Best Pathological Demand Avoidance Podcasts (2025)

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Pathological Demand Avoidance: Born Outside the System 1:19:07

16d ago1:19:07

1:19:07

Please join us for “Pathological Demand Avoidance: Born Outside the System” with Sandra McConnell. Sandra McConnell, who is sometimes known as the PDA Mama Bear, is an instructor, speaker, blogger, and parent coach. She has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology, and two graduate certificates in neurodiversity and learning differences. And h…

1
TPP 194a: Educator and Community Activist Jason Allen on Differently Wired Students of Color 46:40

3d ago46:40

46:40

Educator, blogger, and community activist Jason B. Allen shares his ideas for how traditional school environments need to change to better serve differently wired black students and, in particular, black and brown boys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy Debbie Reber

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Lessons in Listening with Yeiter 1:15:33

3d ago1:15:33

1:15:33

Please join us for “Lessons in Listening with Yeiter.” Yeiter has 50 years of personal commitment to specifically supporting people who live in a status he names a “reputation for challenging behavior”. He draws on a rich personal history. His time in the company of people defined by a story of challenging behavior begins in an unreformed back ward…

1
Episode 5: Misdiagnosed 47:31

3d ago47:31

47:31

Me sharing my story as a misdiagnosed, PDA/autistic adult. Support the show Follow me at http://nopressurepda.comBy Brook Madera

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Ep. 109 - My Conversation with Physician and Founder of All Brains Belong, Dr. Mel Houser 58:06

4d ago58:06

58:06

Dr. Mel Houser, MD, shares stories from her childhood, career as a doctor, and work reimagining healthcare and community at All Brains Belong in Vermont. PDA Autistic herself, I hope you'll find her insights as interesting, helpful and hopeful as I did. Mentioned in this episode: Paradigm Shift Program Want me to coach you as you learn and practice…

1
TPP 439: Jessica Slice on What We Can All Learn from Disabled Parenting 39:10

6d ago39:10

39:10

Today we’re talking about the reality of parenting while disabled. My guest is Jessica Slice, the author of the new book Unfit Parent: A Disabled Mother Challenges an Inaccessible World. A writer, advocate, and disabled mother who challenges the way society defines “fit” parenting, Jessica’s work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington P…

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De la ira a la paz: Cambiando la forma de criar 32:38

5d ago32:38

32:38

¡Escucha este nuevo episodio en español del pódcast de Familias Conectadas! Esther Reich conversa con Luisa Wendt acerca de cómo Dios está cambiando a sus familias a través del marco de referencia y la ayuda práctica que trae el primer nivel de “Cimiento.” Podrás escuchar cómo “ir lento, relajar el cuerpo y escuchar” hacen la diferencia en la crian…

1
Want to Stop Yelling at Your Kids? Try Slow, Low, & Listen 24:05

7d ago24:05

24:05

Listen in as Jim & Lynne Jackson, Connected Families Co-Founders, teach the parenting concept “Slow, Low, & Listen.” This simple tool can help you develop and maintain an emotionally safe presence for your kids. Jim and Lynne will equip you with the understanding you need to apply the concept next time you feel your emotional temperature begin to r…

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Season 3 Episode 30 - Special Guest: Sarah Martin, RDN 1:22:13

7d ago1:22:13

1:22:13

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 …

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437: Multicultural Identity, Somatic Healing, and Embodied Code Switching w/ Marcia Bonato Warren 1:09:30

8d ago1:09:30

1:09:30

In this insightful interview, I’m joined by Marcia Bonato Warren, a trauma-informed body therapist, somatic counselor, interculturalist, and author. Marcia brings over 30 years of experience working with cross-cultural mental health, and she shares a powerful lens on how identity, culture, and trauma intersect in the body. Together, we explore the …

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TPP 193a: Filmmaker Chris Baier on Helping Families Get Unstuck from OCD 42:36

10d ago42:36

42:36

Writer, filmmaker, and creative director Chris Baier talks about raising a daughter with OCD and the film their journey inspired him to produce, UNSTUCK, an award-winning short that explains OCD through the eyes of young people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy Debbie Reber

