At Peace Parents Podcast Ep. 65 - What is it like to grow up as an internalized PDAer?
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Jul 9, 2024 Kendahl Damashek, a gifted PDA autistic parent coach and educator, shares her compelling journey of growing up as a PDA child. She dives deep into early signs of PDA, her struggles with burnout during college, and how parenting her four PDA kids has shaped her understanding of both her needs and theirs. Kendahl discusses effective self-regulation strategies, the impact of parental accommodations, and innovative approaches to manage challenges at home. Her insights on grief, acceptance, and finding joy in parenting resonate powerfully, making her story both relatable and inspiring.
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Early Childhood Markers And Self-Regulation
- Kendahl describes childhood signs: selective mutism, hyperlexia, intense tantrums, and bossiness.
- She spent hours in her head, reading and creating imaginary worlds as self-regulation.
Parental Accommodation Expanded Tolerance
- Kendahl credits her parents' creative, permissive approach for widening her tolerance window.
- Their autonomy-granting choices let her access calming strategies rather than externalizing dysregulation.
Child Conductor At A Graduate Performance
- At eight Kendahl collaborated with her dad on an experimental music piece and led rehearsals.
- Her autonomy and lack of hierarchy let her hold the piece together and be recognized by faculty.
