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:

1. why “social skills” often = neurotypical norms
2. what actually helps autistic kids build authentic connection
3. practical ways to support social growth at home, without scripts or forcing
4. 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

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇

In this mini episode, Dr. Tay discusses impulse control for autistic children and offers proactive strategies to develop this skill without inducing shame. Dr. Tay emphasizes the importance of a regulated state for teaching impulse control and using fun, engaging games like Red Light, Green Light and Simon Says. The episode also answers questions from parents, such as managing inappropriate comments and excessive affectionate behaviors.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:24 Inspiration Behind the Episode

01:30 Understanding Impulse Control in Autistic Children

03:02 Proactive Skill Building Strategies

03:53 Engaging Activities to Teach Impulse Control

06:29 Addressing Common Questions from Parents

15:36 Impulse Control vs. Other Behavioral Issues

17:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

RESOURCES

⚡️ 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 + suggest topics for future episodes:

Instagram → @the.dr.tay

TikTok → @the.dr.tay