In this episode, Rachel and guest Julia Daunt begin an open and thoughtful conversation about puberty and PDA, exploring how hormonal, physical and emotional changes can intensify anxiety and demand sensitivity during this stage of development.

The discussion looks at how puberty can affect PDA profiles in ways that are often misunderstood or overlooked. Listeners are guided through common challenges including heightened emotional responses, sensory sensitivities, changes in body awareness and increasing demands around independence, social expectations and self-care.

This first part focuses on building understanding. It highlights why puberty can feel particularly destabilising for PDAers, and why behaviour changes at this stage are often a sign of overwhelm rather than defiance. The episode offers reassurance to parents and carers who may feel unsure how best to support their child during this complex transition.

Key Themes

· Why puberty can be especially challenging for PDAers

· The impact of hormonal changes on anxiety and regulation

· Increased sensory sensitivity and emotional intensity

· Understanding behaviour as communication during puberty

· Supporting safety, trust and connection through change

Deep Diver Subscriber Episode

For those who would like to go further, Part 2, an exclusive “Deep Diver” subscriber episode, is available through our Training Hub. You can access it here: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the PDA Society. While we aim to provide balanced and inclusive discussions, individual experiences and perspectives may vary. The PDA Society is committed to using language and terminology that reflects the preferences of PDA and autistic people, but sometimes our guests may use language and terminology which differs. Appearance on our podcast is not an endorsement of an individual, and not all of our guests will align with our position on the issues discussed.

Further sources of support and information

· PDA Society Training Hub: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/

· PDA Society Website: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/

· PDA Society Training: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/training/

· PDA Society Support Service: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/support/

Guest’s links:

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JuliaDauntPDA

Blog: https://memyselfandpda.com/

The books Julia mentioned in the episode are:

https://amzn.eu/d/8G7bjjo

https://amzn.eu/d/2thMLw3