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

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇
in this special episode, Dr. Tay shares a live coaching session with Winter, a mom of a 6-year-old autistic boy. listeners are invited inside a real, unscripted coaching conversation — one that mirrors the questions, emotions, and uncertainty so many parents carry quietly.

together, Dr. Tay and Winter explore what it’s like to sit with grief and acceptance at the same time, to question whether current supports are actually helping, and to feel the pressure to “do enough” while also wanting space to breathe. Dr. Tay helps Winter slow things down, name what’s coming up beneath the urgency, and reflect on what alignment, confidence, and quality of life could look like for her family.

this episode offers a window into how parent coaching can help you:
feel less alone in the emotional weight of an autism diagnosis
untangle urgency from what truly matters right now
experiment with supports without shame or fear of “getting it wrong”
build confidence in your instincts as your child’s parent
reconnect with yourself while still showing up for your child

if you’ve ever wondered what parent coaching actually sounds like — or wished for a space to talk things through out loud with someone who truly gets it — this episode is for you.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 introduction and episode overview
00:06 meet winter and her journey
02:52 navigating early diagnosis and initial support
04:02 challenges, grief, and emotional struggles
11:57 finding the right support and community
20:30 navigating autism as a first-time parent
20:43 the pressure of early intervention
21:53 the impact of how diagnoses are delivered
23:04 support systems and clinical care
23:47 parenting with confidence and love
27:09 concerns about the future
33:33 advocating for disability needs in public spaces
37:25 building community and self-advocacy
39:54 closing reflections and resources

RESOURCES
⚡️ Connect with Winter @aspectrumfueledpurpose

⚡️ Join EVOLVE: The Membership — a neurodiversity-affirming space for parents to find community, support, and ongoing learning on this journey, with the option to add on a 1:1 coaching session like this
⚡️ Learn more about Dr. Tay’s Whole Family Approach + other services at drtaylorday.com
⚡️ Continue learning + submit questions for future episodes:
Instagram → @the.dr.tay
TikTok → @the.dr.tay

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇
if you’ve recently received an autism diagnosis — or you’re pretty sure one is coming — this episode is for you.

many parents expect to feel relief after a diagnosis. sometimes that happens briefly. but more often, things actually feel heavier, more confusing, and more urgent. in this episode, Dr. Tay breaks down why that happens, names the “trap of urgency” so many families fall into, and explains what actually helps in this early post-diagnosis phase.

want more support? the You Got The Diagnosis. Now What? program was designed for you! a four-week, neurodiversity-affirming program designed to support families in the space between diagnosis and action — focused on clarity, self-trust, and sustainable next steps.
LEARN MORE HERE: https://drtay.thrivecart.com/you-got-the-diagnosis-now-what

CHAPTERS
00:00 navigating the autism diagnosis journey
02:26 understanding why diagnosis can create more questions
12:41 clarity over urgency: slowing down without falling behind
23:59 introducing support for families in the post-diagnosis phase

RESOURCES
⚡️ learn more about Dr. Tay’s Whole Family Approach and other services
https://drtaylorday.com
⚡️ continue learning from me >>
Instagram @the.dr.tay
TikTok @the.dr.tay

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

this episode marks a big milestone — 200 episodes — and a very human return after an unplanned pause.

Dr. Tay shares openly about what led to stepping back, including grief, perfectionism, and the pressure she felt to make the “right” episode for this moment. from there, the conversation widens into something deeper: how personal values, neurodiversity-affirming care, and what’s happening in our country are deeply intertwined.

this is an episode about alignment — as a parent, as a clinician, and as a human — and why staying silent doesn’t feel like an option when your values are at stake.

