PDA, Neurodivergence & the Perpetually Determined Advocate

After reading an article about the large numbers of women seeking assessment and diagnosis for neurodivergent conditions, I wanted to dive into this a bit more than in previous episodes.

Today, I sat down with my own little PDAer, talked to him about some of the things he goes through, and what he wishes others knew about neurodivergent people.

In this "happy to be back" episode, I wanted to provide a list of places to look for more information whether you're simply looking to learn more about PDA in general, a parent of a PDAer looking for support or resources, or a PDAer yourself looking for community. Below is a list of the resources mentioned in today's episode. https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/ https://pdanorthamerica.org/ http://pdaanz.com/ https://dragonriko.wordpress.com/ http://www.sallycatpda.co.uk/ https://www.kristyforbes.com.au/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pda-parents/id1552127203 https://tiltparenting.com/ https://www.kristyforbes.com.au/podcast https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/resources/resource-category/support-facebook-groups/

Taking the yearly October break to prep for the next run of the pod! Catch you all back here in November!

It's that time of year. As we all struggle with the uncertainty of this time, I thought I would share what our experience has been in another more relatable than informative episode. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today's episode is equal parts rant and information. I recently discovered some horrifying details about the state of psychiatric inpatient care. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This episode deals with a topic that more so applies to my listeners in the United States. We are talking about the Marshall and Guardian programs being employed at schools across the country in light of continuing school shootings. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Sports can be a great way for children to exercise and get peer interaction. However, for neurodivergent kiddos that can be problematic due to the potential for sensory issues and stressor overwhelm. So, I put together a list of different activities that can provide those positive aspects of sport with the accommodations needed for neurodivergent kiddos. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Big thanks to our guest Elle for talking to us about her experience of being neurodivergent and raising a child that is also neurodivergent. We discussed balancing parental triggers with a child's triggers, what happens when those two don't mesh and how Elle manages caring for her own needs and those of her daughter. This episode gave a lot of great insight and there are some references to information that helped Elle. I listed them below for those who want more information. Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World that Wasn't Designed for You Jenara Nerenberg My Daughter is not Naughty Jane Sherwin Samantha Craft's Autistic Traits Checklist Two Sides of the Spectrum podcast --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Summer vacation and the change in schedule can be problematic for kids on the spectrum. In this episode, I share what's happening in my house, and some things I am trying to help ease that struggle for my little guy, and I hope some of it helps you all as well. Lists of activities for Autistic kids Sensory activities for Autistic kids --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We hear terms like stimming, obsessive interests, repetitive behaviors, etc. when talking about neurodivergence, but what do they look like? I wanted to provide some examples for those seeking assessment and/or diagnosis so that you have some talking points at the appointment. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This anniversary episode going out on PDA Day talks about the interaction between siblings of PDAers, and I had 2 special guests help me out with this. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This episode talks about the way ADHD can present in adults differently than children, the impacts undiagnosed ADHD can have, and why it's important to seek a diagnosis. This website has a treasure trove of information about ADHD. Instagram is up! @perpetuallydeterminedadvocate --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This episode is something of a rant against the willful ignorance present in school systems and how it negatively impacts the neurodivergent kids stuck in these emotionally abusive situations. More information on how emotional trauma causes damage to the parts of the brain can be found at the following link. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Since yesterday was World Autism Day, I wanted to do an awareness topic. A lot of research exists to show how girls are almost 4 times as likely to go undiagnosed for neurodivergent conditions like autism, ADHD and PDA. Some groups are advocating for changes to that. https://autisticgirlsnetwork.org/ is one of those. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This past week the family went to Disney World and I wanted to share my tips on planning a vacation with a PDAer and the things that worked and didn't work for us. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I decided to finally start researching residential care and boy did it set off some internal struggle. I wanted to share what I found with you all. As always, a transcript for the episode can be provided by email. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This episode is more a relatable one than informational. We look at the ways stress and anxiety affect the parent and PDAer. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I read an article from Spectrum News that talked about a new diagnostic device for autism, called StranDx. This would use hair to test for certain markers that could indicate autism. Read the article here. The other article mentioned that reviewed the research on testing baby teeth can be found here. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This episode explores the concept of unschooling as a form of education.  Unschooling is a type of homeschooling that puts children in charge of directing their learning toward their interests and passions with parents acting as active partners in that learning by providing resources.  Below are some links to a variety of resources that provide more information on the topic: https://outschool.com/#abkyvtq4yh– interactive online classes https://daynamartin.com/ - courses on unschooling https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/grown-unschoolers/ - unschooling mom and coach https://hslda.org/legal/international- homeschool guidelines internationally Podcasts: The Unschooling Life Unschooling Podcast Unschooling Conversations Unschooling to University --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I finally succumbed to the pandemic, and my voice is struggling. I'll have the episode for today out as soon as I can talk clearer. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

