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

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

In this episode, Dr. Tay, a licensed child psychologist and parental coach, speaks with Dr. Mona Amin, a board-certified pediatrician known for her social media presence as PedsDocTalk. They discuss critical aspects of navigating the journey of raising an autistic child, including effective strategies for interacting with pediatricians, advocating for necessary accommodations, and understanding the nuances of autism diagnosis. Dr. Mona shares insights on the importance of continual learning for clinicians and collaboration between professionals and parents. The conversation also addresses handling common challenges such as anxiety, behavioral issues, and medical fears in autistic children. This episode is a valuable resource for parents and professionals alike, providing practical tips and underscoring the significance of empathy and communication in pediatric care.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:31 Meet Dr. Mona Amin

02:50 Dr. Mona's Online Education Journey

05:32 Navigating Autism Diagnosis

07:44 State Differences in Autism Diagnosis

10:58 Screening Tools and Challenges

15:11 Parental Advocacy and Pediatrician Collaboration

19:27 Collaborations and Resources

25:38 Accommodations for Autistic Patients

26:28 Understanding Accommodations for Autistic Children

26:57 Creating a Low-Stim Environment

27:50 Effective Communication with Autistic Children

28:28 Handling Medical Procedures with Care

31:47 Addressing Anxiety and Medical Fears

32:18 Role-Playing and Preparation at Home

33:04 Strategies for Reducing Stress in Medical Settings

34:31 Training Medical Staff for Better Care

40:08 Procedures and Special Considerations

41:26 Addressing Sleep, Feeding, and Behavior Issues

47:10 Final Thoughts and Resources

RESOURCES

⚡️ continue learning and connecting with Dr. Mona @pedsdoctalk on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, podcast, and her website.

⚡️ watch Dr. Mona and Andi Putt @mrsspeechiep's YouTube video on autism characteristics and signs here.

⚡️ 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 shares a real-time update on US policy changes and their impact for autistic individuals and neurodiversity affirming supports. This episode was recorded and published on Jan 29th, 2025 and addresses topics such as DEI, Medicaid, NIH, gender recognition, ICE, and Elon Musk. This episode is not intended to be a news source but instead encourages you to stay informed and presents the implications for the neurodiversity affirming movement. If you feel passionate about neurodiversity and autistic supports, this is a must-listen.

RESOURCES

⚡️ 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) 👇

In this episode, Dr. Tay is joined by school psychologist Briana Drimmer to explore the complexities of school eligibility criteria for autism. They discuss the differences between medical diagnoses and educational eligibility, the role of an IEP team, and how to advocate for your autistic child within the school system. The episode also covers the educational impact, specially designed instruction, and other common eligibility categories such as OHI and ED. Tune in to learn how to effectively navigate the school system and ensure your child receives the support they need.

00:00 Introduction to School and Autism Eligibility

00:36 Meet Briana Drimmer: School Psychologist

01:34 Navigating School Systems vs. Clinical Diagnoses

04:21 Understanding the IEP Team

05:31 The Process of School Evaluation for Autism

08:13 Challenges and Denials in the Evaluation Process

14:52 Eligibility Criteria for Autism in Schools

21:58 Differences Between DSM and IDEA Criteria

30:58 Understanding Educational Impact Beyond Grades

31:05 Communication and Social Challenges

31:35 Emotional and Adaptive Skills

31:59 Mobility and Academic Examples

32:27 Curiosity and Broader Definitions

32:59 Specially Designed Instruction

35:10 Accommodations vs. Special Education

36:27 The Role of 504 Plans

38:21 Specialized Academic Instruction

39:24 Behavioral and Counseling Services

42:33 Navigating School Systems and Advocacy

51:10 Co-Occurring Diagnoses and Eligibility

57:32 Final Thoughts and Resources

RESOURCES

⚡️ Follow Briana on Instagram @educationallypsyched

⚡️ Check out her resources on Teachers Pay Teachers

⚡️ 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) 👇

In this episode, Dr. Tay hosts Marissa Ramos, a bilingual English/ASL speech therapist, to discuss the benefits of incorporating sign language into communication strategies for autistic and hard of hearing children. They dive into the overlapping needs of these children, the surprisingly low percentage of speech therapists who are fluent in ASL, and share insights on the importance of early language exposure. Marissa also discusses her personal journey with ASL and her advocacy for its broader use in therapy. The conversation highlights the significance of multimodal communication and introduces listeners to resources for learning and integrating ASL into everyday practice.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

03:28 Marissa's Background and Journey into ASL

05:36 Understanding Deaf Culture and Terminology

09:26 The Power of ASL in Early Childhood

13:13 Neurodiversity Affirming Approaches to ASL

17:06 Sign Language as a Form of Communication

20:20 Spoken Language vs AAC: Efficiency and Accessibility

21:25 Understanding the Difference: ASL vs AAC

22:34 The Benefits of Teaching Sign Language

25:11 Statistics on Hearing Loss in Autistic Children

28:15 The Importance of Multimodal Communication

33:12 Language Deprivation Syndrome

37:19 Resources for Learning ASL

39:10 Conclusion and Next Steps

RESOURCES

⚡️ connect with Marissa on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook

⚡️ check out her resources, including the free 100 word checklist here

⚡️ 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) 👇

In this episode, Dr. Tay welcomes Iris Wong, a speech-language pathologist, executive functioning coach, and late diagnosed AuDHD mother with ND children to discuss the importance of executive functions. The conversation covers the definition of executive functions, how they manifest in daily life, and particularly how they impact autistic and ADHD children. They explore practical examples and strategies to support executive functioning skills, focusing on using special interests and leveraging AI tools. This episode emphasizes the importance of understanding individual brain patterns and provides resources for continued learning.

00:00 Introduction to Executive Functions

00:27 Meet Iris Wong: A Journey Through Neurodivergence

01:11 Understanding Executive Functions in Daily Life

01:29 Welcome to A Parenting Space Designed for You

02:48 Iris Wong's Personal and Professional Background

04:31 The Role of Executive Functions in Family Dynamics

06:53 Challenges and Strategies for Parents

08:45 Defining Executive Functions

15:45 Executive Functions and PDA Profile

18:33 Navigating Burnout and Executive Functions

21:46 Real-Life Examples and Practical Advice

23:25 Flexible Schooling and Self-Care Tasks

25:26 Understanding Body Doubling in Schools

25:51 Navigating Self-Care with EF Challenges

26:43 Innovative Self-Care Strategies

27:54 Supporting Neurodivergent Adults

28:44 Accommodations for Executive Functioning

29:43 Demand Avoidance and Overwhelm

30:04 Personal Stories and EF Challenges

31:55 Special Interests and EF Skills

42:28 The Role of AI in Supporting EF

45:14 Resources and Final Thoughts

RESOURCES

⚡️ Follow Iris on Instagram

⚡️ Learn about her resources >> www.eftoolkit.com

⚡️ Check out her book all things EF >> https://akidsco.com/products/a-kids-book-about-executive-functioning

⚡️ 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

*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