Best Journeys With PDA Podcasts (2025)

1
Season 3 Episode 31 - Special Guest: Leah McDermott 1:03:29

18h ago1:03:29

1:03:29

Send us a text In this episode, Heather and Kerissa chat with Leah McDermott. Leah is a former teacher turned radical unschooling advocate, owner and author at Your Natural Learner, and founder and head of school at Bridge Academy. Connect with Leah on Facebook and Instagram @yournaturallearner or email [email protected]. Join Heather …

1
Julia Daunt’s Journey navigating life with ADHD and PDA 44:52

29d ago44:52

44:52

“I reduce demands before an activity so that my anxiety reduces.” In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob chats with Julia Daunt, a passionate advocate for the neurodivergent community. Julia shares her lived experience with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and ADHD, offering insights into how she overcame the challenges she faced from…

1
Helping Your Autistic Child with Anxiety 20:04

1d ago20:04

20:04

In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast Victoria and Natalie dive in to the topic of anxiety in autistic children. Drawing from their personal experiences as mums of autistic boys, they explore the many ways anxiety can present itself - from meltdowns and shutdowns to avoidance, ritualistic behaviour, physical symptoms, and anger. They of…

1
What is PDA? 16:05

9d ago16:05

16:05

In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, Victoria and Natalie dive into the unique challenges of raising a child with a PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) profile. They share personal stories, strategies, and reflections to help parents and caregivers better understand and support their children navigating PDA-related behaviors. Key Take…

1
Caring for Yourself When Your Child Is Having a Tough Day 14:01

16d ago14:01

14:01

In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we're talking about ways to look after yourself when your child is having a tough day. Key Takeaways How supporting our children with their emotions can leave us feeling completely drained. Common mistakes we’ve made when trying to "push through" a tough day. Simple ways we try to carve out moments …

1
Practical Ways to Help Your Autistic Child with Daily Life 16:23

16d ago16:23

16:23

In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we talk about the practical ways we can help our autistic children with daily life. We’re sharing some of the things that have helped us make daily life a bit easier with our autistic children. From using timers and visual timetables to experimenting with tooth brushes and finding softer clothing. T…

1
Getting an EHCP 26:33

16d ago26:33

26:33

In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we’re talking about the journey to getting an EHCP - what it is, why it matters, and what the process looked like for our families. We’ll share the lessons we learned along the way with the hope that it helps you navigate the process and feel a little more prepared. Key Takeaways An EHCP can provide…

1
Victoria's Son's Journey to Diagnosis 21:11

16d ago21:11

21:11

In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast Victoria opens up about her son's journey to an autism diagnosis. From the early signs that were missed, to the struggles at school, to the moment the diagnosis finally came. Key Takeaways Autism signs can often be masked or misunderstood, especially in young children. Building a support network of …

1
Natalie's Son's Journey to Diagnosis 15:34

16d ago15:34

15:34

In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we dive deep into one of the most emotional milestones for parents: the journey toward an autism diagnosis. We share Natalie's story with her son, from the first signs that something was wrong at nursery to the long road of assessments and support. Key Takeaways Early signs aren't always obvious: It…

1
Welcome to The Autism Mums Podcast 1:07

22d ago1:07

1:07

Welcome to The Autism Mums Podcast — a space created for parents and carers navigating life with autistic children. We’re your hosts, Victoria and Natalie — two sisters raising autistic children ourselves. We understand the joys, the challenges, and the thousand tiny moments that no one else quite gets. In this podcast, we’ll bring you: Real talk a…

1
Season 3 Episode 30 - Special Guest: Sarah Martin, RDN 1:24:13

24d ago1:24:13

1:24:13

Send us a text In this episode, Heather and Kerissa chat with Sarah Martin, RDN Sarah Martin, RDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist dedicated to educating and empowering neurodivergent individuals and families to nourish their relationships with food and eating. A late-diagnosed AuDHD PDAer and parent of 3 neurodivergent children, Sarah is in …

