ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

In this special episode, Dr. Tay welcomes back special education attorney Ashley Barlow to discuss critical updates impacting special education in the U.S. They delve into the Texas vs. Becerra case regarding the potential elimination of Section 504 protections, explore potential changes within the Department of Education, and highlight the significance of grassroots advocacy. Dr. Tay and Ashley provide valuable insights on how parents can proactively advocate for their children's educational rights, navigate current stresses, and use available resources effectively. The episode underscores the importance of building strong relationships with IEP teams and staying informed about legislative changes that may affect the neurodivergent community.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:10 Meet Ashley Barlow: Special Education Attorney

00:19 Understanding 504 IEP and Its Importance

03:18 Concerns About Losing 504 Protections

08:04 Impact of Losing 504 on Disability Community

14:20 Advocacy and Grassroots Efforts

30:21 Potential Changes in the Department of Education

39:23 Government Efficiency and DEI Initiatives

40:59 Impact on Education and Research

42:23 State-Level Implications and Comparisons

44:25 Project 2025 and Potential Changes

45:47 Real-Life Impacts on Special Education

54:48 Advocacy and Legislative Engagement

01:02:51 Practical Advice for Parents

01:08:17 Conclusion and Next Steps

RESOURCES

⚡️ CHECK OUT Ashley’s $9 training for building collaborative teams: https://ashleybarlowco.com/video-2-from-tension-to-teamwork-harnessing-conflict-for-iep-success

⚡️FOLLOW Ashley on Instagram @thecollaborativeiep

⚡️ TAKE ACTION and download the 5 calls app and start making calls

⚡️ 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.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

LinkedIn @the-dr-tay

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

Dr. Tay welcomes Mercedes Palermo to discuss her experiences as a parent of an autistic daughter diagnosed with ARFID. Mercedes shares her journey, from the initial diagnosis to managing daily challenges, while highlighting her advocacy efforts in spreading awareness. The episode covers key issues like understanding avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), balancing the needs of siblings, and creating supportive environments. Mercedes also talks about her initiatives, including a nonprofit providing recreational programs for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of community support and neurodiversity.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement

00:28 Meet Mercedes Palermo

01:18 Dr. Tay's Background and Podcast Purpose

02:28 Mercedes' Family and Autism Journey

04:08 Diagnosis Process and Early Signs

06:59 Challenges and Advocacy

10:14 Understanding ARFID

12:50 Navigating ARFID and Family Dynamics

30:35 Community Building and Support

36:13 Final Thoughts and Resources

37:26 Closing Remarks and Next Steps

RESOURCES

⚡️ Follow Mercedes on Instagram @autismoutloud

⚡️ 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.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

LinkedIn @the-dr-tay

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

Dr. Tay is joined by Dr. Michelle Fardella, a clinical and school psychologist from Canada, to discuss the critical topic of sex education for autistic youth. The conversation covers various aspects, including the importance of proactive sex education, teaching body autonomy, consent, and addressing misconceptions. They delve into barriers faced by autistic youth in accessing comprehensive sex education and emphasize safety and appropriate teaching methods. Additionally, the episode touches on gender identity, sexual orientation, and provides practical resources for parents and educators. Trigger warnings and the importance of seeking support are also highlighted to ensure a safe and informative discussion.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:29 Meet Dr. Michelle Fardella

02:43 Trigger Warning and Sensitive Topics

03:57 Dr. Fardella's Background and Passion

06:26 Challenges in Sex Education for Autistic Youth

08:09 Importance of Tailored Sex Education

10:27 Parental Mindset and Barriers

18:03 Starting Early: Teaching Consent and Safety

20:01 Navigating Discomfort and Finding Safe Persons

23:43 The Accidental Exposure to Pornography

23:58 Discussing Pornography with Young Children

25:11 Proactive Conversations About Intercourse

26:04 Addressing Misconceptions from Pornography

28:13 Honesty in Answering Kids' Questions

30:10 Resources for Teaching Sexual Health

32:46 Masturbation: Education and Safety

36:00 Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

41:04 Conclusion and Additional Resources

RESOURCES

⚡️ find resources for talking about these topics on Dr. Michelle’s blog >> https://www.wondertreepractice.ca/post/a-caregiver-s-guide-to-teaching-sex-education-to-neurodivergent-youth

⚡️follow WonderTree Practice on Instagram and learn more about their services here if you’re in Ontario

⚡️ 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.tay

TikTok @the.dr.tay

LinkedIn @the-dr-tay