In this episode we're chatting to Emma McDonnell, parent of two autistic children including one with a PDA profile, about the realities of parental mental health and wellbeing. Emma shares how small, practical shifts can make a genuine difference when you're running on empty.

For information and guidance about your circumstances, you can get in touch with our support service through our website.

Guest links:

www.emma-mcdonnell.com

Facebook and Instagram - @theemmamcdonnell

In this episode we're chatting to Laxmi Patel, specialist SEND lawyer and partner at Boyes Turner, about your rights when it comes to SEND law. She takes us from the very start of the journey through to EHCPs, appeals, and tribunal.

For information and guidance about your circumstances, you can get in touch with our support service through our website.

Guest links:

https://www.boyesturner.com/our-people/laxmi-patel

SEND Code of Practice

In this episode we're chatting to Faith Newton, highly specialist children's occupational therapist and parent of two PDA children, about how to approach OT assessments with PDA children - whether you're a parent preparing for an appointment, or an OT looking to adapt your practice.

You can hear us chat more to Faith about Occupational Therapy and PDA on our Training Hub. 

For information and guidance about your circumstances, you can get in touch with our support service through our website.

In this episode we’re chatting to Jennifer Chilton, neurodiverse informed coach and parent of a PDAer, about the ups and downs of daily life in a PDA family - and how when we adapt our approach and expectations, life can become infinitely more manageable.

For information and guidance about your circumstances, you can get in touch with our support service through our website.

Guest links:

Website: www.neurodistinct-coaching.co.uk

Instagram: @Jen_neurodistinct

In this episode we’re chatting with Lindsay and Stacie, from the PDA Devon support group, both of whom are parents of a PDAer. It can be really isolating as a PDA parent, especially when the people around you don’t understand what’s going on or how to offer support. In this episode we explore why it’s so vital to build a likeminded community and support network, and how to connect when awareness about PDA is still growing.

You can our Facebook support groups here or explore our directory of support.

In this week’s episode we’re chatting to parent Steve Keightley about how declarative language can reduce demands for PDAers and the difference this has made for their family. If you’re not sure how to recognise declarative language, Steve has created the Ask Gentle app which can help you find a softer way to communicate around demands.

You can find out more, including our previous episode on Declarative Language with Linda K Murphy, through the PDA Training Hub.

In this episode we’re chatting to Nathalie Shek, a paediatric occupational therapist who works with neurodivergent children, young people and families. Sleep hygiene advice such as creating routines can often create extra demands, so we’ll be talking about the biology of sleep what helps to make common sleeping difficulties a little easier.

You can find out more on our website or and find more episodes, including a Q&A with Nathalie when you sign up to the PDA Training Hub.

In this episode we’re chatting with Christine MacInnis (LMFT) about some of the challenges parents of PDAers face when looking for support. Being a parent of a PDAer can be an isolating experience - from the lack of support, the stress of not being believed, and the pressures to conform to potentially harmful practices. In this episode we look at some of the ways parents can access support, and how to recognise PDA-affirming therapeutic practice.

If you need help and information about PDA, contact our support service today.

Guest links: www.theneurodivergentwhisperer.com

In this episode we’re chatting to David Boxall from Elysian, who provide alternative farm-based education, about how animal therapy can support children who have been failed by a mainstream education setting.

To find out more about supporting PDA children in school, check out the information on our website or sign up to the PDA Training Hub.

Guest links: https://elysianuk.org/

In this episode we’re chatting with Beth from Lily Oaks psychological and Counselling practice about why school behaviour policies often do more harm than good.

You can find out more about supporting PDA in school through our website or the PDA Training Hub.