165 | the fight for equal opportunity and inclusion with Lo Farmer

EVOLVE with Dr. Tay: the podcast for parents of autistic kids - A podcast by Dr. Taylor Day - Wednesdays

ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇Dr. Tay welcomes Lo Farmer to discuss the role of parental advocacy. Lo shares her journey from discovering her son's developmental delays to advocating for equitable access to services. Highlighted topics include the emotional and logistical challenges of getting a diagnosis, the broken support systems for special needs families, and Lo's significant efforts to change policies at the Fort Worth Zoo regarding 1:1 aides. Dr. Tay and Lo emphasize the importance of community support, the need for systemic change, and the value of giving parents grace during this demanding journey.00:00 Introduction and Episode Theme00:23 Inspiring Quote and Guest Introduction01:35 Welcome to the Parenting Space02:42 Guest's Background and Family Journey03:45 Challenges in Accessing Services05:07 The Broken System and Advocacy07:29 Navigating Diagnosis and Support10:54 The Emotional Toll and Parental Grief15:58 Public Advocacy and Viral Impact20:44 Facing Legal Challenges Without a Lawyer21:15 Empowering Special Needs Moms21:43 Strategic Advocacy for Change22:31 The Zoo Inclusion Controversy22:57 Navigating Support Systems24:10 The Importance of Familiarity in Care28:36 Advocacy Goals and Personal Challenges35:40 Parental Stress and Community Support39:40 Wrapping Up and Staying ConnectedRESOURCES⚡️ connect with Lo on Instagram @sipdinedesign and continue to hear her updates on inclusion⚡️ research article about parental stress discussed in episode linked here ⚡️ want to learn more about Dr. Tay's Whole Family Approach and current services offered? visit drtaylorday.com⚡️ continue learning from me and submit any questions [could be featured on a future episode] >>Instagram @the.dr.tayTikTok @the.dr.tay