Navigating Extreme Embarrassment with Autism and PDA: A Parent’s Guide Last week, I experienced one of those parenting moments that stick with you. My daughter and I were at the grocery store when a small mistake—grabbing the wrong cereal—triggered an overwhelming response. What started as a simple correction quickly spiraled into tears, hiding under her […]

When the Body Speaks: Stomach Aches, Headaches, PDA, and Autism Have you ever noticed how your child’s tummy seems to hurt right before school? Or how those headaches appear just when it’s time for a family gathering? As the parent of a child with Pathological Demand Avoidance (also known as Persistent Drive for Autonomy) and […]

Navigating the Complex Journey of Regression and PDA and Autism Have you ever watched your child suddenly lose skills they once had? One day, they’re chatting away, making eye contact, and playing with others. Then, seemingly overnight, these abilities fade away. As a mom to a daughter with autism, PDA, and ADHD, I’ve been through […]

Navigating the Intersections of AuDHD, Autism, ADHD, and PDA As I sit here watching my daughter engage in her favorite activity—arranging and rearranging her collection of Barbie dolls and all of their belongings into precise patterns—I’m reminded of our journey. The path to understanding her neurodivergent mind hasn’t been straightforward, but it has been immensely […]

A Positive Lens That Changes Everything: The Persistent Drive for Autonomy (PDA) Image Courtesy of Shutterstock.com I was at the park last week with my daughter when I noticed her becoming increasingly agitated as we approached leaving time. As I gave her the usual “five more minutes” warning, she completely shut down. Other parents gave […]

Navigating the Developmental Plateau with Autism: What Parents Need to Know Have you ever felt like your child with autism and PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) was making great progress, only to suddenly hit a wall? One day they’re mastering new skills, and the next, it seems like everything has come to a complete stop. If […]

Navigating Stimming in Public: Supporting Children with PDA and Autism Have you ever been at the grocery store when your child starts flapping their hands or rocking back and forth? Maybe they’re humming loudly or spinning in circles while waiting in line. If you’re nodding your head right now, you’re not alone. As a parent […]

How Sleep Patterns Connect to Autism and Pathological Demand Avoidance As parents, we all know the magic of a good nap. That peaceful moment when our little ones finally drift off, giving us a chance to breathe (or maybe tackle that mountain of laundry). But for those of us raising children with PDA and autism, […]

Navigating the Social Stigma of Autism and Why It Differs from ADHD Last week at a parent coffee meetup, I witnessed a scene that perfectly captures what many of us experience. Two moms were sharing stories about their children’s recent diagnoses. The first mom mentioned her son’s ADHD, and the responses were surprisingly positive: “Oh, […]

Recognizing When Children with Autism and PDA Hide Their True Selves at School When my daughter came home from school in tears—again—I knew something deeper was happening. “I’m just so tired, Mom,” she told me, collapsing onto the couch. “Being at school takes everything out of me.” As we talked more, I realized this wasn’t […]

Why Your Child with PDA and Autism Needs You Close Finding Balance Through Co-Regulation: Supporting Your Child’s Emotional Journey “You’re spoiling her.” “He just needs firmer boundaries.” “She’ll never learn if you keep babying her.” If you’re a parent of a child with PDA and autism, especially a “Velcro child” who seems permanently attached to […]

When Autism and PDA Remain Hidden Behind ADHD: A Parent’s Guide to Seeing the Full Picture It happens more often than many realize – a child receives an ADHD diagnosis, but years later, another important piece of the puzzle emerges: autism that was there all along, hidden behind more visible ADHD symptoms. This phenomenon isn’t […]