SEND Parenting Podcast

EP 65: PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) Parenting with Tina MacGillivray


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Episode 65

This week we are joined by Tina MacGillivray, known as @thepdaparent on instagram and a beacon of resilience and knowledge in parenting. This week we talk to her about the journey of parenting her son with 48 XXYY syndrome, autism, Tourette's, and PDA.

This is a heartbreaking yet inspiring episode which tells the story of a parent who has realised that the support she needs just isn't there, and has taken matters into her own hand - an experience help with so many others in this community. We talk PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), about being on the receiving end of an underfunded system, and the choice to disengage. We also discuss how Tina brought herself and her son back from the brink, low demand parenting, educating oneself about the nervous system, and the key role humour has in parenting.

The episode concludes with an empowering message to parents: your journey, though daunting, is laced with opportunities for transformation, growth, and the discovery of unexpected joy in the face of adversity. Join us as we share a story not just of struggle, but of profound hope and the indelible strength of the human spirit.

Click here for Tina's  The PDA Parent Newsletter 
PDA Books:

Understanding PDA in Children – Phil Christie

The Educators Guide to PDA – Laura Kerbey

 Collaborative Approaches to Learning for Children with PDA – Ruth Fidler 

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SEND Parenting PodcastBy Dr. Olivia Kessel


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