1
Lets Talk Travelling 39:46

1M ago39:46

39:46

#1 Summary An episode for those of you who live the same life as we do i.e. with neurodivergent and SEN children, to resonate with, feel validated by, laugh at and know you are not alone when it comes to travelling. And for others listening to know our struggles, become aware and help us change attitudes. Encompassing all things travel related from…

1
My experience as a parent of an autistic child with Folashade Dan-Oketola 49:49

1M ago49:49

49:49

“If we don’t take breaks, we burn out. Accept help where you can.” In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob speaks with Folashade Dan-Oketola, a parent, caregiver, and advocate for the neurodivergent and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) community. Folashade shares her journey of parenting an autistic child, highlighting th…

1
Clip "Community in Venice, Italy" from Episode 9 9:30

2M ago9:30

9:30

This clip is from Episode 9: "Venice Through the Eyes of a Local - Avoid Getting Pickpocketed, Identify Tourist Traps, and Learn the Origins of Ciao, Spritz, and Fascinating Historical Anecdotes about Italy" Find the full episode here: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube In the full episode, Federico Blumer reveals a lot of uncommonly told insights abou…

1
Kareena’s journey and capacity as an autistic adult 1:02:12

2M ago1:02:12

1:02:12

"As an autistic individual, as somebody that's neurodiverse, the ability to organise information and filter out what's important, all those kinds of things, they don't come naturally to us.” In this episode of Your Voice Matters, host Asma Jacob speaks with Kareena Kai, an autistic adult and the founder of Busy Bees Inc Club CIC. Kareena shares her…

1
Season 3 Episode 29 - Special Guest: Steph Curtis 59:46

2M ago59:46

59:46

Send us a text In this episode, Heather and Kerissa chat with Steph Curtis, author of "PDA in the Family: Life After the Lightbulb Moment," and the blog Steph's Two Girls. You can find more information about Steph Curtis at www.stephstwogirls.co.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephstwogirls Join Heather & Kerissa as they share from an authen…

1
Clip "How Growing up in Italy as a Black Woman Shaped her Identity" from Episode 8 7:40

2M ago7:40

7:40

This clip is from Episode 8: "Growing Up Black in Italy - Stefania Okereke's Journey from Childhood in Cremona to Producing a Show with Amazon Prime that Taught her the Italian Food Fun Facts she Shares" Find the full episode here: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube In the full episode, Stefania Okereke gets deep about her experience as a Black woman t…

1
Clip "Italian Words That Mean Something Different in the U.S. and Italy" from Episode 7 3:52

2M ago3:52

3:52

This clip is from Episode 7: "Tips for Learning Italian - Make Friends and Find a Job in Italy, Avoid Apartment Hunting Nightmares, and Embrace the Italian Culture" Find the full episode here: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube In the full episode, Roberto Cittadini, an Italian teacher for 30 years, explains why learning the language is the key to unlo…

1
Autism, ADHD, and the Importance of Diagnosis with Jen Slaton 1:01:25

2M ago1:01:25

1:01:25

"The diagnosis is not a label, it's a key. It's a key to understanding." In this episode of Your Voice Matters, host Asma Jacob speaks with psychotherapist and coach Jen Slaton, who has extensive experience working with the neurodivergent community. Jen shares her personal and professional journey, highlighting the impact of late diagnosis on menta…

1
S2C Lesson Writing with Guest Helen Adderley 1:01:57

3M ago1:01:57

1:01:57

#1 Summary An hour long episode with guest Helen Adderley who is so charming and intelligent and joy to chat with. Helen talks us through her own personal journey with her son Phil, becoming a Spell2Communicate Practitioner and most importantly about her book of lessons for non speaking, minimally and unreliably speaking individuals learning to spe…

1
Season 3 Episode 28 - Special Guest: JD Barker- New York Times and International Best Selling Author 51:55

3M ago51:55

51:55

Send us a text In this episode, Heather & Kerissa chat with New York Times and International Best Selling Author JD Barker about late diagnosis and being an autistic author. You can find more information about JD Barker at: https://jdbarker.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealjdbarker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdbarker_author?…

