At Peace Parents Podcast

Caroline Thor, a KonMari consultant and Paradigm Shift Program alumna, discusses her transformative parenting journey with her son who has Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). She shares how adjusting her approach has improved family dynamics and her professional life. Caroline emphasizes the crucial role of community support and understanding in navigating the emotional challenges of parenting. Additionally, she introduces the flexibility of the KonMari method, offering practical insights on decluttering with compassion while prioritizing joy and connection.

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!

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,Casey

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.

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.

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!

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!

Many of you know that my PDA son stopped eating most foods when he was in burnout. But I've also worked with countless parents whose PDA child or teen can't stop eating. And so I've dedicated this episode to the topic - how to understand compulsive eating as part of PDA, and an approach that may be helpful. xo,Casey

Chris Wenger, known as Speech Dude, is a neurodivergent speech-language pathologist and creator of a dynamic assessment tool for autistic students. He discusses practical strategies for accommodating teens with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) in schools. Key topics include writing effective IEP goals, fostering autonomy for success, and using intrinsic motivation instead of traditional rewards. Chris emphasizes creating nurturing environments and adapting communication styles to empower both parents and students navigating the challenges of PDA.