PDA Society Podcast

PDA Society

Welcome to the PDA Society’s podcast, where we explore all things PDA to help make life easier for PDAers, their families, and everyone affected by demand avoidance. Research suggests PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) is a profile of autism, meaning individuals share similar strengths and challenges. A key feature of PDA is extreme demand avoidance – finding it hard or impossible to complete everyday tasks, even those they want to do. PDAers often use social strategies to manage demands, form deep connections with safe people, and experience strong emotions. Join us as we dive into PDA together! If any of the issues in today’s podcast affected you or you’d like to learn more, please visit our website for help and information on: www.pdasociety.org.uk

  1. Finding support networks as a PDA parent

    1d ago ·  Video

    Finding support networks as a PDA parent

    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.

    29 min
  2. Declarative language made easy

    Jun 15 ·  Video

    Declarative language made easy

    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.

    25 min
  3. PDA and the Biology of Sleep

    Jun 11 ·  Video

    PDA and the Biology of Sleep

    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.

    20 min
  4. Finding therapeutic support as a PDA parent

    Jun 4 ·  Video

    Finding therapeutic support as a PDA parent

    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

    36 min
  5. Animal therapy for children with SEND

    May 28 ·  Video

    Animal therapy for children with SEND

    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/

    29 min
  6. The Hidden harm of School Behaviour Policies

    May 21 ·  Video

    The Hidden harm of School Behaviour Policies

    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.

    32 min
  7. Why Diagnosis Matters for PDA Adults

    May 14 ·  Video

    Why Diagnosis Matters for PDA Adults

    Welcome back for Season 2 of PDA Life - The PDA Society Podcast.  We’re seeing a rise in adults discovering their autistic identities, and yet it’s increasingly difficult to access a diagnosis – which can be used to gatekeep vital support. In this episode we’re chatting to PDA parent, Paula, about why access to a diagnosis is so important for finding your community and understanding your experiences. If you’re struggling to find your PDA community, you can join our Facebook Groups here or contact our support service for help. https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/

    30 min
  8. OT solutions for PDA

    Apr 30 ·  Video

    OT solutions for PDA

    Welcome to the final episode of season one! We'll be back in May, after a short break, with a whole bunch of new conversations around PDA. When season two rolls around we'll start to archive earlier episodes, but they'll remain available on our training hub. See you soon!In this episode, Sarah Stewart from the PDA Society is joined by Tracy Weiner, a former Occupational Therapist and parent of a PDA young person, to explore how sensory needs can impact PDA individuals and their daily lives. Tracy brings both professional insight and lived experience to the conversation, sharing how sensory differences can shape behaviour, emotional responses and overall wellbeing. Together, Sarah and Tracy discuss how sensory needs are often misunderstood, particularly when they present as avoidance, distress or heightened reactions to everyday situations. The episode explores how sensory sensitivities can interact with anxiety and demand sensitivity, making environments such as home, school and public spaces feel overwhelming. Tracy reflects on how recognising these needs can help reframe behaviour, shifting the focus from “what is going wrong” to “what might this person be experiencing”. The discussion also highlights the importance of observation, flexibility and adapting environments to better support regulation. Tracy shares how small changes, such as adjusting sensory input or reducing expectations in challenging moments, can have a significant impact on reducing distress. This episode offers a compassionate and practical perspective on sensory needs, helping parents and professionals better understand how to support PDA individuals in a way that promotes safety, autonomy and wellbeing. Key Themes Understanding sensory needs in PDA individuals How sensory differences can impact behaviour and emotions The link between sensory overwhelm, anxiety and demand sensitivity Reframing behaviour through a sensory lens Using flexibility and observation to reduce distressDisclaimer 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 More podcasts available on the PDA Society Training Hub: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/ 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 links: https://www.kentcht.nhs.uk/childrens-therapies-the-pod/neurodivergence/sensory-processing-pathway https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/pages/free-sensory-resources https://www.rcot.co.uk/ https://www.sensory-people.co.uk/parents-guide-to-sensory-integration/

    41 min
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About

Welcome to the PDA Society’s podcast, where we explore all things PDA to help make life easier for PDAers, their families, and everyone affected by demand avoidance. Research suggests PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) is a profile of autism, meaning individuals share similar strengths and challenges. A key feature of PDA is extreme demand avoidance – finding it hard or impossible to complete everyday tasks, even those they want to do. PDAers often use social strategies to manage demands, form deep connections with safe people, and experience strong emotions. Join us as we dive into PDA together! If any of the issues in today’s podcast affected you or you’d like to learn more, please visit our website for help and information on: www.pdasociety.org.uk

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