1
Clip ""90% of Meat in Europe is Produced in Intensive Farms"" from Episode 6 3:19

3M ago3:19

3:19

This clip is from Episode 6: "The Truth Behind Italy's Food Culture - What You Might Not Know About Italian Food and Secrets of the Meat Industry Revealed by the Director of Food For Profit" Find the full episode here: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube In the full episode, Pablo D’Ambrosi, Director of Food For Profit, exposes the meat industry in a wa…

1
Masking (The Pressure of Fitting In: Understanding Neurodivergent Masking with Carly Considine) 50:26

3M ago50:26

50:26

"Masking is a form of trying to fit into social norms—pretending to be someone you're not. It comes at a cost: burnout, anxiety, and mental health challenges." In this episode of Your Voice Matters, host Asma Jacob welcomes back advocate Carly Considine for another insightful conversation about masking within the neurodivergent community. Carly sha…

1
Season 3 Episode 27 - Neurodivergent Accommodations, Adjustments & Supports 1:14:26

3M ago1:14:26

1:14:26

Send us a text In our Season 3 Kick-Off, Heather & Kerissa chat about accommodations. Join Heather & Kerissa as they share from an authentic & real-life perspective with in-depth conversations around neurodiversity, PDA autism profile, and the autistic experience. This, on occasion, includes sensitive and difficult topics. (Topics include but are n…

1
Clip "Being a Mother in Italy" from Episode 5 4:47

3M ago4:47

4:47

This clip is from Episode 5: "Work-Life Balance in Italy - Spotify Executive Discusses Office Culture in Italy vs America and Motherhood in Italy" Find the full episode here: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube In the full episode, learn about the ghost town phenomenon of August in Milan, the sentence that if missing will get a resume throw…

1
Antonio's Journey 35:36

3M ago35:36

35:36

"We all should be thoughtful of each other. Whether we see something or don't see something, we should all be treated with respect, politeness, and a willingness to learn and grow from whomever we’re interacting with." In this episode of Your Voice Matters, host Asma Jacob speaks with Antonio Myers, a dedicated disability advocate and host of the T…

1
Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) with Diane Gould 42:20

3M ago42:20

42:20

Stay tuned for the transcript, which will be available shortly after publication on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Diane Gould Guest Title and Bio: Diane Gould is a licensed clinical social worker with over 40 years of experience working with neurodivergent children, adults, and their families. She founded PDA North America, an organization…

1
adhd Parenting - the day to day woes 26:51

4M ago26:51

26:51

#1 Summary As much as we love and embrace our neurodivergent children, raising them is challenging and often leaves us feeling as though we are going round in circles. An honest look at parenting my own two sons and their adhd, one being 13 and non-speaking autistic, the other 21 and at home having dropped out of uni. Sharing the woes experienced w…

1
Finding Strength in Individuality: Empowering Lives with Asma Jacob 39:20

4M ago39:20

39:20

“Therapy isn’t about fixing someone; it’s about empowering them to recognise their own strengths.” In this debut episode of Your Voice Matters, host Asma Jacob, founder of Achievable Journey, shares her inspiring story and vision for the podcast. Joined by her friend Jude, Asma discusses her journey as a SEND Holistic Therapist, working with childr…

1
Autism, Identity & Community with Carly Considine 45:11

4M ago45:11

45:11

“Surround yourself with people who understand, and you do find your tribe.” In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob chats with Carly Considine, an autistic adult and advocate for the neurodivergent community. Carly shares how her diagnosis brought clarity and improved her mental health, while also opening up about raising three autistic c…

1
Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) with Melanie Phipps 58:06

4M ago58:06

58:06

“Strategies are a really important thing with PDA, but we tend not to call them strategies. We refer to them as helpful approaches because there’s no one-size-fits-all.” In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob talks with Melanie Phipps, a PDA Parenting Mentor and Coach, and a mother of three boys, including one with a PDA profile on the a…