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You Might Also Like: Climbing the Walls, from Understood.org 30:44

11d ago30:44

30:44

Listen to an episode of Understood.org's new podcast Climbing the Wall, a 6-part series that investigates why women with ADHD have gone undiagnosed for so long… and how that changed dramatically during the pandemic, when the diagnosis of ADHD in women skyrocketed. The show asks: Why women? Why now? And how has underdiagnosis impacted women’s mental…

1
Ep. 108 - 10 Tips to Improve Connection and Communication with your PDA Child or Teen 28:22

12d ago28:22

28:22

The thing that underpins so much of how we support and accommodate our PDA children and teens - and thereby lower their nervous system activation so they can thrive - is our connection with them. And this connection can get very, very strained. Especially if they're in burnout, which often means we are, too. In this episode I share ten tips to impr…

1
Artistic Identity and Neurodivergence: An Interview with Sam Leamy 29:14

13d ago29:14

29:14

Sam Leamy join us to share his unique journey from a childhood filled with musical inspiration to his life as a musician deeply connected to his art.Sam delves into his early musical influences, the records that captivated him as a toddler, and his eventual discovery of heavy metal, which opened a new world for him. He candidly discusses his experi…

1
TPP 438: It’s Been 9 Years of Tilt Parenting — What’s Changed in the Movement? A Special Solocast with Debbie Reber 39:18

13d ago39:18

39:18

In this special 9-year anniversary episode, I'm doing things a little differently. Instead of a guest interview, I'm doing a solocast in which I share nine shifts I've noticed in the parenting paradigm for those of us raising neurodivergent kids over the past almost decade since I first founded Tilt. Some of the things I explore in this episode in…

1
Dr Louise Kirz Part II - Autism & Anesthesia 35:44

13d ago35:44

35:44

This is a great podcast with Dr. Louise Kirz, who was interviewed with autistic advocate, Sam Way, a few weeks ago. Here, she shares more about anesthesia and the ways someone can advocate for themselves with anesthesiologists and more.Please see synergyautismcenter.com/podcast for more podcasts.And for the handout that goes with this podcast, plea…

1
Attachment Myths Busted: How Your Attachment Style Shapes Everything

14d ago

—

Listen in as we talk with Dr. Nicole Wilke about attachment and its profound impact on family relationships. Dr. Wilke, a researcher, missionary, author, and marriage and family therapist, shares about attachment styles and explains how attachment shapes not just our parent-child relationships but establishes the pattern for how our children will a…

1
436: Facing Horrific Family Trauma & Finding Joy After Divorce 24:53

16d ago24:53

24:53

In this episode, Dr. Duff takes on two powerful listener questions in a raw and compassionate Q&A format. The first question comes from a survivor of extensive childhood abuse, religious trauma, and complex family dynamics, who is wrestling with the decision of whether or not to publish a deeply personal memoir. Dr. Duff dives into the emotional, p…

1
TPP 192a: Dr. Karen Wilson on How to Know if Your Child is Ready for Elementary School 43:32

17d ago43:32

43:32

Clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Karen Wilson shares her best practices about the transition of differently wired children from preschool (or no school at all) into elementary school, including special considerations, vetting schools for fit, red-shirting practices, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

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Autism, sensory processing differences and anxiety - Georgina Durrant in conversation with Joe Fautley 25:35

19d ago25:35

25:35

This podcast episode from our Twinkl SEND podcast "SEND in the Experts" hosted by Georgina Durrant, focuses on supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Georgina is joined by Joe Faultley, an autistic and neurodivergent advocate with dyspraxia and anxiety, who works at the Council for Disabled Children and is an ac…

1
Ep. 107 - 20 Things I'd Tell Myself About My PDA Child's Restrictive Eating 38:55

20d ago38:55

38:55

Five years ago, when my son barely ate anything, and I feared he would end up with a feeding tube, and none of the traditional therapies worked, these are the 20 things I wish someone would have said to me, because I was freaking out! I hope they are as helpful to you now as I know they would have been for me back then. Mentioned in this episode: P…

