Is our current approach counterproductive, should we be more proactive?

  In This Thought-Provoking Episode: We tackle a question many families face: Is our approach to supporting our PDA autistic children actually counterproductive? We navigate the fine line between respecting our children's autonomy and our natural parental instincts to guide and support them, particularly when they show reluctance to engage with the world outside their comfort zones. But is this what it truly is? A simple reluctance to leave one's comfort zones? Key Highlights: Understanding Autonomy vs. Support: Delve into the delicate balance of respecting our children's choices while grappling with parental concerns about engagement and isolation. Explore the nuanced dynamics of autonomy and support in the context of PDA and autism. Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) Insights: Join Kristy as she shares her personal and professional insights on PDA, differentiating it from other forms of demand avoidance and discussing its profound impact on children's willingness to engage. Gain a deeper understanding of PDA and its implications for family life. The Recovery Journey: Take a look at the individualised nature of recovery and adaptation, acknowledging the uniqueness of each child's path to re-engagement. Learn about the stages of recovery and how to support your child through this transformative journey. Community Support and Avoiding Comparison: Emphasise the importance of community support and the pitfalls of comparing our journeys to those of others. Discover the value of a supportive community and learn how to navigate the challenges of comparison in the context of parenting and PDA. Embracing Trial and Error: Highlight the trial and error process in discovering effective supports and tools, learning more about our children's needs, and adapting our approaches accordingly. Understand the importance of flexibility and adaptability in finding what works best for your child. Future Considerations: Reflect on our fears and hopes for our children's futures, stressing the importance of staying present and responsive to their current needs. Explore the future implications of our parenting approaches and how we can best support our children in the long term.

Om Podcasten

As the host of a unique and impactful podcast, Kristy Forbes combines her professional experience as an educator with a special interest in Pathological Demand Avoidance with a personal touch. She brings an authentic voice to the dialogue on neurodivergence, drawing from her own experiences as an autistic adult, a parent to neurodivergent children, and a professional in the field. KF's mission (and dreaming) invites families and carers to imagine transcending conventional approaches in supporting their children and loved ones; invites professionals to dismantle traditional power imbalances & social hierarchies rooted in privilege and to disengage from power imbalances and engage in meaningful, community-level presence and deep listening. Most importantly, Kristy offers a reframe; an alternate perspective of what it truly means to be neurodivergent and how we both formulate and cultivate a positive sense of autistic identity and culture within a neuronormative society. Her passion stems from a commitment and drive to decolonise and dismantle the ways in which we hear one another and begin to rewrite what the textbooks say we are, as neurodivergent people and communities. With radical acceptance.