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

In this episode, Rachel from the PDA Society is joined by Bryher Hill, an occupational therapist from Helping Kids Shine, to explore how occupational therapy can support PDA children and their families.

Bryher shares insight into how occupational therapy looks different when working with PDA profiles, focusing less on compliance and more on understanding the underlying needs driving behaviour. The conversation explores how everyday activities such as self-care, routines and transitions can become overwhelming when anxiety and demand sensitivity are high.

Part 1 focuses on understanding the role of occupational therapy in supporting regulation, autonomy and participation in daily life. Bryher explains how observing a child’s sensory profile, nervous system responses and communication style can help identify what is making tasks feel difficult.

The discussion also highlights the importance of adapting expectations, reducing pressure and working collaboratively with the child, rather than imposing routines that may increase distress. Bryher emphasises that small, thoughtful adjustments can make everyday activities feel more achievable and less threatening.

Key Themes

 * The role of occupational therapy in supporting PDA children
 * Understanding behaviour through a sensory and nervous system lens
 * Reducing demands around routines and expectations
 * Supporting autonomy and participation in daily life
 * Working collaboratively rather than directing

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 Support Service: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/support/

Guest links:

Helping Kids Shine empower children, young people and families through Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy, supporting families to navigate challenges with improved understanding and confidence.  With a focus on strengths and neurodiversity-affirming practice, we open doors to brighter futures where children can move from surviving to thriving.  Want to learn more?  Find us at the following links:

www.helpingkidsshine.co.uk [http://www.helpingkidsshine.co.uk/]

https://www.facebook.com/helpingkidsshineUK/

https://www.instagram.com/helpingkidsshineuk/



Supporting Self-Care, Learning & Leisure:  OT Approaches for PDA Children

In this episode, Sarah Stewart from the PDA Society is joined by Tracy Weiner, an NVR (Non-Violent Resistance) practitioner and parent of a PDA young person, to explore how NVR can support families experiencing high levels of distress and conflict.

Tracy shares both her professional expertise and personal experience as a parent, speaking about the realities of parenting a PDA child into adolescence and adulthood. The conversation focuses on how NVR can offer an alternative approach when families are facing situations such as parental violence and aggression (PVA), where traditional strategies may no longer feel effective.

Part 1 introduces the core principles of NVR, including moving away from control and consequences, and instead focusing on connection, presence and de-escalation. Tracy explains how NVR shifts the focus from trying to “fix” behaviour to strengthening relationships and reducing conflict over time.

Sarah and Tracy also explore the emotional impact on parents, including fear, isolation and uncertainty, and how NVR can help rebuild confidence and stability within the family system. The discussion highlights that this approach is not about giving in, but about responding differently to create safer, more sustainable dynamics.

Key Themes

 * What NVR (Non-Violent Resistance) is and how it works
 * Moving away from control and consequence-based approaches
 * Strengthening connection and reducing conflict
 * The emotional impact of high-stress family situations
 * Rebuilding parental confidence and stability

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:

NVR - Haim Omer explains non-violent resistance (40 min) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_39pn1Rf7E]

https://www.nvruk.co.uk/

'Connection before correction' The use of NVR for PDA families.

In this episode, Rachel from the PDA Society is joined by Julia Daunt, a PDA adult and trainer with the PDA Society, to explore the realities of accessing healthcare for PDAers.

Julia shares her lived experience of navigating medical environments, highlighting how appointments, procedures and interactions with professionals can often feel overwhelming, unpredictable and highly demanding. The conversation explores why healthcare settings can trigger anxiety for PDAers, including loss of control, sensory challenges, unfamiliar environments and the expectation to comply quickly with instructions.

Rachel and Julia discuss how these experiences can lead to avoidance, delayed care or heightened distress, even when support is urgently needed. Julia reflects on the importance of understanding how demand sensitivity shows up in medical contexts, and why what might appear as resistance is often a response to feeling unsafe or overwhelmed.

Part 1 focuses on building understanding, offering insight into what healthcare feels like from a PDA perspective, and why compassionate, flexible approaches are essential for supporting access.

Key Themes

 * The challenges PDAers face when accessing healthcare
 * Anxiety, control and unpredictability in medical settings
 * Sensory and environmental factors affecting appointments
 * Why avoidance and resistance can occur
 * Understanding healthcare through a PDA lens
 * The importance of safety, autonomy and trust

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/

Healthcare and PDA: From Avoidance to Access

In this episode, Rachel from the PDA Society is joined by Lyndsey Stokes and Keighly Murphy from Rise Skool, an alternative education provision supporting neurodivergent children and young people who have struggled in mainstream settings.

Together, they explore what can happen when education is rebuilt around safety, trust and emotional regulation rather than compliance and rigid expectations. Lyndsey and Keighly share how many of the young people who come to Rise Skool have experienced repeated school trauma, exclusions, anxiety or long-term disengagement.

