In this episode we’re chatting with Lindsay and Stacie, from the PDA Devon support group, both of whom are parents of a PDAer. It can be really isolating as a PDA parent, especially when the people around you don’t understand what’s going on or how to offer support. In this episode we explore why it’s so vital to build a likeminded community and support network, and how to connect when awareness about PDA is still growing.

You can our Facebook support groups here [https://linktr.ee/admin] or explore our directory of support. [https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/organisation-directory/]

Finding support networks as a PDA parent

In this week’s episode we’re chatting to parent Steve Keightley about how declarative language can reduce demands for PDAers and the difference this has made for their family. If you’re not sure how to recognise declarative language, Steve has created the Ask Gentle [https://ask-gentle.com/] app which can help you find a softer way to communicate around demands.

You can find out more, including our previous episode on Declarative Language with Linda K Murphy, through the PDA Training Hub.

Declarative language made easy

In this episode we’re chatting to Nathalie Shek, a paediatric occupational therapist who works with neurodivergent children, young people and families. Sleep hygiene advice such as creating routines can often create extra demands, so we’ll be talking about the biology of sleep what helps to make common sleeping difficulties a little easier.

You can find out more on our website [https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/what-helps-guides/managing-sleep-with-pda/] or and find more episodes, including a Q&A with Nathalie when you sign up to the PDA Training Hub [https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/training/].

PDA and the Biology of Sleep

In this episode we’re chatting with Christine MacInnis (LMFT) about some of the challenges parents of PDAers face when looking for support. Being a parent of a PDAer can be an isolating experience - from the lack of support, the stress of not being believed, and the pressures to conform to potentially harmful practices. In this episode we look at some of the ways parents can access support, and how to recognise PDA-affirming therapeutic practice.

If you need help and information about PDA, contact our support service [https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/support/] today.

Guest links: www.theneurodivergentwhisperer.com [http://www.theneurodivergentwhisperer.com/]

Finding therapeutic support as a PDA parent

In this episode we’re chatting to David Boxall from Elysian, who provide alternative farm-based education, about how animal therapy can support children who have been failed by a mainstream education setting.

To find out more about supporting PDA children in school, check out the information on our website [https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/what-helps-guides/pda-and-eotas/] or sign up to the PDA Training Hub [https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/].

Guest links: https://elysianuk.org/

Animal therapy for children with SEND

In this episode we’re chatting with Beth from Lily Oaks psychological and Counselling practice about why school behaviour policies often do more harm than good.

You can find out more about supporting PDA in school through our website [https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/what-helps-guides/childhood/] or the PDA Training Hub. [https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/shop-courses/_topic_tags-education/]

The Hidden harm of School Behaviour Policies

Welcome back for Season 2 of PDA Life - The PDA Society Podcast. 

We’re seeing a rise in adults discovering their autistic identities, and yet it’s increasingly difficult to access a diagnosis – which can be used to gatekeep vital support.

In this episode we’re chatting to PDA parent, Paula, about why access to a diagnosis is so important for finding your community and understanding your experiences.

If you’re struggling to find your PDA community, you can join our Facebook Groups here [https://linktr.ee/PDASociety?fbclid=IwY2xjawRDYktleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFqV3k2dFRNTmdzMXRocnF2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiX242yaJkowmEA7KQoLr_zHsBtpoP36fgVuhovWIBsSk9MyF4WqcDVJ8TqE_aem_yJloyJgovLdfvhqw5_7pGg] or contact our support service [https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/support/%E2%80%8B] for help.



https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/

Why Diagnosis Matters for PDA Adults

Welcome to the final episode of season one! We'll be back in May, after a short break, with a whole bunch of new conversations around PDA. When season two rolls around we'll start to archive earlier episodes, but they'll remain available on our training hub. See you soon!

In this episode, Sarah Stewart from the PDA Society is joined by Tracy Weiner, a former Occupational Therapist and parent of a PDA young person, to explore how sensory needs can impact PDA individuals and their daily lives.

Tracy brings both professional insight and lived experience to the conversation, sharing how sensory differences can shape behaviour, emotional responses and overall wellbeing. Together, Sarah and Tracy discuss how sensory needs are often misunderstood, particularly when they present as avoidance, distress or heightened reactions to everyday situations.

The episode explores how sensory sensitivities can interact with anxiety and demand sensitivity, making environments such as home, school and public spaces feel overwhelming. Tracy reflects on how recognising these needs can help reframe behaviour, shifting the focus from “what is going wrong” to “what might this person be experiencing”.

The discussion also highlights the importance of observation, flexibility and adapting environments to better support regulation. Tracy shares how small changes, such as adjusting sensory input or reducing expectations in challenging moments, can have a significant impact on reducing distress.

This episode offers a compassionate and practical perspective on sensory needs, helping parents and professionals better understand how to support PDA individuals in a way that promotes safety, autonomy and wellbeing.

Key Themes

 * Understanding sensory needs in PDA individuals
 * How sensory differences can impact behaviour and emotions
 * The link between sensory overwhelm, anxiety and demand sensitivity
 * Reframing behaviour through a sensory lens
 * Using flexibility and observation to reduce distress

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the PDA Society. While we aim to provide balanced and inclusive discussions, individual experiences and perspectives may vary. The PDA Society is committed to using language and terminology that reflects the preferences of PDA and autistic people, but sometimes our guests may use language and terminology which differs. Appearance on our podcast is not an endorsement of an individual, and not all of our guests will align with our position on the issues discussed.

