Journeys With PDA Coffee Chat Podcast Journeys With PDA

In this episode, Heather & Kerissa chat with special guest Sunita Theiss.
Sunita shares her journey as a mother of neurodivergent children and her own neurodivergent identity. She discusses the process of realizing her family's neurodivergence and the freedom it brought. Sunita also talks about the challenges and joys of raising children with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and the decision to homeschool. She shares her experience of transitioning to part-time work and the financial considerations that come with it. Sunita emphasizes the importance of letting go of societal expectations and finding what works best for her family. This conversation explores the experiences of neurodivergent parents and the challenges they face in re-evaluating their parenting expectations.
Heather, Kerissa and Sunita discuss the richness of engaging children's interests, the gratitude for the opportunity to parent differently, and the hope for future generations. They also highlight the importance of recognizing autism in women and girls and the journey to self-understanding and self-compassion. The conversation emphasizes the significance of belonging and finding community, both online and in-person, and the need for supportive networks for neurodivergent parents.
Overall, the conversation promotes acceptance, understanding, and the creation of inclusive communities.
Connect with Sunita on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sunitatheiss/

Join Heather & Kerissa as they share from an authentic & real-life perspective with in-depth conversations around neurodiversity, PDA autism profile, and the autistic experience. This on occasion includes sensitive and difficult topics. (Topics include but are not limited to;  mental health crisis, depression, anxiety, burnout, trauma, and suicidal ideation.)  All listeners need to be aware of their own emotional wellbeing and ability to engage in such topics.

We offer connection, community & co-regulation. (And a few laughs!)
Journeys With PDA (Heather & Kerissa) and any special guests are not able to diagnose or prescribe treatments. All information is for educational purposes.

To learn more about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) autism profile visit our website at https://journeyswithpda.com/

Heather & Kerissa are Certified PDA Trainers. They offer advocacy, education & family support through one-on-one coaching sessions.
You can connect with Heather & Kerissa through their website and on social media.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journeyswithpda
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeys_with_pda/
Support the Show.
https://journeyswithpda.com

In this episode, Heather & Kerissa discuss the concept of autistic inertia and its impact on PDA individuals and autistic people. Autistic inertia refers to the tendency to remain at rest or keep moving in a constant direction, and it plays a significant role in transitions and task-switching. The discussion explores the frustration and discomfort experienced when interrupted during a flow state.  The importance of understanding and respecting inertia is emphasized, along with the need for compassion, empathy, and patience in supporting PDA individuals and autistic people. This conversation explores the concept of autistic inertia and its impact on PDA individuals.


Join Heather & Kerissa as they share from an authentic & real life perspective with in-depth conversations around neurodiversity, PDA autism profile, and the autistic experience. This on occasion includes sensitive and difficult topics. (Topics include but not limited to;  mental health crisis, depression, anxiety, burnout, trauma, and suicidal ideation.)  All listeners need to be aware of their own emotional wellbeing and ability to engage in such topics.

We offer connection, community & co-regulation. (And a few laughs!)
Journeys With PDA (Heather & Kerissa) and any special guests are not able to diagnose or prescribe treatments. All information is for educational purposes.

To learn more about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) autism profile visit our website at https://journeyswithpda.com/

Heather & Kerissa are Certified PDA Trainers. They offer advocacy, education & family support through one-on-one coaching sessions.
You can connect with Heather & Kerissa through their website and on social media.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journeyswithpda
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeys_with_pda/
Support us- Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/journeyswithPD 
Support the Show.
https://journeyswithpda.com

In this episode, Heather and Kerissa chat with Lisa Baskin Wright (IEP Coach) about Neurodiversity Affirming IEPs.  Lisa discusses her journey and experiences in supporting families with PDA learners. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity and humanizing the child in the IEP process. Lisa also highlights the challenges faced by parents and the need for a common understanding with the school team. She shares examples of advocating for fair and appropriate education for PDA learners, including the establishment of alternative locations. The conversation concludes with a discussion on involving the child in the IEP meeting and the potential impact it can have. Lisa shares tips and suggestions for parents navigating IEP meetings. She emphasizes the importance of preparing before the meeting by submitting a parent input statement that includes important information about the child. Lisa also discusses the need to define engagement and early cues of nervous system activation to support the child effectively.
Lisa has several courses on IEPs for neurodivergent learners and a specific course on supporting PDA learners. Lisa has various supports she offers, including group coaching, one-on-one consultations, and ongoing assistance with IEPs.

Learn more about Lisa on her website: https://www.lisabaskinwright.com/
Find her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lisabaskinwright/


Join Heather & Kerissa as they share from an authentic & real life perspective with in-depth conversations around neurodiversity, PDA autism profile, and the autistic experience. This on occasion includes sensitive and difficult topics. (Topics include but not limited to;  mental health crisis, depression, anxiety, burnout, trauma, and suicidal ideation.)  All listeners need to be aware of their own emotional wellbeing and ability to engage in such topics.

We offer connection, community & co-regulation. (And a few laughs!)
Journeys With PDA (Heather & Kerissa) and any special guests are not able to diagnose or prescribe treatments. All information is for educational purposes.

