PDA Parents

Caitie and Casey talk about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) in the context of school, the type of accommodations that are necessary for a PDA child to succeed, and what their children’s school journeys have been like for them and for the whole family. 

Caitie and Casey talk about the language they use to discuss PDA in different contexts, for example, with friends, neighbors, professionals, and within their homes.  At the end of the episode, Caitie and Casey also touch on how they have approached discussing PDA and brain-wiring differences with their PDA children in an age-appropriate way.  

Explore creative strategies to support children with Pathological Demand Avoidance at home. Discover tips for navigating mealtime and sensory challenges, fostering a healthy relationship with food. Learn how to handle bedtime routines while balancing resistance and routine. Embrace innovative engagement techniques like 'strewing' to spark curiosity, and enjoy collaborative drawing activities that boost creativity and emotional development. Gain insights into using effective communication to nurture independence and manage anxieties.

The discussion covers the challenges of parenting children with Pathological Demand Avoidance in social settings. Masks and safe spaces for authentic expression are highlighted. The hosts reflect on the emotional toll of navigating social interactions and the healthcare system. They share personal anecdotes about parenting struggles during evaluations and meltdowns. There's also an emphasis on the need for flexible therapy approaches, especially adapting sessions outdoors to support the child's unique needs.

Strategies for lowering demands in the home take center stage, offering support for children with pathological demand avoidance. The hosts dive into unique nervous system responses, like 'fawn' and 'flop,' showing how these can affect parenting styles. Personal anecdotes highlight the challenges of adapting routines to prioritize a child's well-being, especially during tough times. They also discuss family dynamics, sharing creative ways to balance individual needs while nurturing a harmonious environment for all.

Parents share their emotional journeys discovering their children's Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). They delve into the unique challenges of parenting a child with PDA, feeling isolated compared to other autism experiences. Personal anecdotes highlight the complexities of misdiagnosis and the importance of accurate evaluations. Daily routines and therapy adaptations during the pandemic are also explored. The discussion emphasizes community support, understanding, and empowerment in navigating the emotional landscape of PDA.

The hosts share personal stories about the impact of a second child on family dynamics and understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). They discuss the emotional challenges faced by older siblings, including anxiety and behavior changes. Navigating social settings reveals the complexities of child behavior and early signs of controlling actions. The conversation highlights the intense vigilance needed to manage sensory sensitivities between siblings and emphasizes the importance of understanding in parenting unique developmental needs.

Caitie and Casey share their heartfelt journeys of parenting children with Pathological Demand Avoidance. They discuss the unique challenges of soothing fussy newborns and navigating intense emotional reactions. The hosts reflect on early schooling hurdles and the need for individualized support. They dive into the intricacies of sensory processing challenges, exploring meltdowns and tailored parenting strategies. Their insights provide valuable support for parents facing similar obstacles, emphasizing the importance of understanding and adapting to each child's unique needs.

Caitie and Casey talk about how they met and why they're doing this podcast.