Unschooling With PDA

Feb 16 2025 10 ep. 36 mins 11
Unschooling With PDA Podcast artwork

A podcast for parents navigating the complexities of raising children with the Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile of autism. Join host Rose, a late diagnosed autistic mum, as we explore her and other parents' experiences with PDA, home education, unschooling, and the challenges of being a parent as a late-diagnosed or undiagnosed neurodivergent person. This podcast aims to create a supportive space for sharing experiences, emphasising that you're not alone on this often difficult journey. Gain practical strategies, insights, and a sense of community where we all understand both the ups and downs of parenting and home educating a PDAer.
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10. A Positive Outlook: Balancing PDA parenting with studying for a degree, SEND advocacy, sibling needs and staying optimistic as a single mum

Feb 16 2025 36 mins  
In this podcast episode, we meet Sarah, a single mum of two from Bristol, about her experiences navigating life with her 12 year old PDAer daughter, Isla, and Isla's older brother. Sarah shares insights from her journey, detailing the challenges of finding the right educational setting for Isla, the difficulties with local authorities, her transition to home education, and her pass

09. Christmas Special: Real-life tips from parents for a calm holiday season with autistic & PDA children

Dec 17 2024 16 mins  
In this special Christmas mini episode, Rose shares real-life examples and strategies based on her own and other families' lived experiences, for creating a more comfortable, low-pressure Christmas for neurodivergent children. She also discusses her approach to reflecting on the past year at each year’s end—through personal videos or journaling—to appreciate incremental growt

08. Diagnosing the Environment: How to create spaces that promote learning based on any child's individual needs

Sep 16 2024 43 mins  
A conversation with Kate Steer at Nurtured Neuro Kids, a neurodivergent family coach and education consultant. We explore her journey as a parent raising a PDA child while reflecting on how her child psychology background has influenced her approach to parenting.Kate discusses the challenges of meeting a child’s individual needs, focusing on conscious and intentional parenting me

07. Fatherhood and PDA: Ben's Journey

Jun 26 2024 35 mins  
Rose chats to Ben, a father of three boys diagnosed with autism and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). This episode offers a heartfelt and insightful look into parenting children with PDA and the continuous process of learning and adapting, from a dad's perspective.Ben's Instagram: @daddydinosaurpda Ben shares his family's experiences, the challenges they face, and their journey

06. Unschooling and Unmasking: How to Live an Authentic Neurodivergent Life Going Against Societal Norms

Jun 13 2024 44 mins  
Linsey's Instagram: @unschoolingstanleyLinsey from the West Midlands discusses unschooling her three children, particularly her PDA son Stanley. She shares her motivations, challenges, and the influence of her own neurodivergence on her parenting and educational philosophy. Linsey emphasises authenticity and discusses her own personal growth as an unmasked adult, and how this has a

05. Finding the Fun in Mathematics: A Conversation About Joyful Maths For Home Educators

May 23 2024 43 mins  
Former maths teacher turned home educator, Ruth Rinaldi, shares her insights into how to make mathematics accessible and enjoyable for all ages and abilities, even if parents don't have a lot of maths knowledge; common misconceptions and mistakes we make while approaching maths education; and specific examples and resources for parents on how to facilitate their child's interest at

04. From Classroom to #VanLife: How Ex-Teacher Sharon Became An Unschooling Advocate

May 03 2024 44 mins  
Ex-teacher and mum of two Sharon discusses her thoughts about the education system with Rose. We talk about how she unschools her PDAer alongside her other autistic son, having de-schooled herself. Reflections on the difficulties and learning curves of home education, including self-care for parents, and adapting to each child's unique needs. Exploring the family's adaptation to li

03. Our Autism Diagnosis & PDA Discovery Journey

Apr 13 2024 31 mins  
*Content advisory: Birth and breastfeeding are discussed in the first 5 minutes* Rose shares the first signs of autism she saw in her baby son, and the trauma he went through that she thinks may have caused his PDA; the steps she had to take to be taken seriously on the NHS autism assessment pathway; and finally the diagnosis and support she was offered. In the second half there is

02. Mum Amy Rutter's experience of parenting a PDAer in burnout, getting an EHCP and EOTAS, and managing work alongside being a carer

Feb 26 2024 39 mins  
Amy shares her son's long journey to a diagnosis, getting an EHCP and EOTAS, but can her PDAer actually access the learning provided by the package? Amy also shares her motivation to create the Parent Carer Cheerleading Squad, a community to support and uplift fellow parent carers:Amy's Instagram: @amymrutterFacebook: Parent Carer Cheerleading Squad groupFurther reading: https://li

The difference between PDA vs "vanilla" demand avoidance; unschooling basics and why it works well for PDAers

Dec 21 2023 24 mins  
Rose introduces the podcast and why the concept became "unschooling with PDA". What's the difference between PDA and demand avoidance in autism and ADHD? Discussing the essence of unschooling and why Rose thinks it's the best way for her son and most other younger PDAers.PDA Society website: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/* Disclaimer: this podcast is for entertainment purposes only