, build momentum, and take meaningful action (instead of staying stuck in overthinking).
in this episode, youâll hear:why autism (and co-occurring differences like anxiety or adhd) can feel like a âtangled webâ and how to start making sense of ithow a comprehensive evaluation can bring clarity (and when it might not be the only next step)how to identify whatâs actually driving your childâs challenges, even when everything feels connectedsimple ways to collect data and spot patterns in your childâs day-to-day experienceshow to collaborate with your childâs clinical team (even if you only have limited access to them)when learning more is helpful⌠and when it turns into overconsumption that keeps you stuckhow tools like AI can support pattern recognition (without replacing clinical judgment)the most important shift: why action creates clarity (not the other way around)
timestamps00:00 navigating the overwhelm of âwhere do i start?â
03:50 understanding autism evaluations and differential diagnosis
07:01 why comprehensive evaluations can bring clarity
09:45 identifying underlying factors (anxiety, adhd, and more)
12:42 using data to recognize patterns
16:34 collaboration, ai tools, and building insight
19:19 taking action and finding your next step
21:55 exploring therapy options and supports
24:59 moving out of overconsumption and into momentum
28:01 final reflections and next steps
resourcesâĄď¸ join EVOLVE the membership to ask your burning questions and watch the masterclass on looping and cognitive inflexibility
âĄď¸ learn more about dr. tayâs whole family approach + clinical services, including comprehensive evaluations and group therapy support
âĄď¸ follow me on
instagram â @the.dr.tay
tiktok â @the.dr.tay
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is an autism diagnosis actually helpful for your child â or could it hurt them?
many parents hesitate to pursue an evaluation because they worry about labels, stigma, or putting their child âin a box.â but avoiding the diagnosis doesnât change whether your child is autistic. what it changes is how clearly you understand your child and how effectively you can support them.
in this episode of EVOLVE with Dr. Tay, we break down both the logistical and emotional realities of autism diagnosis. Dr. Tay explains why a diagnosis can unlock support, provide language for self-understanding, and help families move toward greater acceptance and advocacy while also acknowledging the grief and stigma that can arise along the way.
this episode is especially helpful if youâre in the pre-diagnosis stage or if your child was recently diagnosed and youâre still processing what that means for your family.
in this episode, youâll hear:why an autism diagnosis doesnât change your child and instead gives clarity on how to support themthe logistical benefits of diagnosis, including access to services and support systemshow evaluations create a roadmap for understanding your childâs strengths and support needsthe emotional side of diagnosis, including grief and adjustment for parents and childrenwhy many autistic adults wish they had known their diagnosis earlierhow giving your child language to understand their brain can support self-acceptancehow stigma and ableism influence how families think about diagnosiswhy avoiding the label can unintentionally reinforce shame or confusionhow parents can help shape a neurodiversity-affirming narrative about autism
timestamps00:00 understanding autism diagnosis: a parentâs dilemma
06:54 logistical benefits of an autism diagnosis
13:36 emotional aspects of autism diagnosis
19:06 navigating stigma and self-advocacy
resourcesâĄď¸ learn more about autism evaluations through Dr. Tay Concierge Clinical Care
https://drtaylorday.com
âĄď¸ if your child already has a diagnosis and youâre wondering how to talk with them about it, check out the masterclass inside EVOLVE the membership
https://drtaylorday.com/membership
âĄď¸ continue learning from me >>
Instagram @the.dr.tay
TikTok @the.dr.tay
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