
56 | a culinary adventure: how cooking can help autistic children with Chef Sofya Stearns
08/16/23 • 27 min
ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇
Dr. Tay welcomes Sofya Stearns, founder of Izabella's Gourmet Chow, to the podcast to share her journey of using cooking as a means to explore cultures, support autistic children, and promote healthy eating. Sofya also shares tips on making cooking fun and safe for kids, such as using plastic knives and transforming ordinary foods into extraordinary creations. throughout the episode, she emphasizes the importance of making cooking a fun exploration and a journey rather than just a task.
RESOURCES
⚡️ learn about Izabella's Gourmet Chow and virtual cooking classes for your child.
⚡️ connect with Chef Sofya on social media, including 5 recipes she put together for you >>
Instagram @izabellasgourmetchow
Facebook Izabella's Gourmet Chow
⚡️ want to learn more about Dr. Tay's Whole Family ApproachTM and current services offered? schedule a free consult call here or email [email protected] if you have questions.
⚡️ 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] >>
*please note: in this episode, many terminologies and phrases are used to describe autism. Dr. Tay honors what each child and family prefers, and intentionally chooses to use affirming and identity-first language after listening to autistic adults and their preferences. various guests on the podcast are likely to use the language that they have been exposed to the most.
ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇
Dr. Tay welcomes Sofya Stearns, founder of Izabella's Gourmet Chow, to the podcast to share her journey of using cooking as a means to explore cultures, support autistic children, and promote healthy eating. Sofya also shares tips on making cooking fun and safe for kids, such as using plastic knives and transforming ordinary foods into extraordinary creations. throughout the episode, she emphasizes the importance of making cooking a fun exploration and a journey rather than just a task.
RESOURCES
⚡️ learn about Izabella's Gourmet Chow and virtual cooking classes for your child.
⚡️ connect with Chef Sofya on social media, including 5 recipes she put together for you >>
Instagram @izabellasgourmetchow
Facebook Izabella's Gourmet Chow
⚡️ want to learn more about Dr. Tay's Whole Family ApproachTM and current services offered? schedule a free consult call here or email [email protected] if you have questions.
⚡️ 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] >>
*please note: in this episode, many terminologies and phrases are used to describe autism. Dr. Tay honors what each child and family prefers, and intentionally chooses to use affirming and identity-first language after listening to autistic adults and their preferences. various guests on the podcast are likely to use the language that they have been exposed to the most.
Previous Episode

55 | SCHOOL IS IN SESSION - PART 3: remix of episode 12 with former special education teacher Molly Johnson
in this mini episode REMIX, Dr. Tay has pulled excerpts from "episode 12 | autism consultant Molly Johnson on visual supports" to highlight the discussion on educational advocacy and working with your child's teachers and IEP team. Molly Johnson has her master's in education and is a former autism teacher. she now has become @theautismconsultant on Instagram.
RESOURCES
⚡️ submit your questions for a special upcoming Q+A episode on educational rights and helping your child transition back to school (either via Instagram DMs or the Evolve Facebook group)
⚡️learn more about Molly's membership: https://www.theautismconsultant.us/membership
⚡️ 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] >>
⚡️ want to learn more about Dr. Tay's Whole Family ApproachTM and current services offered? schedule a free consult call here or email [email protected] if you have questions.
DISCLAIMER >> anything shared on this podcast should not be considered clinical advice, and you should consult with your team of medical, mental health, and developmental providers if you need support.
Next Episode

57 | SCHOOL IS IN SESSION - PART 4: answering your questions about special education and IEPs
ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇
today is a special Q+A episode. Dr. Tay brought back special education attorney Ashley Barlow to answer your questions. we address the following topics:
- 504 vs. IEP for your autistic child
- how to prioritize learning vs. coping and self-advocacy
- how to navigate finding the best schools
- re-evaluation of autism
- how to measure progress
- educational funding and what influences special education decisions
- thoughts on half days for therapy
- prioritizing friends in the classroom
- considerations for homeschooling
- meeting with your teacher before school
RESOURCES
⚡️ ways to connect with Ashley >>
learn more about her free and affordable resources at ashleybarlowco.com
follow her on Instagram @ashleybarlowco and Facebook Ashley Barlow Co
⚡️ want to learn more about Dr. Tay's Whole Family ApproachTM and current services offered? schedule a free consult call here or email [email protected] if you have questions.
⚡️ 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] >>
*please note: in this episode, many terminologies and phrases are used to describe autism. Dr. Tay honors what each child and family prefers, and intentionally chooses to use affirming and identity-first language after listening to autistic adults and their preferences. various guests on the podcast are likely to use the language that they have been exposed to the most.
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