Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) S7E21

In this episode, Rob Gorski is joined by Amber Arrington from Autism Savvy. They delve into the topic of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), an often misunderstood profile within the autism spectrum. Amber shares her personal experiences as a mother of three autistic children, including a daughter who exhibits PDA traits. The discussion covers the challenges of navigating PDA, strategies for support, and the importance of educating both parents and educators. Takeaways Pathological demand avoidance (PDA) is a profile of autism that is not officially recognized in the United States but is more widely recognized in the UK and Australia. Children with PDA exhibit a persistent drive for autonomy and have strong reactions to perceived demands, often responding with resistance or refusal. Parents of children with PDA face challenges in navigating educational settings and advocating for accommodations. Learning and understanding PDA can help parents develop strategies to support their children and create a more inclusive environment. Guest Bio: Amber Arrington is the founder of Autism Savvy, where she supports parents navigating new autism diagnoses for their children. With over 20 years of experience and as a mother of three autistic children, Amber offers a unique perspective on the challenges and strategies involved in raising autistic kids. Her work focuses on empowering parents with knowledge and resources, especially in the critical early stages of diagnosis. Connect with Amber at https://autismsavvy.com About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and the Founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for the last 15 years. Connect with Rob: theautismdad.link Mentioned in this episode: Learn More About Wishes and Co Travel Planning Stephanie Peters and Shelby Knopp co-own Wishes and Co Travel Planning, specializing in special needs travel. They provide resources and support for families with special needs children, including social stories, visual schedules, and personalized accommodation and activity recommendations. Their goal is to make travel accessible and enjoyable for all families. They work with various budgets, plan vacations year-round, and offer complimentary services, dedicated to creating lasting memories for families. Visit Wishes and Co Travel Planning Learn more about ABLEnow ABLEnow – tax-advantaged savings accounts for eligible individuals with disabilities. Learn if you, or someone you know, is eligible to open an ABLEnow account at ABLEnow.com. ABLEnow Learn More About Super Duper Publications Hello, parents and educators! Enhance your child's learning with Super Duper Publications! Our tools, designed by experts in speech-language and occupational therapy, include engaging games, books, and card decks perfect for any time, anywhere learning. With options for hands-on and digital learning, plus hundreds of free resources, we cater to all children, including those with diverse needs. Dive into fun and effective education at superduperinc.com and use the code "theautismdad10" to save 10%. Visit Super Duper Publications

Om Podcasten

Welcome to "The Autism Dad" podcast, hosted by Rob Gorski — a single father to three remarkable autistic children and the voice behind a widely-read blog that has been a lifeline for parents since 2010. With over a decade of firsthand experience, Rob's insights have not only impacted families worldwide but have also been featured on platforms like The Tamron Hall Show, ABC News, BBC Worldwide, CNN, and Entrepreneur Magazine. Join us every Tuesday and Thursday for fresh episodes that delve into the complex world of autism and special needs parenting. This podcast serves as a safe haven, offering a blend of personal stories, expert interviews, and actionable advice. Whether you're a parent navigating the nuanced challenges of raising a neurodivergent child or simply someone looking to better understand the realm of autism, "The Autism Dad" podcast provides understanding, support, and education for all. Don't go this journey alone; tune in and become part of a community committed to awareness, acceptance, and growth.