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PDA Society Podcast

PDA Society
Pathological Demand Avoidance
PDA Society
Autism
PDA (pathological Demand Avoidance)
PDA
Education
Mental Health
Parenting
Anxiety
Christmas
Meditation
Neurodiversity
Autism Spectrum
Mainstream Education
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Sensory Overload
Engagement Strategies
Classroom Environment
Christmas Day
Menstrual Health

Welcome to the PDA Society’s podcast, where we explore all things PDA to help make life easier for PDAers, their families, and everyone affected by demand avoidance. Research suggests PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) is a profile of autism, meaning individuals share similar strengths and challenges. A key feature of PDA is extreme demand avoidance – finding it hard or impossible to complete eve... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes43Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Education

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for PDA Society Podcast

Latest Episodes

In this episode, Beth Silcox and Rebecca Homewood (who are both specialists in neurodivergent affirming practice) talk about what genuinely helpful therapy looks like for PDA adults, why traditional approaches don't always work, and the practical thi... more

YouTube

In this episode we're chatting to Kate Whittlesey and Pat McMahon from the Access Hub about what it really means for a PDA or neurodivergent child to access their education. They cover why a child being physically present in school doesn't always tel... more

YouTube

In this episode we're chatting to Emma McDonnell, parent of two autistic children including one with a PDA profile, about the realities of parental mental health and wellbeing. Emma shares how small, practical shifts can make a genuine difference whe... more

YouTube

In this episode we're chatting to Laxmi Patel, specialist SEND lawyer and partner at Boyes Turner, about your rights when it comes to SEND law. She takes us from the very start of the journey through to EHCPs, appeals, and tribunal.

For information ... more

YouTube

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Recent Guests

Beth Silcox
Counsellor specialising in autism and ADHD, SEND advisor
Lily Oaks Psychological and Counselling Practice
Episode: Helpful therapies for PDA adults
Rebecca Homewood
Family therapist focused on neurodivergent, neuroaffirming counselling
Silver Penguin Family Therapy
Episode: Helpful therapies for PDA adults
Kate Whittlesey
From The Access Hub
The Access Hub
Episode: Accessibility for PDA pupils with The Access Hub
Pat McMahon
From The Access Hub
The Access Hub
Episode: Accessibility for PDA pupils with The Access Hub
Emma McDonnell
Parent of two autistic children, including one with a PDA profile; neurodivergent herself
Independent advocate; author of resources for PDA families
Episode: Parents of PDAers: Mental health & wellbeing
Laxmi Patel
Head of the education team and partner at Boys Turner Legal Firm in Reading
Boys Turner Legal Firm
Episode: SEND law and your child's education
Faith Newton
Highly specialist children's occupational therapist; director of ND Kids Occupational Therapy and Consulting and School OT; author of Inclusive PE for Sends Children
ND Kids Occupational Therapy and Consulting / School OT
Episode: OT assessments and PDA children
Jennifer Chilton
Mother to two daughters, one with a PDA profile; neurodiverse informed coach
Independent coach, PDA Society contributor
Episode: Daily life in a PDA family
Steve Keightley
Parent of a PDA child and founder of AskGentle
AskGentle
Episode: Declarative language made easy

Hosts

Rachel
Host of the PDA-focused show and representative of the PDA Society; collaboration with the PDA Society shines through multiple episodes.
Sarah
Co-host with a strong focus on PDA education and family support; frequently referenced as part of the PDA Society-hosted discussions.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 29 ratings
  • Amazing podcast

    Learnt a lot from all episodes apart from PMDD. Please only use someone with PMDD on these in the future, there’s quite a lot of misinformation in that one.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    y2j2y
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Thank you

    Such a clear and helpful podcast which has given me a better insight into my child’s behaviour.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Kitmoos
    United Kingdom4 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Clear, practical guidance for navigating PDA at home and in schools.
Content balances empathy with actionable steps for families and professionals.
Strong focus on peer support and community resources for PDA families.
Guests bring credible expertise and relatable experiences.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#78
New Zealand/Education

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Accessibility for PDA pupils with The Access Hub
Q: What is the Access Hub and how does it help parents, teachers, or other professionals find appropriate reasonable adjustments for individual children?
The Access Hub is an online platform focused on accessibility that aligns with SEND reforms and standards. It provides audits, recommendations, and a task-management system to implement changes across leadership, curriculum, information, and physical environment, with costed options and data to support EHCPs and funding.
SEND law and your child's education
Q: What happens if a local authority refuses to carry out a needs assessment?
Parents can appeal the decision. The process includes a six-week window to provide evidence of provision already made by the school, possible mediation, and then a tribunal if needed. The appeal process can be lengthy, but mediation or alternate routes can be pursued to resolve issues.
SEND law and your child's education
Q: When should families consider an EHCP, and what is the typical process?
An EHCP is not the first port of call. Start with the school-based provision and follow the assess, plan, do, review cycle. If progress stalls over a period of time despite this, discuss an EHC needs assessment with the local authority, which will involve various professionals and input from parents and the school, leading to a draft and then final plan within about 20 weeks, if possible.
SEND law and your child's education
Q: What would be a good starting point for parents at the very start of their journey if they suspect their child has additional needs?
Start by understanding the law and the SEND Code of Practice, gather and document early support steps you and the school have tried, and consider booking a session with a specialist to map out the journey and questions you should be asking. Early collaboration with the school and potential send advocates can help navigate the process before pursuing formal assessments.
Animal therapy for children with SEND
Q: how does the Elysian approach differ from more traditional behavioral or educational methods?
It emphasizes a farm-based, relationship-centered model that leverages animal interactions to build trust, autonomy, and engagement. Time, low-demand environments, and a focus on the young person's interests allow for meaningful progress and co-regulation, rather than coercive instruction.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About PDA Society Podcast

What is PDA Society Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show centers on practical, research-informed guidance for families dealing with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and related neurodivergent profiles. Across episodes, listeners hear from parents, clinicians, educators, and advocates who share real-world strategies: trauma- and co-regulation-focused parenting, navigating education and EHCPs, sleep and sensory supports, and community-building through peer networks. A notable strength is the emphasis on gentle, relationship-based approaches—minimizing demands, tailoring therapies, and leveraging human-to-human connection—while offering concrete steps, tools, and resources for families, schools, and professionals. The format often combines lived experience with expert insight, and guests... more

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How many episodes of PDA Society Podcast are there?

PDA Society Podcast launched 5 years ago and published 43 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on PDA Society Podcast?

Recent guests on PDA Society Podcast include:

1. Beth Silcox
2. Rebecca Homewood
3. Kate Whittlesey
4. Pat McMahon
5. Emma McDonnell
6. Laxmi Patel
7. Faith Newton
8. Jennifer Chilton

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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