Best Journeys With PDA Podcasts (2025)

1
Season 3 Episode 30 - Special Guest: Sarah Martin, RDN 1:22:59

20d ago1:22:59

1:22:59

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

24d 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
Supporting Neurodiverse Students: Insights from Awesome Archie with Rebecca Clapcott 59:28

10h ago59:28

59:28

Last month, Archie Clapcott joined Dale in the studio to share his transition from mainstream to special education. Today, his Mum, Rebecca Clapcott, draws on her extensive experience as the founder of the Awesome Archie nonprofit to discuss how to support neurodiverse students and why schools must embrace change. Rebecca emphasises that many teach…

1
Understanding Non-Speaking Autism and Apraxia (S8E14) 40:50

3d ago40:50

40:50

While my production computer is down, I’m re-releasing this powerful episode that so many parents found helpful the first time around. If you’re raising a non-speaking or minimally speaking child, or if you're trying to better understand apraxia and communication differences in autism—this conversation is for you. I’m joined again by Samantha Fox, …

1
What is PDA? 16:05

4d 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
Why does the Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle matter? with Sara Alston 1:11:26

7d ago1:11:26

1:11:26

Since the 2015 SEN Code of Practice SEN support has been based on a graduate response that includes an Assess, Plan, Do, Review (APDR) cycle. Unfortunately, this cycle is becoming fragmented, with each component operating in isolation. Assessments are not being linked to children’s needs or plans to support them. Plans are made but not implemented …

1
Navigating Puberty With Autistic Kids (w/ Dr. Whitney Casares) (S8E13) 1:13:36

10d ago1:13:36

1:13:36

This episode is being re-released for Autism Awareness Month. In this powerful and important conversation, I’m joined by returning guest Dr. Whitney Casares. She’s not only a Stanford-trained pediatrician and public health expert, but she’s also an autism mom raising two differently wired kids. Together, we tackle a topic many of us try to avoid—pu…

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

11d 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

11d 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

11d 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

11d 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

11d 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
Informal SEND Provision in Mainstream Primary: The Positives and The Pitfalls with Kate Browning 1:00:47

16d ago1:00:47

1:00:47

In this episode of the SENDcast, Dale discusses informal SEND provision in mainstream primary schools with Kate Browning, an experienced SEND consultant. They explore the increasing demand for inclusive education amid a rise in children with complex needs and the challenges schools face in effectively supporting these students. Kate highlights what…

1
Understanding Autism in Girls with Dr. Taylor Day (S8E12) 39:03

17d ago39:03

39:03

April is Autism Awareness Month, and this episode with Dr. Tay is one of the most important conversations I’ve had. We dive into how autism shows up differently in girls—and why so many are missed or misdiagnosed. If you’re a parent, educator, or just want to better understand the nuances of autism, this one’s a must-listen. In this episode, I’m jo…

1
Welcome to The Autism Mums Podcast 1:07

18d 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
Universal Approaches to Support in Education with Clare Ward & James Galpin 1:07:52

23d ago1:07:52

1:07:52

I just finished listening to this thought-provoking podcast episode featuring Dr Jamie Galpin and Clare Ward! They join Dale to discuss ‘Universal Approaches to Support in Education’, at a time when we're seeing rising levels of emotion-based school avoidance, teachers struggling with mental health challenges or leaving the profession altogether, a…

1
Aria’s Kid-Friendly Minecraft Movie Review (S8E11) 22:53

24d ago22:53

22:53

Today’s episode is full of joy and Minecraft magic! Rob is joined by a very special guest, Aria. Aria is Kelly's 8 year old daughter with autism. Fresh off seeing the new Minecraft Movie, Aria shares her thoughts, favorite moments, and tips for parents wondering if it’s a good pick for their kids. They also dive deep into the game itself—breaking d…

1
How Dealing with Mental Images and ‘re-wiring’ the Brain Can Create Breakthroughs for Dyslexia with Lou Barnes 51:44

1M ago51:44

51:44

In our latest episode, we dive into the challenges faced by children struggling with reading and writing. It's crucial for us as educators to recognise the signs that indicate a child's brain may not be processing text in a way that allows for easy reading and spelling. Dale is joined in our new studio by Lou Barnes, a trainer and founder of Unlock…

1
Gavin’s Journey to Independence (S8E10) 21:02

1M ago21:02

21:02

In this special Autism Acceptance Month episode, I’m re-sharing an important and personal conversation with my oldest son, Gavin. Gavin is 25 years old, autistic, and immunocompromised. In this episode, we talk about his journey toward independent living and why he’s choosing to move into a group home. Gavin shares his thoughts, hopes, fears, and g…