To learn more about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) autism profile visit our website at https://journeyswithpda.com/

Heather & Kerissa are Certified PDA Trainers. They offer advocacy, education & family support through one-on-one coaching sessions.
You can connect with Heather & Kerissa through their website and on social media.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journeyswithpda
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeys_with_pda/
Support the Show.
https://journeyswithpda.com

Welcome back! In this episode, Heather & Kerissa kick off season 2 of the podcast discussing the topic of autistic burnout. They define autistic burnout as a syndrome resulting from chronic life stress and a mismatch of expectations and abilities without adequate support. They explore the common characteristics of autistic burnout, such as difficulty with executive functioning, increased intensity of autistic traits, chronic exhaustion, reduced tolerance to stress, confusion, and social withdrawal.
They also discuss the causes of autistic burnout, including the energy expended by autistic individuals to exist in a neurotypical world. They emphasize the importance of supporting individuals in autistic burnout by encouraging rest and providing accommodations. They also highlight the need for open communication and understanding within relationships and families.  All while sharing from their personal experiences.


Join Heather & Kerissa as they share from an authentic & real life perspective with in-depth conversations around neurodiversity, PDA autism profile, and the autistic experience. This on occasion includes sensitive and difficult topics. (Topics include but not limited to;  mental health crisis, depression, anxiety, burnout, trauma, and suicidal ideation.)  All listeners need to be aware of their own emotional wellbeing and ability to engage in such topics.

We offer connection, community & co-regulation. (And a few laughs!)
Journeys With PDA (Heather & Kerissa) and any special guests are not able to diagnose or prescribe treatments. All information is for educational purposes.

To learn more about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) autism profile visit our website at https://journeyswithpda.com/

Heather & Kerissa are Certified PDA Trainers. They offer advocacy, education & family support through one-on-one coaching sessions.
You can connect with Heather & Kerissa through their website and on social media.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journeyswithpda
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeys_with_pda/
Support the Show.
https://journeyswithpda.com

In this episode, Heather and Kerissa reminisce and chat about each episode from  Season 1. We had such a fantastic first season! We learned so much from our amazing guests! We are so excited about Season 2 coming February '24!!

Season 1
Episode 1: Who We Are
Episode 2: PDA: What it is & Why we care
Episode 3: PDA vs. autistic avoidance
Episode 4: Amanda Diekman, Low-Demand Parenting
Episode 5: No - We aren't all a little autistic
Episode 6: Laura Kerby- ADHD/ Special Interests
Episode 7: Homebody Michelle - PDA Life & Burnout
Episode 8: Suzanne Gunn from themotherload.nd.sleep, PDA & Sleep Part 1
Episode 9: PDA & Sleep Part 2
Episode 10: Jena Forman, Clinical Pharmacist, Part 1
Episode 11: Suzanne Gunn, The weight of parental shame
Episode 12: Jena Forman, Clinical Pharmacist, Part 2
Episode 13: Tricia Wagner, Suicide
Join us as we share from an authentic & real-life perspective on in-depth conversations around neurodiversity, PDA autism profile and the autistic experience. This on occasion includes sensitive and difficult topics. (Topics include but not limited to;  mental health crisis, depression, anxiety, burnout, trauma and suicidal ideation.)  All listeners need to be aware of their own emotional well-being and ability to engage in such topics.

We offer connection, co-regulation & community. (And a few laughs!)
Journeys With PDA (Heather & Kerissa) and any special guests are not able to diagnose or prescribe treatments. All information is for educational purposes.

To learn more about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) autism profile visit our website at https://journeyswithpda.com/

Heather & Kerissa are Certified PDA Trainers. They offer advocacy, education & family support through one-on-one coaching sessions.
You can connect with Heather & Kerissa through their website and on social media.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journeyswithpda
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeys_with_pda/
Support the show
https://journeyswithpda.com
Support the Show.
https://journeyswithpda.com

In this episode, Heather and Kerissa chat with Tricia Wagner, LCPC and director of Outpatient Services at Shodair Children's Hospital.
We have an open conversation about understanding suicidal thoughts vs. suicidal ideation. Ways to support a child experiencing suicidal ideation. We talk about how to have a conversation with your child about what they are feeling. We also discuss the importance of having a safety plan and steps to take to create one.

*This episode could be challenging to hear as we dig deep into the subject of suicide. We hope to bring this subject out into the light and to better equip parents in supporting their children.

One resource we discuss is https://zerosuicidetraining.edc.org/

Suicide Hotline: 988
https://988lifeline.org/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=onebox


Remember if you are ever unsure of someone's safety call emergency services or take them to the ER.


Join us as we share from an authentic & real life perspective on in-depth conversations around neurodiversity, PDA autism profile and the autistic experience. This on occasion includes sensitive and difficult topics. (Topics include but not limited to;  mental health crisis, depression, anxiety, burnout, trauma and suicidal ideation.)  All listeners need to be aware of their own emotional wellbeing and ability to engage in such topics.

We offer connection, co-regulation & community. (And a few laughs!)
Journeys With PDA (Heather & Kerissa) and any special guests are not able to diagnose or prescribe treatments. All information is for educational purposes.

To learn more about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) autism profile visit our website at https://journeyswithpda.com/

Heather & Kerissa are Certified PDA Trainers. They offer advocacy, education & family support through one-on-one coaching sessions.
You can connect with Heather & Kerissa through their website and on social media.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journeyswithpda
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeys_with_pda/
Support the Show.
https://journeyswithpda.com