about this episode (+ scroll for resources) 👇

parents of autistic kids are often told, “you need your own support too.”

but what happens when traditional talk therapy doesn’t feel like enough or a good fit? or hasn't historically worked?

in this episode, dr. tay is joined by dr. carolyn solo, a therapist specializing in EMDR, IFS, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, and intensive therapy models. together, they explore why parents of neurodivergent kids may carry more chronic stress and nervous system overwhelm than they realize, and why bottom-up therapy approaches can be so helpful.

this conversation is not about “fixing” you as a parent. it’s about understanding how your nervous system has been carrying the weight of advocacy, hypervigilance, uncertainty, and caregiving, and what kinds of support may help you show up with more grounding, compassion, and capacity.

in this episode, you’ll hear:

why parents of neurodivergent kids may experience chronic stress and trauma symptoms
how supporting the parent can support the entire family system
what IFS is and why “all parts are welcome” fits so naturally with neurodiversity-affirming care
how EMDR helps process experiences that continue to activate the nervous system
why bottom-up therapies can be helpful when insight alone is not creating change
what ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is and how it may support deeper therapeutic work
how intensive therapy models can offer a different path for busy, overwhelmed parents
why noticing your child’s progress, not just their next goal, can be part of your own healing

timestamps

00:00 introduction to alternative therapies for parents of autistic kids

02:54 the journey of a therapist and parent

06:00 understanding trauma in parenting neurodivergent children

09:01 the importance of parental self-care

11:57 exploring internal family systems (IFS) therapy

17:53 the benefits of bottom-up therapies

22:50 understanding eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and its mechanism

29:09 exploring the intensive model of therapy

31:29 the role of ketamine in therapy

39:22 mindset shifts for parents of neurodiverse children

resources

⚡️ connect with dr. carolyn solo + learn more about her therapy approach here plus follow on Instagram @integritas_wellness_recovery

⚡️ learn more about dr. tay’s whole family approach + clinical services