1
TPP 437: Dr. Devon Price on the Autistic Person's Guide to Unmasking for Life 48:11

20d ago48:11

48:11

I’m excited to welcome Dr. Devon Price back to the show to talk about unmasking and self-acceptance for autistic individuals. You may know about Devon’s book Unmasking Autism, and if you haven’t I highly encourage you to go back and listen to our conversation about that book on the show – I’ll have a link in the show notes or you can find it at til…

1
Emmanuel in the Ambulance: How God Shows Up in Our Darkest Hours 28:26

21d ago28:26

28:26

In this episode, listen in as Brendon and Naomi Yoder share how they’ve maintained faith through multiple hardships, including the loss of their infant daughter, Taliyah. They describe modeling authentic faith by letting their children witness their reliance on God during difficult times and recount moments how God shows up consistently during thei…

1
Understanding Autistic Strengths & Differences: Why It’s Essential for Meaningful Support 1:08:35

23d ago1:08:35

1:08:35

Please join us for “Understanding Autistic Strengths & Differences: Why It’s Essential for Meaningful Support” with Staci Neustadt and Susan Golubock. Staci Neustadt, CEO of Making Sense of Autism®, is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with over 20 years of experience providing individual and group therapy, training, mentorship, and leadership…

1
435: Moving Past infidelity & Coping with Sudden Medication Changes 27:33

24d ago27:33

27:33

In this episode, I address two deeply personal listener questions that highlight the complex nature of anxiety and emotional healing in relationships. The first question comes from a listener who has struggled with anxiety for most of their life, recently facing severe limitations due to Generalized Anxiety Disorder and medication changes. We talk …

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TPP 190a: Dr. Melanie Hayes Talks About Her Big Minds Micro-School and Educating 2e Children 47:43

24d ago47:43

47:43

Big Minds micro-school founder Dr. Melanie Hayes shares her story of starting a school for twice-exceptional learners, and discusses ways 2e students' needs can be met in traditional educational setting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy Debbie Reber

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Ep. 106 - Screens and Your PDA Child or Teen 44:31

27d ago44:31

44:31

I dive deep on screens in this episode - to give you every bit of information you need to make decisions you can feel confident in concerning screens and screen limits. I talk through how formal studies on screen time handle PDA children (spoiler - they don't) and share what I've seen working with over 1,000 families who have all handled screen lim…

1
TPP 436: Dr. John Duffy on Helping Our Struggling Teen Boys 38:08

27d ago38:08

38:08

A few months ago, I had my friend and colleague Cathy Adams on the show to talk about her book Restoring Our Girls and raising daughters to be emotionally healthy in a complicated world. I knew then that I wanted to have a similar conversation for a future episode, but this time, focusing on boys, specifically about why many teen boys are strugglin…

1
Retained Primitive Reflexes: Understanding and Supporting Your Child’s Development | Ep. 222 37:18

28d ago37:18

37:18

Is your child struggling with emotional regulation, sitting still, or the feel of their clothing? These challenges could be linked to retained primitive reflexes. In this episode, Lynne Jackson, Connected Families Co-Founder and occupational therapist, explores this topic with Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches Amy Nyvall and Courtney Dewe…

1
2025 Mini-podcast: More on the Telepathy Tapes 5:08

28d ago5:08

5:08

Today, I am expanding on my blog post about The Telepathy Tapes. Please find the original blog post on my website: www.synergyautismcenter.comKy Dickens actually seems in support of autistic spellers and keyboarders. The podcast, however, is about telepathy. It is not about whether or not autistics can use augmented means to communicate like using …

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TPP 188a: Dr. Terry Roberts on "The New Smart" and How Nurturing Creativity Will Help Children Thrive 52:31

1M ago52:31

52:31

Educator and author Terry Roberts, PhD, discusses his new book "The New Smart: How Nurturing Creativity Will Help Children Thrive," and shares his ideas surrounding the future of work, what the education model is getting wrong and why it needs to change, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
An Update From Robert 1:28

1M ago1:28

1:28

Just a quick update! Back to regularly scheduled programming next week!