1
Isolation and Inclusion in the Neurodivergent Community with Carly Considine 40:30

4M ago40:30

40:30

“Listen to autistic voices because you will not get the same advice in a book that you would from people who live it every day.” In this episode of Your Voice Matters, host Asma Jacob speaks with Carly Considine, an autistic adult and mother of three, about the challenges of isolation and the importance of inclusion within the neurodivergent commun…

1
Navigating the Emotional Terrain: Counseling and Behavioral Strategies in Special Education with Dr. Gwen Martin 53:40

5M ago53:40

53:40

Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Dr. Gwendolyn Martin Title/Organization: Licensed Professional Counselor, Founder of Dr. Gwen’s Counselor Café, LLC, and Coastal Crossroads Counseling Solutions, LLC Guest Bio: Dr. Gwendolyn Martin, also known as Dr. Gwen, is a licens…

1
Empowering Through Accessibility: Insights from The Blind Blogger, Maxwell Ivey 45:33

5M ago45:33

45:33

Stay tuned for the transcript, which will be available shortly after publication on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Maxwell Ivey Guest Title and Bio:Maxwell Ivey, also known as The Blind Blogger, is a blind entrepreneur, author, speaker, and accessibility advocate. Maxwell has built a successful career helping businesses, nonprofits, and org…

1
Clip "Find the Best Gelato in Italy" from Episode 4 5:34

5M ago5:34

5:34

This clip is from Episode 4: "All About Chocolate and Gelato in Italy - Sweet Tips for Finding Great Gelato in Italy and Unveiling Italian Chocolate Recipes with Mr. Venchi" Find the full episode here: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube In the full episode, become proficient in picking out quality gelato and get advice to ensure you're eat…

1
Reaching New Heights: The Power of Parent Advocacy in Special Education with April Rehrig 43:15

5M ago43:15

43:15

Host: Dana Jonson Guest: April Rehrig Title: Founder, Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting Bio: April Rehrig is a distinguished advocate in special education with over two decades of experience as a school psychologist, teacher, and parent within the public school setting. As the founder of Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting, April focuse…

1
Clip "Food Differences Across Regions in Italy" from Episode 3 3:27

5M ago3:27

3:27

This clip is from Episode 3: "Buon Appetito - Italian Restaurant Details Including Etiquette, Menus (Km0), Bread, Waiters, Paying, and Tipping" Find the full episode here: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube In the full episode, master eating like a local in Italy by understanding how Italian food is regional, the differences between a trat…

1
Your Voice Matters Trailer 2:41

5M ago2:41

2:41

Welcome to Your Voice Matters, a podcast amplifying the voices of the SEND and neurodivergent community. Hosted by Asma Jacob, a dedicated SEND Therapist with 20+ years of experience, we create a safe space to share stories, build connections, and inspire understanding. In each episode, we explore powerful stories and perspectives from neurodiverge…

1
Empowering Autism Parenting: Transforming Challenges into Triumphs with Andrea Pollack 53:41

5M ago53:41

53:41

Stay tuned for the transcript, which will be available shortly after publication on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Andrea Pollack Founder, Autism Parent Solutions Andrea Pollack is a former litigator turned educator and parenting coach. After homeschooling her autistic son for eight years due to a lack of suitable educational settings, Andr…

1
Clip "PDA in Italy" from Episode 2 1:49

5M ago1:49

1:49

This clip is from Episode 2: "Experience an Italian Spa - Wellness and Self-Care in Italy Explained by Cofounder of QC Spa of Wonders (Formerly QC Terme)" Find the full episode here: Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music YouTube In the full episode, gain an inside perspective on Italian wellness (or in Italian: "benessere") and how Italian's approach…

1
Academic Pressures, Eating Disorders, and Mental Wellness: A Comprehensive Approach with Ilona Phillips 55:06

5M ago55:06

55:06

Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Ilona Phillips Founder of Lotus Consulting, Psychotherapist specializing in eating disorders Guest Bio: Ilona Phillips is the founder of a psychotherapy group practice specializing in treating eating disorders. With over two decades o…