The conversation focuses on creating environments where children feel safe enough to learn. Rather than prioritising academic targets from the outset, Rise Skool centres relationship-building, predictability and co-regulation. Lyndsey and Keighly explain how reducing demands, observing communication patterns and tuning into nervous system responses helps students begin to re-engage.

Part 1 explores how traditional education models can inadvertently escalate anxiety for PDA learners, and how alternative settings can shift from control to collaboration. The discussion highlights the importance of dignity, flexibility and truly listening to young people.

Key Themes

 * Why PDA learners often struggle in mainstream education
 * The impact of school trauma and repeated exclusions
 * Building safety before focusing on academic outcomes
 * Relationship-led and co-regulation-based approaches
 * Reducing demands to support re-engagement
 * Reframing success in education

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/

When School Doesn’t Fit: The RISE Skool Approach

In this episode, Gemini from the PDA Society is joined by Linda Murphy, author of The Declarative Language Handbook and The Co-Regulation Handbook, to explore how declarative language can support PDA children and young people.

Linda explains the difference between declarative and imperative language, and why shifting from telling and directing to wondering and noticing can reduce anxiety and defensiveness. The conversation explores how questions, commands and corrections can inadvertently increase demand sensitivity, particularly for children with a PDA profile.

Gemini and Linda discuss how declarative language creates space for autonomy, supports problem-solving, and strengthens connection. Rather than giving instructions, declarative statements share observations, feelings or information, allowing the child to process and respond without feeling controlled.

Part 1 focuses on understanding the principles behind declarative language, how it supports co-regulation, and why small shifts in communication can have a powerful impact in both home and school settings.

Key Themes

 * The difference between declarative and imperative language
 * How direct instructions can increase anxiety for PDA children
 * Supporting autonomy and problem-solving through communication
 * The link between declarative language and co-regulation
 * Reducing demand while maintaining connection
 * Using language to create safety rather than compliance

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:

Linda’s website: https://www.declarativelanguage.com/

Declarative Language with Linda K. Murphy

In this episode, Rachel from the PDA Society is joined by Riko Ryuki to explore what it is like parenting as a PDAer.

Riko shares openly about raising three children, two of whom have PDA profiles, while navigating their own PDA and additional disabilities. Together, Rachel and Riko discuss how parenting can look and feel different when you also experience high demand sensitivity yourself.

The conversation explores the realities of everyday family life, including adapting routines to meet individual needs, responding flexibly rather than rigidly, and understanding that even children with the same profile can require very different approaches. Riko reflects on being more child-led, matching expectations to capacity, and resisting more traditional “because I said so” parenting models.

Part 1 focuses on lived experience, connection and reframing. Riko speaks about the strengths that can come from shared understanding, the moments of joy and closeness that can emerge when anxiety is managed well, and some of the misconceptions they have encountered from others about parenting differently.

Key Themes

 * Parenting with a PDA profile
 * Being child-led and adapting to fluctuating needs
 * Raising multiple neurodivergent children with different support requirements
 * Misconceptions about flexible parenting approaches
 * The strengths and connection that can come from shared neurodivergence

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’s links:

 * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/rikoryuki
 * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RikosPDApage1/
 * Blog: https://dragonriko.wordpress.com/

Parenting as a PDAer

In this episode, Sarah from the PDA Society is joined by Shirleyann Haig, bestselling author and Passive Income Coach, to explore how creating alternative income streams can offer greater flexibility when parenting neurodivergent children.

Shirleyann shares her personal journey as a mother of two boys, one with ADHD and one autistic with a PDA profile. After a 25-year career in the pharmaceutical industry, she found herself struggling to balance the demands of corporate life with the unpredictability of school exclusions, phone calls home and the reality of parenting children with complex needs. Despite being a top performer in her company, she was made redundant due to the time she needed to take off to support her children.

The conversation explores the emotional and financial impact of that experience, particularly as a single parent navigating divorce alongside school exclusions and ongoing uncertainty. Shirleyann reflects on how that moment of redundancy forced her to confront how financially fragile many families can be when relying solely on traditional employment structures.

Part 1 focuses on how Shirleyann transitioned away from corporate life and became a Passive Income Coach, helping others to build income streams that do not rely on fixed hours or physical presence. She explains how passive income is not about avoiding work, but about creating systems where work done once can generate income repeatedly. For families living with unpredictability, this flexibility can reduce stress, create stability and offer space to prioritise children’s needs without sacrificing long-term financial security.

*Redundancy due to being a carer is illegal. If you are struggling our support service can direct you to information about your legal rights.

Key Themes

 * The challenge of balancing corporate work with neurodivergent parenting
 * School exclusions, unpredictability and employment instability
 * The emotional impact of redundancy linked to caregiving
 * Understanding passive income and how it can create flexibility

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/

Guest links: 

 * Shirleyann’s Website   Shirleyann Haig | Ethical Passive Income Coach & Speaker [https://shirleyannhaig.com/home]
 * Instagram:  shirleyannhaig

Beyond 9–5: How Passive Income Creates Space for Parenting Neurodivergent Kids

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

Shows