Understanding Autism in Girls with Dr. Taylor Day (S8E12)

April is Autism Awareness Month, and this episode with Dr. Tay is one of the most important conversations I’ve had. We dive into how autism shows up differently in girls—and why so many are missed or misdiagnosed. If you’re a parent, educator, or just want to better understand the nuances of autism, this one’s a must-listen. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Taylor Day (aka Dr. Tay), a licensed psychologist who specializes in neuroaffirming care for autistic kids—especially girls. We talk about how autism can look very different in girls compared to boys, why so many girls are misdiagnosed or missed altogether, and what parents can do to make sure their daughters get the support they need. Dr. Tay breaks down the most common signs of autism in girls, how masking can complicate the diagnostic process, and why co-occurring conditions like anxiety often delay a proper diagnosis. This conversation is full of insight and practical advice for parents and caregivers—especially those who feel like something’s going on but can’t quite get answers. What we talk about: Why autism is harder to spot in girls Masking, camouflaging, and missed diagnoses What to look for if you suspect your daughter might be autistic The role of anxiety and other co-occurring conditions How to advocate for your child when doctors don’t listen Getting evaluations and choosing the right provider About Dr. Tay: Dr. Taylor Day is a licensed psychologist and the founder of Dr. Tay Concierge Clinical Care. She specializes in early diagnosis and support for autistic kids, with a focus on neuroaffirming care for girls who often present differently. She’s also the host of the Evolve with Dr. Tay podcast and creates free educational content for parents on social media. Website: drtaylorday.com Instagram: @the.dr.tay Podcast: Evolve with Dr. Tay (available on all major platforms) About Me: I’m Rob Gorski, host of The Autism Dad Podcast. I’m a single dad to three amazing autistic kids and I’ve been sharing our journey for over 15 years to help support families like mine. Through my podcast, blog, and social media, I aim to educate, empower, and connect with parents raising neurodivergent kids. Website: theautismdad.com This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is a clinically proven program that helps kids learn emotional regulation through gameplay. Developed by clinicians at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Mightier uses biofeedback and video games to help kids build skills to manage big feelings in the moment. It’s great for kids ages 6 to 14 and especially helpful for those with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or sensory challenges. Learn more and try it free for 30 days at mightier.com/theautismdad. This episode is also sponsored by Safe Place Bedding. Safe Place Bedding makes affordable, portable safety beds for kids with special needs. These beds offer a secure, comfortable sleep space and are a game changer for families dealing with sleep issues or elopement concerns. Safe Place also helps parents navigate insurance so you may not have to pay out of pocket. Visit safeplacebedding.com to learn more and check your insurance coverage.