At Peace Parents Podcast Ep. 97 - Demi Burnett's Story as a PDA Autistic Adult
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Jan 29, 2025 
Join Demi Burnett, a reality-TV personality known for her time on The Bachelor, as she shares her journey as a PDA autistic adult. She candidly discusses her diagnosis, the challenges of basic needs, and how creativity has been her outlet. Demi’s insights into navigating autonomy in low-demand environments like reality TV reveal surprising accommodations. With anecdotes from her youth and current passions for autism acceptance and crochet, she offers unique wisdom for parents on supporting their PDA children.
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Diagnosis Came After Quitting Alcohol
- Demi discovered autism and PDA after stopping alcohol and researching longstanding social and sensory struggles.
- A thorough, validating assessment by a neurodivergent clinician felt safer and led to an autism + PDA understanding.
Basic Needs Conflict With Avoidance
- Demi often avoids breakfast and lunch because her brain distracts her until the need passes, then always eats dinner.
- She sometimes gags on foods she likes and holds bathroom needs for long periods due to internal avoidance.
Creativity Feels Like A Powerful Drive
- PDA strengths often include charisma, creative alchemy, and transforming materials into new forms.
- These creative drives can be intense urges that feel like needs, fueling crafts like crochet and upcycling.
