At Peace Parents Podcast Ep. 121 - Parental Burnout and PDA
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Aug 5, 2025 
Afshan Tafler, a nervous system expert and trauma healer, joins to discuss the unique challenges faced by parents of children with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). They dive into how parenting sensitive kids can lead to personal nervous system strain. Afshan offers tools to combat parental burnout and emphasizes the importance of self-regulation and community support. The conversation also includes insights on personal healing, navigating emotional complexities, and the empowering journey of self-discovery for parents amidst their challenges.
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Afshan's Parenting Journey
- Afshan Tafler shares her experience parenting a PDA autistic child with OCD and the challenges faced.
- She describes the journey of trauma healing and adapting to complex behaviors in her son.
Healing Beyond Survival Patterns
- Mothers of PDA children often feel stuck in survival mode, reacting in ways their nervous system has learned.
- Healing involves shifting from survival reactions to awareness and unconditional self-love within challenging parenting circumstances.
Normalize Boundary-Setting Anxiety
- Normalize the panic and physical sensations when setting boundaries or advocating for your PDA child.
- Support the scared young parts within you as you form new, healthier patterns of belonging and safety.