A condition that sometimes appears with PDA is Imposter Syndrome and I wanted to explore that topic in this episode. Imposter Syndrome, like PDA, has decades of research by mental health professionals, but is not listed in the DSM-5. There are some ways to combat the various types of IS, but enlisting the help of a mental health professional is one of the best. If you have dealt with Imposter Syndrome and would like to come on the show and talk about your experience, please contact me. I am always willing to give my platform to those who can provide firsthand perspectives. Mentioned in this episode: https://impostorsyndrome.com/ Imposter Syndrome Quiz --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This episode we talk with Dr. Jennifer Corie from Iceberg Therapy Services in Baton Rouge. She gives us information on Selective Mutism and Masking, which are highly misunderstood, and anxiety driven components of autism, PDA and other neurodivergent conditions. Dr. Corie explains that these are not strategies, but responses to external stimuli and the result of anxiety. You can find more information about Dr. Corie and her services at: https://www.icebergts.com/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This episode I am joined by my kiddos' dad, Shane, to talk about working together as parents and how to get on the same page. We also talk about keeping continuity in parenting from two households. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We all experience the unsolicited advice from those who think they can give us pointers on parenting. It can be really irritating, but sometimes it can be a teachable moment. How do you explain PDA to people in those moments? Mentioned in this episode: PDA Society Awareness cards https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/shop/product/pda-awareness-cards/ The Explosive Child Dr. Ross Greene Peace I Give: A Peaceful Parenting Blog --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This episode looks at what happens in the event that you have to call for emergency assistance during one of your PDAer's meltdowns. I recently sat down with a police officer to get some insight on how to handle the process, and what can be done to help lessen the misunderstandings that can sometimes accompany a meltdown. Below are a list of links mentioned in the episode: PDA brochure: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/resources/what-is-pda-information-sheet/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Now that we have 10 episodes out, we're going to take a short hiatus until November, and then we'll begin a "season 2" of sorts. We hope to continue providing information, awareness, acceptance and support to all of the listeners out there. Thank you for all of your support and messages so far, and keep them coming! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This episode looks at the burnout that parents feel and ways to combat that. It also stresses the idea that feeling burnout does not make you weak or any less of a parent. As parents to neurodivergent kiddos, sometimes we feel like we aren't supposed to feel these things. That it is somehow seen as weak or inappropriate to feel the weight of our lives. We have to remember that we are human, and humans experience burnout. The other thing to remember is that even parents to neurotypical children experience burnout, so there is absolutely no shame in having a normal human reaction to something that is happening in your life. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We are a bit late posting this episode due to Covid making a stop by our house. Still, I took it as a learning moment (like any good teacher), and decided to talk a bit about the snags of navigating quarantine with a PDAer. As always, a transcript of the episode can be provided. Simply email perpetuallydeterminedadvocate@gmail.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This episode looks at school refusal, some of the potential triggers and some things that parents can do to help ease the anxiety that can cause refusal. I'm also including some links to great resources I found about school refusal below. https://schoolrefuserfamilies.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/nfis-parents-guide-v-2-april-2018.pdf https://itmustbemum.wordpress.com/2017/04/11/what-to-record-and-how-to-store-it/#more-4009 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The episode we discuss different parts of parenting a child with PDA. This episode was made possible with the help of my awesome PDA group, and I am grateful to them for their input and suggestion of so many great topics. We talk about things like flexible schedules, impulsive behavior, Plan B parenting, shutdowns, and not forcing PDAers to comply with demands. Mentioned in this episode is Dr. Ross Greene's website, which can be found at https://livesinthebalance.org/. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode we talk to Dr. Jessica Myszak from the Help and Healing Center in Glenview, Illinois. She shares with us some of the classic signs of PDA, and how to go about the assessment and diagnosis process as well as how to work toward getting accommodations for individuals with PDA in schools. For more information, or to contact Dr. Myszak, visit www.helpandhealingcenter.com. Also mentioned in today's podcast was PDA North America. For more information on them, visit www.pdanorthamerica.com. As always, a transcript of the episode can be provided. Simply email perpetuallydeterminedadvocate@gmail.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This time I wanted to combine the podcast with a love of mine, books. The books presented in this episode look at PDA from varied persepctives, and are also aimed at a variety of audiences. So, whether you are looking for a way to see PDA through the lens of a PDAer, understand it as a parent or teacher, or provide understanding of PDA to a child, I have something for you. I would like to point out that I am not affiliated with any of the authors, and am not receiving any commissions from promoting their work. I merely list them here because I found them to be useful and insightful. As always, a transcript of the episode can be provided. Simply email me at perpetuallydeterminedadvocate@gmail.com. The books discussed in this episode are: PDA Paradox by Harry Thompson PDA by PDAers compiled by Sally Cat My Daughter is not Naughty by Jane Alison Sherwin It's a PanDA thing! - A Visit to my world of Pathological Demand Avoidance by Rachel Jackson The Teacher's Introduction to Pathological Demand Avoidance: Essential Strategies for the Classroom by Clare Truman Can I Tell You About Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome? by Ruth Fidler and Phil Christie Pretty Darn Awesome: Divergent not Deficient: Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance on the Autism Spectrum by Lauren O'Grady Me and My PDA: A Guide to Pathological Demand Avoidance for Young People by Glòria Durà-Vilà and Tamar Levi. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week, we are joined by Adreanna, a former educator and future superhero for kids as she opens up about her childhood trauma and mental health journey that led her to consider a diagnosis of ADHD, and the overlap of neurodivergence and PTSD. Adreanna plans to begin a master's program in psychology and eventually get her PsyD to be able to help children who have experienced trauma and help them begin the healing process. A transcript of the episode can be obtained by emailing at perpetuallydeterminedadvocate@gmail.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode, I talk about way the Autism spectrum is more round than linear. The Autistic Experience can be vastly different between one autistic individual to the next, and this is an important topic to consider. Mentioned in this episode is Aucademy https://aucademy.co.uk/ For a far more brilliant explanation of what Autism is check out the "What *is* autism really" recording on the Aucademy Facebook page. It's a long one, but worth the time. A transcript of this episode can be provided by contacting me at perpetuallydeterminedadvocate@gmail.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode, we will look at the main signposts of PDA used in diagnosing, as well as talk about some of the ways that PDA can be misdiagnosed. We will also talk about sources for more information about PDA. The sources mentioned in today's episode can be found at the following links: PDA Society: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/what-is-pda-menu/identifying-pda/ PDA North America: https://www.pdanorthamerica.com/resources Aucademy: https://aucademy.co.uk/ Fight & Fawn podcast: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/fight-fawn-kristy-forbes-fan-GoYby3Mc9Wa/ Harry Thompson - PDA Extraordinaire: https://www.harryjackthompson.com/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This first episode explains what Pathological Demand Avoidance is in a broad sense. Discussed in this episode are PDA Paradox by Harry Thompson, also the link to the PDA Society's website www.pdasociety.org.uk and PDA North America www.pdanorthamerica.com. These websites provide excellent information as well as articles that you can read to gain insight into the origins of identifying PDA as a separate part of the spectrum and discoveries since then. The transcript for the podcast can be provided free of charge upon request at perpetuallydeterminedadvocate@gmail.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app