A condition that sometimes appears with PDA is Imposter Syndrome and I wanted to explore that topic in this episode.  Imposter Syndrome, like PDA, has decades of research by mental health professionals, but is not listed in the DSM-5.  There are some ways to combat the various types of IS, but enlisting the help of a mental health professional is one of the best.  If you have dealt with Imposter Syndrome and would like to come on the show and talk about your experience, please contact me.  I am always willing to give my platform to those who can provide firsthand perspectives.

Mentioned in this episode:

https://impostorsyndrome.com/

Imposter Syndrome Quiz

This episode we talk with Dr. Jennifer Corie from Iceberg Therapy Services in Baton Rouge.  She gives us information on Selective Mutism and Masking, which are highly misunderstood, and anxiety driven components of autism, PDA and other neurodivergent conditions.  Dr. Corie explains that these are not strategies, but responses to external stimuli and the result of anxiety.

You can find more information about Dr. Corie and her services at: https://www.icebergts.com/

This episode I am joined by my kiddos' dad, Shane, to talk about working together as parents and how to get on the same page.  We also talk about keeping continuity in parenting from two households.  

We all experience the unsolicited advice from those who think they can give us pointers on parenting.  It can be really irritating, but sometimes it can be a teachable moment.  How do you explain PDA to people in those moments?  

Mentioned in this episode:

PDA Society Awareness cards https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/shop/product/pda-awareness-cards/

The Explosive Child Dr. Ross Greene

Peace I Give: A Peaceful Parenting Blog

This episode looks at what happens in the event that you have to call for emergency assistance during one of your PDAer's meltdowns.  I recently sat down with a police officer to get some insight on how to handle the process, and what can be done to help lessen the misunderstandings that can sometimes accompany a meltdown.  Below are a list of links mentioned in the episode:

PDA brochure: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/resources/what-is-pda-information-sheet/

This episode looks at the burnout that parents feel and ways to combat that.  It also stresses the idea that feeling burnout does not make you weak or any less of a parent.  As parents to neurodivergent kiddos, sometimes we feel like we aren’t supposed to feel these things. That it is somehow seen as weak or inappropriate to feel the weight of our lives. We have to remember that we are human, and humans experience burnout. The other thing to remember is that even parents to neurotypical children experience burnout, so there is absolutely no shame in having a normal human reaction to something that is happening in your life.  

We are a bit late posting this episode due to Covid making a stop by our house.  Still, I took it as a learning moment (like any good teacher), and decided to talk a bit about the snags of navigating quarantine with a PDAer.

As always, a transcript of the episode can be provided.  Simply email [email protected]