239 | i'm engaged! a life update on love, business, and what's next

about this episode (+ scroll for resources) 👇

this episode is a little different. dr. tay is pulling back the curtain and sharing what's been happening in her life, both personally and professionally.

from growing up with an autistic brother to building a business around supporting the whole family, dr. tay reflects on why she believes in letting you see the human behind the psychologist. she also opens up about navigating privacy, protecting her capacity, and creating a life and business that reflect her values.

and yes, she's sharing the engagement story! from steven's surprise sunset proposal in the outer banks to planning a destination wedding in porto, portugal, plus some exciting updates about autism evaluations, new educational resources, and what's coming in 2027.

you’ll hear about:

• how growing up with an autistic brother continues to shape dr. tay's whole family approach
• why she chooses to share the human side of her life and work, while still protecting her privacy
• the surprise proposal, the engagement ring, and why she and steven waited to share their news
• how they're planning their destination wedding in porto, portugal
• what's changing with dr. tay's clinical evaluations and upcoming educational resources
• how she's creating more room for joy, connection, and personal priorities while continuing to support autism families

timestamps

00:00 why dr. tay is sharing a personal update

03:01 the autistic sibling story behind her family-centered work

06:54 being a psychologist, a sibling, and a human first

11:07 wedding costs, business values, and protecting capacity

19:34 how steven and dr. tay chose the engagement ring

23:08 the surprise sunset proposal in the outer banks

27:01 from a dating app match to a shared life

29:07 privacy, boundaries, and waiting to share the news

33:09 what steven brings to the relationship

37:27 planning a destination wedding in porto, portugal

42:04 evaluation availability and the new educational toolkit

44:24 masterclasses, membership, and 2027 plans

48:11 making room for joy and human connection

resources

⚡️ episodes referenced in this episode: 16, 44, 237, and 238

⚡️ follow @explore.to.evolve for our travel adventures, destination wedding planning in porto, and more behind-the-scenes moments

⚡️ book a free consult call — at time of recording, dr. tay shared that she had 2 autism evaluation openings remaining before her january trip, with 1 spot now remaining before opening up availability again in february 2027

⚡️ coming soon: the autism evaluation toolkit and masterclass library — new educational resources designed to help parents navigate the evaluation process, understand their child's needs, and access neurodiversity-affirming support

⚡️ EVOLVE the membership — ongoing education, monthly masterclasses, and weekly Q+A support for parents of autistic kids

⚡️ explore dr. tay's clinical services, parent resources, and support at drtaylorday.com

⚡️ follow dr. tay on instagram @the.dr.tay for practical autism education, behind-the-scenes reflections, and parenting insights9