1
nasen awards - Clare Brun Teacher of the Year 28:00

1M ago28:00

28:00

In this final special episode of our nasen award winner series, Clare Brun shares her experiences and insights as the Teacher of the Year, highlighting her work at Holyrood Academy and the transformative impact of their enhanced learning provision. Throughout the discussion, Clare emphasises the importance of support, collaboration, and strong rela…

1
Special Episode Autism Europe International Congress 2025 24:26

1M ago24:26

24:26

We are delighted to welcome the team behind Autism Congress on the SENDcast. In this special episode of the SENDcast, Dale Pickles discusses the upcoming Autism Europe International Congress 11-13th September in Dublin. The event team join Dale including Adam Harris, Peter Vermeulen and Zsuzsanna Szilvasy. They highlight that the Congress aims to c…

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
Awesome Archie's Journey from Mainstream to Specialist Education with Archie Clapcott 35:14

1M ago35:14

35:14

I'm excited to share our latest podcast episode featuring our youngest guest, 16-year-old Archie Clapcott. Archie travelled to our studio to discuss his journey from mainstream education to a specialist setting. As an autistic individual with ADHD and Tourette’s Syndrome, he offers a unique perspective that we can all learn from. I was really taken…

1
Special Needs Financial Planning (Part 1) – Building the Foundation (S8E09) 31:21

1M ago31:21

31:21

Welcome to Part 1 of a powerful three-part series focused on special needs financial planning. In this episode, I’m joined by the amazing Katy Bryan, a Chartered Special Needs Consultant from Skylight Financial Group. Katy brings over 14 years of experience helping more than 250 families plan for their future. We’re breaking things down into real, …

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
nasen awards - Jane Fearnley & Faye Ebbs, Alternative Provision of the Year 36:39

1M ago36:39

36:39

Jane Fearnley and Faye Ebbs from the LEAF Centre, discuss their work and recent recognition as winners of the nasen Alternative Provision of the Year award. The Leaf Centre, located within Willow Tree Academy, focuses on providing therapeutic intervention support to improve student attendance, reduce exclusions, and foster early intervention, leadi…

1
Relationship Dynamics with Children with PDA with Beth Elkins & Ian Thorsteinsson 1:09:55

1M ago1:09:55

1:09:55

I am delighted to share the latest episode of our podcast, where Beth Elkins and Ian Thorsteinsson from Gretton School join Dale to explore the relationship dynamics with children who have Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Beth is a parent to a young man with PDA and brings a unique perspective that combines both personal and professional insigh…

1
Before He Could Speak (S8E08) 21:03

1M ago21:03

21:03

This week’s episode is deeply personal and incredibly important. I’m rereleasing this conversation from a previous season because the message still resonates just as strongly—and it’s something every parent, educator, and professional working with non-speaking kids should hear. What started as a simple audio test with my son Emmett turned into one …

1
nasen awards - St Andrews International School, International Provision of the Year 33:04

2M ago33:04

33:04

In this special episode, Catherine McCluskey, Paul Schofield, and Roo Stenning from St Andrews International School in Bangkok discuss their recognition as the International Provision of the Year at the nasen Awards. They highlight the school's commitment to inclusivity, emphasising that every child's potential is valued and supported. Catherine no…

1
‘Improve not Prove’: Self-Evaluation for Continuous Improvement in Inclusion 56:27

2M ago56:27

56:27

Inclusion continues to be a hot topic in education, and while schools have made tremendous strides in fostering inclusivity, several barriers remain, particularly league tables and Ofsted defining school intent. In our latest episode of the SENDcast, Dale speaks with Maria Dawes, CEO of the Schools Alliance for Excellence. Maria shares valuable ins…

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
The Importance of Validation in the Autism Community (S8E07) 8:27

2M ago8:27

8:27

Episode Overview In this solo episode, I dive into a topic that’s been weighing on my heart—validation in the autism community. There’s a growing divide between those who see autism as a superpower and those who experience it as a significant disability. Both perspectives are valid, but we need to recognize that no single experience defines autism.…

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
nasen awards - Alison Eason, Changemaker of the Year 35:30

2M ago35:30

35:30

Alison Eason discusses her recognition as the Changemaker of the Year at the nasen Awards for her innovative work in using technology to support students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). She emphasises how her computing strategies help students with dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism, and ADHD, promoting independence and reducing re…

