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