In this special mini-episode Dr. Tay, a child psychologist specializing in autism, discusses how extended family members can better support parents of autistic children during the holiday season. Drawing on over a decade of experience and direct feedback from parents, Dr. Tay shares practical advice, such as understanding triggers, recognizing the effort parents put into preparing for events, and ways to offer meaningful help. This episode is what your loved one wants you to know! A special thank you to the parents who submitted their insights and are featured on this episode.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:12 Understanding Autism and Neurodiversity

02:21 Holiday Support for Autistic Children

03:29 Parental Insights and Requests

06:38 Common Misunderstandings and Challenges

15:07 Sensory and Social Considerations

18:38 Creating a Supportive Environment for Neurodivergent Children

19:05 Offering Help and Dropping Judgment

20:21 Understanding Meltdowns and Neurodivergence

21:11 Challenges in Getting Diagnoses and Support

21:51 Validating Parents' Efforts and Experiences

23:23 Navigating Family Traditions and Accommodations

27:18 Grief and Emotional Complexity in Parenting

32:08 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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

In this episode, Dr. Tay welcomes back Ashley Barlow, a special education attorney and advocate, for her third appearance. The discussion dives into the complexities of special education disputes, specifically focusing on mediation, due process, and parental rights. They explore the challenges parents face with school systems, legal options available, and the importance of advocacy and negotiation. Essential resources and strategies for navigating these situations are also shared, providing parents with valuable insights to better support their children’s education.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Reintroduction

00:33 Overview of Today's Topic

01:18 Host and Guest Backgrounds

02:43 Challenges in Special Education

03:59 Navigating Special Education Law

05:21 Advocacy and Negotiation Strategies

10:36 Understanding Due Process

23:32 Legal Counteractions in School Disputes

24:05 Understanding Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE)

24:43 Financial Considerations and Attorney Fees

26:24 The Role of Due Process in Special Education

28:50 Navigating 504 Plans and Anti-Discrimination Laws

36:44 Alternative Approaches to Due Process

41:32 Final Thoughts and Resources for Parents

44:08 Wrap-Up and Next Steps

RESOURCES

⚡️ listen to episodes 53 and 57 for more information about special education from Ashley as well as her podcast The Collaborative IEP

⚡️ see all that Ashley has to offer here, including her newly launched IEP Guru Academy

⚡️ follow Ashley on Instagram @thecollaborativeiep

⚡️ 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

In this episode, Dr. Tay invites Alyssa Campbell of Seed & Sew to discuss the importance of supporting autistic students at a classroom-wide level, particularly focusing on their nervous system and sensory regulation. Alyssa, with her extensive background in early childhood education and emotional development, shares insights and practical strategies for creating sensory-friendly environments and understanding individual sensory profiles. They explore the benefits of proactive versus reactive strategies in educational settings, the vital role of teachers and parents in advocating for proper supports, and the importance of normalizing neurodiverse needs to foster inclusive learning spaces for all students. The episode is filled with actionable insights that are beneficial for educators, parents, and anyone involved in the care and development of autistic children.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:48 Meet Alyssa Campbell: Expert in Emotional Development

01:58 Dr. Tay's Background and Mission

03:33 Alyssa's Journey and Collaborative Emotion Processing Method

04:12 Understanding Sensory Regulation and Nervous System

18:00 Practical Applications in the Classroom

20:34 Supporting Sensory Needs in Education

25:19 Parental and Teacher Collaboration

25:58 Understanding Early Childhood Sensory Responses

27:17 Proactive Strategies in Schools

35:13 Supporting Teachers and Parents

38:32 Managing Diverse Needs in the Classroom

45:55 The Role of Occupational Therapy

49:26 Resources and Final Thoughts

RESOURCES

⚡️check out Alyssa and her parent-friendly resources, including the sensory quiz here: https://www.seedandsew.org/parents

⚡️check out her resources for teachers and schools, including her certification here: https://www.seedandsew.org/seedcertificationteachers

⚡️follow her on Instagram @seed.and.sew and listen to her podcast Voices of Your Village

⚡️ 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