In this episode, Beth Silcox and Rebecca Homewood (who are both specialists in neurodivergent affirming practice) talk about what genuinely helpful therapy looks like for PDA adults, why traditional approaches don't always work, and the practical things that make a real difference in the therapy room.

For information and guidance about your circumstances, you can get in touch with our support service through our website [https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/].

If you want to hear more from Beth and Rebecca we continue our conversation with them in a webinar available over on our training hub [https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/product/webinar-pda-adults-and-counselling].

This is the last episode before we take a short break, keep an eye out for more episodes later in the year!

Helpful therapies for PDA adults

In this episode we're chatting to Kate Whittlesey and Pat McMahon from the Access Hub about what it really means for a PDA or neurodivergent child to access their education. They cover why a child being physically present in school doesn't always tell the whole story, and what schools can do to make learning genuinely accessible for every child, as well as what The Access Hub is and how it can help students, parents and schools. 

For information and guidance about your circumstances, you can get in touch with our support service through our website.



Guest links:

https://theaccesshub.co.uk/



Accessibility for PDA pupils with The Access Hub

In this episode we're chatting to Emma McDonnell, parent of two autistic children including one with a PDA profile, about the realities of parental mental health and wellbeing. Emma shares how small, practical shifts can make a genuine difference when you're running on empty.

For information and guidance about your circumstances, you can get in touch with our support service through our website [https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/support/].



Guest links:

www.emma-mcdonnell.com [http://www.emma-mcdonnell.com/]

Facebook and Instagram - @theemmamcdonnell

Parents of PDAers: Mental health & wellbeing 

In this episode we're chatting to Laxmi Patel, specialist SEND lawyer and partner at Boyes Turner, about your rights when it comes to SEND law. She takes us from the very start of the journey through to EHCPs, appeals, and tribunal.

For information and guidance about your circumstances, you can get in touch with our support service through our website.



Guest links:

https://www.boyesturner.com/our-people/laxmi-patel

SEND Code of Practice [https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7dcb85ed915d2ac884d995/SEND_Code_of_Practice_January_2015.pdf]

SEND law and your child's education

In this episode we're chatting to Faith Newton, highly specialist children's occupational therapist and parent of two PDA children, about how to approach OT assessments with PDA children - whether you're a parent preparing for an appointment, or an OT looking to adapt your practice.

You can hear us chat more to Faith about Occupational Therapy and PDA on our Training Hub.  [https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/]

For information and guidance about your circumstances, you can get in touch with our support service through our website [https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/support/].

OT assessments and PDA children

In this episode we’re chatting to Jennifer Chilton, neurodiverse informed coach and parent of a PDAer, about the ups and downs of daily life in a PDA family - and how when we adapt our approach and expectations, life can become infinitely more manageable.

For information and guidance about your circumstances, you can get in touch with our support service through our website [https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/support/].



Guest links:

Website: www.neurodistinct-coaching.co.uk [http://www.neurodistinct-coaching.co.uk/]

Instagram: @Jen_neurodistinct

Daily life in a PDA family

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

PDA Society (@pda_society) · Zencastr

PDA Society (@pda_society)

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 Podcast