1
Going Residential 27:37

6M ago27:37

27:37

#1 Even thinking about your child potentially needing a residential placement is traumatic and gut wrenching so actually sending them is the hardest decision families can make. A personal episode to raise awareness, to help the decision making process for parents/carers and to rid the stigma of what people assume it is. #2 Guest N/A #3 Time Stamps …

1
Clip "Italian Accents from Different Areas in Italy" from Episode 1 2:37

6M ago2:37

2:37

This clip is from Episode 1: "Mamma Mia! Decode Italian Hand Gestures, Accents and Onomatopoeias with Polyglot Artist Maddalena Mazzaferri from Rome, Italy." Find the full episode here: Apple Podcasts Spotify (video) Amazon Music YouTube In the full episode, you will laugh while learning essential Italian words and sounds to avoid awkward misunders…

1
Suicidal Behaviors in Adolescents with Disabilities and Therapeutic Support with Melody Murray 1:05:54

6M ago1:05:54

1:05:54

Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be available on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Melody Murray Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Child Mental Health Specialist, Author Melody has a unique background that spans roles as a hospital ER mental health evaluator, reality TV producer, and therapist. With experience…

1
EP 26: Season 2 Wrap Up! 1:07:19

6M ago1:07:19

1:07:19

Send us a text In this episode, Heather & Kerissa reflect and chat on Season 2 of our Coffee Chat Podcast. Join Heather & Kerissa as they share from an authentic & real-life perspective with in-depth conversations around neurodiversity, PDA autism profile, and the autistic experience. This, on occasion, includes sensitive and difficult topics. (Top…

1
Empowering Through Exercise: Fitness and Autism with Jimmy Clare 39:09

6M ago39:09

39:09

Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Jimmy Clare Guest Title: Founder of Crazy Fitness Guy, Motivational Speaker, Autism Advocate, Author Introduction: In this episode, Dana Jonson sits down with Jimmy Clare, the resilient and inspiring founder of Crazy Fitness Guy. Jimm…

1
Italian Fashion as it Relates to Italian Culture - Made in Italy, Luxury vs Fast Fashion, and How Italians Dress Described by CEO of Stefano Ricci in Florence, Italy 40:41

6M ago40:41

40:41

(VIDEO AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY AND YOUTUBE) In Italy, dressing well is more than just a fashion statement. Stefano Ricci's CEO, Niccolò Ricci, explains the deep-rooted traditions and cultural nuances of Italian style. While revealing insights into one of Italy's most prestigious luxury brands, Niccolò and host Catrin Skaperdas have a fun and informati…

1
Dysgraphia Insights and Inclusive Strategies with Cheri Dotterer 49:50

6M ago49:50

49:50

Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Cheri Dotterer Guest's Bio: Cheri Dotterer is a handwriting specialist and dysgraphia consultant with an occupational therapy background. Her work focuses on providing innovative strategies and interventions for individuals with dysgr…

1
Unlocking Potential Enhancing Brain Health and Development with Dr. Rebecca Jackson 46:04

6M ago46:04

46:04

Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Dr. Rebecca Jackson Chief Programs Officer, Brain Balance, Board-Certified Cognitive Specialist, and Doctor of Chiropractic. Guest Bio: Dr. Rebecca Jackson is a brain health expert and the Chief Programs Officer at Brain Balance. She …

1
Weddings in Italy - Italian Wedding Traditions, Food, Superstitions, Gifts, Attire, Party Favors, Stories, and More 37:04

7M ago37:04

37:04

(VIDEO AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY AND YOUTUBE) How are weddings in Italy different than weddings in America? As an American that recently got married in Italy, host Catrin Skaperdas noticed a lot of cultural differences between weddings she had experienced in the U.S. and traditions in Italy. Join newly-wed American host Catrin Skaperdas and guest Caroli…

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Journeys With PDA Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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