Further sources of support and information

 * More podcasts available on the PDA Society Training Hub: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/
 * PDA Society Training: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/training/
 * PDA Society Support Service: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/support/

Guest links:

https://www.kentcht.nhs.uk/childrens-therapies-the-pod/neurodivergence/sensory-processing-pathway

https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/pages/free-sensory-resources

https://www.rcot.co.uk/

https://www.sensory-people.co.uk/parents-guide-to-sensory-integration/

OT solutions for PDA

In this episode, Sarah from the PDA Society is joined by Tom Crellin and Jim Sahlsberg to explore the experience of learning to drive as a PDAer.

Jim shares his lived experience of learning to drive, including the challenges he faced and the persistence required to complete the process. The conversation explores why learning to drive can feel particularly difficult for PDA individuals, with factors such as anxiety, demand sensitivity, unpredictability and pressure playing a significant role.

Tom and Jim reflect on how the structure of driving lessons, the expectations placed on learners and the high-stakes nature of tests can all contribute to overwhelm. The discussion highlights how traditional teaching approaches may not always meet the needs of PDA learners, and why flexibility, understanding and reduced pressure can make a meaningful difference.

Part 1 focuses on building understanding of the barriers PDAers may face when learning to drive, and the importance of adapting approaches to support confidence, autonomy and regulation.

Key Themes

 * Why learning to drive can be challenging for PDAers
 * The role of anxiety, pressure and unpredictability
 * Demand sensitivity within structured learning environments
 * The emotional impact of repeated attempts and setbacks
 * The importance of flexible, understanding instruction
 * Supporting confidence and autonomy during the process

Deep Diver Subscriber Episode

For those who would like to go further, Part 2, an exclusive “Deep Diver” subscriber episode, is available through our Training Hub.
You can access it here: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the PDA Society. While we aim to provide balanced and inclusive discussions, individual experiences and perspectives may vary. The PDA Society is committed to using language and terminology that reflects the preferences of PDA and autistic people, but sometimes our guests may use language and terminology which differs. Appearance on our podcast is not an endorsement of an individual, and not all of our guests will align with our position on the issues discussed.

Further sources of support and information

 * PDA Society Training Hub: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/
 * PDA Society Training: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/training/
 * PDA Society Support Service: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/support/

Learning to Drive

In this episode, Rachel from the PDA Society is joined by Alice Running, an author and writer focusing on autistic lived experience and neurodivergent parenting, to explore the issue of parental blame in the context of PDA.

Alice shares both personal and research-informed insight into how parental blame can arise when children struggle within systems that do not fully understand PDA. The conversation explores how behaviours linked to anxiety, demand sensitivity and distress are often misinterpreted, leading to assumptions about parenting rather than recognition of underlying needs.

Rachel and Alice discuss the emotional impact this can have on families, including feelings of shame, isolation and self-doubt. Alice reflects on how blame can become embedded within systems such as education and services, particularly when professionals focus on behaviour rather than context.

Part 1 focuses on understanding what parental blame is, why it occurs, and how it can affect both parents and children. The discussion highlights the importance of shifting towards a more compassionate, informed approach that recognises the child’s experience and the parent’s efforts to support them.

Key Themes

 * What parental blame is and how it shows up for PDA families
 * Misinterpretation of behaviour linked to anxiety and demand sensitivity
 * The emotional impact of blame on parents and families
 * How systems can reinforce blame through misunderstanding
 * The importance of context, compassion and neuro-affirming approaches
 * Challenging assumptions about parenting

Deep Diver Subscriber Episode

For those who would like to go further, Part 2, an exclusive “Deep Diver” subscriber episode, is available through our Training Hub.
You can access it here: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the PDA Society. While we aim to provide balanced and inclusive discussions, individual experiences and perspectives may vary. The PDA Society is committed to using language and terminology that reflects the preferences of PDA and autistic people, but sometimes our guests may use language and terminology which differs. Appearance on our podcast is not an endorsement of an individual, and not all of our guests will align with our position on the issues discussed.

Further sources of support and information

 * PDA Society Training Hub: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/
 * PDA Society Website: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/
 * PDA Society Training: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/training/
 * PDA Society Support Service: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/support/



Guest links:

About Alice Running | AliceRunning [https://www.alicerunningautismadvocacy.com/]

Parental Blame | AliceRunning [https://www.alicerunningautismadvocacy.com/parental-blame-research]

We Need to Talk About Autism and Parent-Carer Blame by Alice Running | Waterstones [https://www.waterstones.com/book/we-need-to-talk-about-autism-and-parent-carer-blame/alice-running/9781805012153]

Parental Blame and PDA

Welcome to the PDA Society’s podcast, where we explore all things PDA to help make life easier for PDAers, their families, and everyone affected by demand avoidance. Research suggests PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) is a profile of autism, meaning individuals share similar strengths and challenges. A key feature of PDA is extreme demand avoidance – finding it hard or impossible to complete everyday tasks, even those they want to do. PDAers often use social strategies to manage demands, form deep connections with safe people, and experience strong emotions. Join us as we dive into PDA together!

If any of the issues in today’s podcast affected you or you’d like to learn more, please visit our website for help and information on: www.pdasociety.org.uk [https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/]

PDA Society

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