1
Season 3 Episode 29 - Special Guest: Steph Curtis 58:32

2M ago58:32

58:32

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
Why We Need More Support For Neurodivergent Teachers with Catrina Lowri 1:08:33

2M ago1:08:33

1:08:33

We typically discuss how to support neurodivergent children, but what about teachers? Today, Dale and Catrina Lowri, founder of Neuroteachers, discuss the need for increased support for neurodivergent teachers and support staff. Catrina shares her personal journey as a neurodivergent educator with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, dyslexia and ADHD.…

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
Navigating Divorce with Neurodivergent Kids (Part 2) S8E06 41:31

2M ago41:31

41:31

Episode Summary Divorce is never easy, and when neurodivergent children are involved, the challenges can be even more complex. In Part 1, we explored the unique difficulties of co-parenting neurodivergent kids, the importance of routine and consistency, and strategies for reducing trauma and increasing stability. Now, in Part 2, we’re tackling list…

1
nasen awards - Michelle Madziak, Teacher of the Year 25:46

2M ago25:46

25:46

In this special episode, Michelle Madziak discusses her recognition as a joint winner of the Teacher of the Year award at the nasen Awards. She emphasises her passion for empowering students and the transformative impact of her work in a special needs setting. Michelle highlights her innovative use of communication tools like tactile signing and iP…

1
The Importance of Literacy Education for ALL learners with Chantal Bryan & Sarah Giles 49:49

2M ago49:49

49:49

In today’s episode, ‘The Importance of Literacy Education for ALL Learners’, Chantal Bryan and Sarah Giles from the charity Teach Us Too join Dale for an engaging discussion. The conversation centres around Chantal’s son, Jonathan, who faces significant challenges due to his complex physical disabilities. I was inspired by his incredible journey to…

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
Navigating Divorce with Neurodivergent Kids pt 1 (S8E05) 54:05

2M ago54:05

54:05

Divorce is never easy, and when neurodivergent children are involved, the challenges can be even more complex. In this episode, I open up about my own divorce for the first time and discuss how it has affected me as a parent. My kids will also be sharing their experiences in future episodes because they deserve a voice in this conversation. Joining…

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
nasen awards - Chapman Shum, Young Advocate of the Year 40:18

2M ago40:18

40:18

The podcast features Chapman Shum, the nasen Young Advocate of the Year 2024 winner, discussing his journey as a visually impaired musician. Chapman, who was born blind and has learning difficulties, shares how music has been a powerful tool for connection and expression. He emphasises that challenges can be overcome and aims to inspire others faci…

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

2M 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
Structured Teaching, Pre-empting Barriers and Developing Curriculum Pathways with Tanya Lefort 1:32:32

2M ago1:32:32

1:32:32

As the number of children with SEND in mainstream schools continues to rise, coupled with limited spaces in specialist settings, the demand for effective and inclusive support is huge. More children are entering classrooms with complex needs, placing pressure on mainstream schools to meet those needs. But how can schools do this? This week, Tanya L…

1
The Unbreakable Boy: A Father’s Journey with Scott LeRette (S8E04) 36:33

2M ago36:33

36:33

Episode Summary: Join Rob Gorski, The Autism Dad, in a heartfelt conversation with Scott LeRette, author of "The Unbreakable Boy" and father to Austin, a young man with autism and osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Scott shares his family's inspiring journey, discussing the challenges and triumphs of raising a child with unique needs. General Timeframes…

1
nasen awards - Dale Pickles, Resource for SEND 36:31

2M ago36:31

36:31

In this podcast episode, Dale Pickles takes a step back from hosting duties where his colleague Jon asks the questions. They discuss the success of the SENDcast podcast, which won the Resource for SEND at the nasen awards 2024. Dale reflects on the podcast’s journey over four years, highlighting its reach of over 350,000 listens and contributions f…

1
Season 3 Episode 28 - Special Guest: JD Barker- New York Times and International Best Selling Author 51:17

3M ago51:17

51:17

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
Foundations of Early Literacy – What Are the Building Blocks? with Dr Sarah Moseley & Ginny Bootman 1:00:40

3M ago1:00:40

1:00:40

This week Dale is joined by Dr Sarah Moseley, Educational Consultant, and SENCO of four schools, Ginny Bootman to discuss ‘Foundations of early literacy – what are the building blocks?’ This is the first episode in a series exploring the foundational components of early literacy, which aims to bridge the gap between theory and classroom practice. T…

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Journeys With PDA Podcasts

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