In today’s episode, I’ll be discussing Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) with Dr. Taylor Day.  The conversation explores the drive for autonomy in children with PDA, the impact of the fight or flight response, and effective strategies for supporting these children in educational and home settings. Dr. Tay advocates for a nuanced approach to parenting and teaching that respects children's autonomy while maintaining necessary boundaries. Buckle up, because you are going to learn so much today!

 

Bio: Dr. Taylor Day is a licensed psychologist specializing in neuroaffirming care for autistic children and their families, including very early diagnosis and early intervention. She has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is the CEO and founder of Dr. Tay Concierge Clinical Care. 

Her practice integrates The Whole Family Approach, a process she created utilizing evidence-informed principles after seeing a gap in autism care. Her passion for child psychology and her focus on autism is in many ways tied to her own personal experience growing up with a brother who was diagnosed at 23 months of age. 

Links:

Dr. Tay’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.dr.tay/

Dr. Tay’s Website: https://drtaylorday.com

Evolve Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/evolve-with-dr-tay-the-podcast-for-parents-of-autistic-kids/id1659784037 

Takeaways 

●      PDA is not a well-defined diagnosis but a theorized profile of autism.

●      Understanding the nervous system's response is crucial in addressing PDA behaviors.

●      Children with PDA often seek autonomy and challenge authority.

●      Traditional parenting models may not work for children with PDA.

●      Collecting data on behaviors helps identify effective interventions.

●      Low demand approaches can be beneficial but must be balanced with boundaries.

●      Collaboration among adults is key to supporting children with PDA.

●      Recognizing the human behind the behavior fosters better relationships.

●      Teaching skills for autonomy is essential for long-term success.

●      Empowering children with choices enhances their learning experience.

●      Focusing on mastery over repetition can reduce stress for students.

●      Parents' insights about their children should be valued and respected.

●      The educational system needs to adapt to individual needs rather than enforcing rigid rules.

●      Connection and trust are fundamental in supporting children with challenging behaviors.

You may also be interested in these supports:

1.    Visual Support Starter Set

2.    Visual Supports Facebook Group

3.    Autism Little Learners on Instagram

4.    Autism Little Learners on Facebook