CHAPTERS
00:00 return from hiatus and celebrating 200 episodes
05:48 navigating personal challenges, caregiving, and grief
12:19 the intersection of personal beliefs and professional practice
20:37 the importance of human connection in parenting
26:23 values, advocacy, and human rights
33:05 core values in clinical practice
36:38 affirming neurodivergence through collaboration
40:15 integrity, repair, and whole-family healing
44:00 living in alignment with your values
49:43 reflecting on privilege and responsibility in advocacy

RESOURCES
⚡️ join EVOLVE the membership: a space for questions, community, and neurodiversity-affirming guidance
https://drtaylorday.com/membership
⚡️ learn more about Dr. Tay’s Whole Family Approach and current services
https://drtaylorday.com
⚡️ continue learning from me >>
Instagram @the.dr.tay
TikTok @the.dr.tay

this week’s episode was inspired directly by a diagnostic feedback session inside dr. tay’s clinical practice. one parent asked a question that so many others wonder:

“should i be teaching social skills to my autistic child… and if so, how?”

in this episode, dr. tay breaks down why traditional social skills approaches often miss the mark, how they can unintentionally promote masking, and what a neurodiversity-affirming approach looks like instead.

you’ll learn:

why “social skills” often = neurotypical norms
what actually helps autistic kids build authentic connection
practical ways to support social growth at home, without scripts or forcing
how to understand what your child needs based on their motivation, interests, and neurotype


TIMESTAMPS
00:00 introduction and episode inspiration
00:21 diagnostic feedback and recommendations
01:57 therapeutic approaches and parent coaching
04:34 addressing social skills in autistic children
05:52 neurodiversity affirming approaches
08:00 practical strategies and role-playing
12:04 real-life situations and empathy building
16:16 parental involvement and social skills groups
23:03 conclusion and next steps


RESOURCES
⚡️need more support navigating this? Join EVOLVE the membership — a neurodiversity-affirming space to ask YOUR questions.
⚡️ learn more about Dr. Tay’s Whole Family Approach + current services, including her small group therapy model, at drtaylorday.com
⚡️ keep learning
Instagram → @the.dr.tay
TikTok → @the.dr.tay

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇
In this episode, Dr. Tay emphasizes the importance of supporting parents in the autistic journey. Joined by Lisa Candera, a single mom and coach for parents of autistic children, they discuss the role of parents as primary co-regulators for their children as well as strategies for staying regulated, building self-trust, and supporting their children's behaviors. They also explore systemic issues, coping mechanisms, and the need for a holistic approach that includes listening to autistic voices. Despite the focus on parents, the core message underscores the importance of a balanced support system for the entire family unit.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:28 Lisa Candera's Background and Passion
00:45 The Role of Parents in Autism Support
01:28 Podcast Introduction and Disclaimer
02:30 Lisa's Journey as a Single Mom
05:25 Challenges and Early Diagnosis
06:48 Navigating Resources and Support Systems
08:27 The Importance of Parental Education
16:04 Understanding OCD and Autism
22:59 Coaching and Self-Regulation
28:21 Understanding the Distinctness of OCD
28:30 The Complexity of Compulsions
29:01 Parental Instincts and Fix-It Mode
29:31 The Illogical Nature of OCD
30:06 OCD and Autism: The Just Right Feeling
31:22 Building Acceptance in Parenting
32:22 The Psychological Definition of Acceptance
33:46 Behavioral Issues and Parental Pressure
35:05 Supporting Parents: Tips and Strategies
37:24 Validating Experiences Before Problem Solving
38:01 Common Challenges and Seeking Support
39:21 Navigating Grief and Acceptance
40:02 Ambiguous Grief and GOMO
41:17 Being the Safe Person and Self-Advocacy
44:31 Parental Regulation and Child's Behavior
46:36 Building a Well-Rounded Support Team
48:29 The Power of Tone and Voice
52:12 Conclusion and Resources


RESOURCES
⚡️ Continue learning from Lisa Candera at theautismmomcoach.com/ and @theautismmomcoach on Instagram and Facebook
⚡️ Download the Meltdown Action Plan
⚡️ Join EVOLVE: The Membership — a neurodiversity-affirming space for parents to find community, support, and ongoing learning on this journey.
⚡️ Learn more about Dr. Tay’s Whole Family Approach + current services at drtaylorday.com
⚡️ Continue learning + submit questions for future episodes:
Instagram → @the.dr.tay
TikTok → @the.dr.tay