At Peace Parents Podcast

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.

How do we help our kids develop a positive self image, no matter their diagnosis? In this episode I walk through the steps of helping your PDA child or teen do so, and in a way that provides them autonomy and equality throughout. It's an excerpt from one of the live workshops of our Paradigm Shift Program. I hope it's helpful!Mentioned in this episode:Paradigm Shift Program

In this episode I speak with Paradigm Shift Program alumna Caroline Thor about the tremendous impacts of changing her parenting approach - for her PDA son, her family, and herself as a professional. I hope it's helpful to you.xo,CaseyCaroline's Website Mentioned in this episode:Paradigm Shift Program

How do I feel about AI, and how do I use it with my PDA child? In this episode I talk through these things and more with Kelly Edwards, founder of the 90-Minute School Day. As a mom of a PDAer herself, and an expert in the homeschooling/unschooling space, Kelly brings great insight to our conversation. I hope you find it helpful!Mentioned in this episode:Paradigm Shift Program

Not all demand avoidant children and teens are PDA. In this episode I talk through how to know if your child fits the profile for PDA, which is important, because it suggests a different root cause for their avoidance than for non-PDA demand avoidant kids. And of course, you want to know what the root cause is so you know how best to support your child or teen.I hope this is helpful to all.xo,CaseyMentioned in this episode:Paradigm Shift Program

Paradigm Shift Program alumna Rachel shares her story in this episode, which includes insight she gained enduring serious sickness as a young adult. She brings this perspective to the hardest moments and eras parenting her PDA children, and explains the difference that can make, even while being incredibly difficult. Mentioned in this episode:Paradigm Shift Program

A mother shares her experiences raising a child with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), detailing the unique challenges she faced. She reflects on the emotional toll of parenting during the pandemic and emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding. The conversation delves into the transformative power of acceptance in both education and personal growth. Insightful anecdotes underscore the need for nurturing environments and adaptive strategies to support neurodiverse children. Self-acceptance emerges as a key theme in fostering strong parent-child relationships.

I think PDA is its own neurotype, different from non-PDA Autism and ADHD. That doesn't mean PDA kids, teens and adults can't also be Autistic or ADHD - many are, including at least one of my sons. But it means there's a different logic for how we support PDA children and teens - even if they are also Autistic or ADHD - based on the unique way their brain and nervous system works. Mentioned in this episode:Paradigm Shift Program

You're not doing it wrong! And I know this because there is not one right or wrong to parent a PDA child. Parents I work with make tons of different decisions - and change those decisions over time - depending on the unique circumstances, opportunities, values and constraints they face. And I love that! Mentioned in this episode:Paradigm Shift Program

Karin is a Dutch medical teacher and an alumna of our Paradigm Shift Program with three children with three different neurotypes. I loved reconnecting with her and hearing how she and her neurodivergent husband use three different parenting approaches in order to successfully support their kids. I hope you find her insights helpful, too!Mentioned in this episode:Paradigm Shift Program