1
Systemic Shifts in Inclusion: Neuroscience-Informed Practices for Transformation and Capacity Building 1:15:39

1M ago1:15:39

1:15:39

Please join us for “Systemic Shifts in Inclusion: Neuroscience-Informed Practices for Transformation and Capacity Building” with Angelina Zara and Nicole Keler. Angelina Zara was born and raised in the heart of Washington, DC; Angie found her passion in education in 2015, serving students and caregivers in her hometown. Angie’s career includes the …

1
Ep. 105 - How to Know if Your Child or Teen is PDA 35:53

1M ago35:53

35:53

In this episode I discuss the five most common characteristics of PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance / Pervasive Drive for Autonomy) to help parents determine if their child or teen fits the profile. If you want to dig deeper into figuring out if your child fits the PDA profile, I designed my Clarity Masterclass to help. It's free on my website: Cl…

1
TPP 435: William Stixrud and Ned Johnson on the Seven Principles for Raising a Self-Driven Child 50:07

1M ago50:07

50:07

I’m thrilled to welcome back two favorite podcast guests and just all-around wonderful humans, Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson. You might know them from their bestselling book The Self-Driven Child, which I often refer to on this show as one of the most important resources in my parenting life. Well, Bill and Ned have a new phenomenal resource …

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Demand Avoidance: When Is My Child's Pushback Actually Pathological? 36:24

1M ago36:24

36:24

Have you ever asked your child to do a simple task, only to be met with an explosive reaction? In this episode, we interview Lydia Rex, Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), also known as Pervasive Drive for Autonomy. Lydia will help you step into your child’s shoes and understand how you may accident…

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TPP 186a: Author and Illustrator Samantha Cotterill Discusses Her New Book Series, Little Senses 45:19

1M ago45:19

45:19

Children's picture book author / illustrator Samantha Cotterill discusses her new book series, Little Senses, which highlights the experience of children with sensory issues or ASD, and also shares her own journey of growing up as a girl on the spectrum. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
Ep. 104 - Harmful Myths About PDA in Children and Teens 39:30

1M ago39:30

39:30

"All kids are demand avoidant" is just one of the misconceptions about PDA that I take down with clinical psychologist Alex Klein in this feisty episode. I hope it helps you take on any doubts foisted on you, too. Mentioned in this episode: Paradigm Shift Program Want me to coach you as you learn and practice the skills and mindsets I talk about in…

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TPP 434: Educator Lily Howard Scott on Shaping Kids Through Words 46:30

1M ago46:30

46:30

Today, we are talking about one of the most accessible and impactful tools we’ve got to help our kids thrive. But this tool is so simple and obvious that we may not even realize its immense power. I’m talking about WORDS, as in, the words we use when talking with our children. The language we use with our children can make a profound difference in …

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Reducing and Eliminating Restraint and Seclusion in a Vermont School District: A Discussion with Superintendent Michael Leichliter 1:16:00

1M ago1:16:00

1:16:00

Please join us for “Reducing and Eliminating Restraint and Seclusion in a Vermont School District: A Discussion with Superintendent Michael Leichliter” Mike is passionate about the ability of public education to provide all students with a high-quality education and is proud to be the superintendent of Harwood Unified Union School District. Mike’s …

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From Slamming Doors to Peace: How to Calm a Dysregulated Child 29:49

1M ago29:49

29:49

In this episode of the Connected Families podcast, we explore how to calm a dysregulated child with insights from Certified Connected Families Parent Coaches Alan and Corrie Thetford. Together they share how they evolved from demanding immediate calm to modeling self-regulation, creating playful learning opportunities, and viewing emotional outburs…

1
Season 3 Episode 29 - Special Guest: Steph Curtis 57:46

1M ago57:46

57:46

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…

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BONUS: Introducing The Table - A New Path to Transformative Parenting 12:18

1M ago12:18

12:18

In this bonus episode of the Connected Families podcast, host Stacy Bellward and Executive Director Anna Braasch announce the launch of The Table, a new monthly donor community aimed at providing sustaining support for Connected Families resources. Together they highlight the growing global reach of Connected Families, with more parents engaging wi…

1
Chapter From My NEW BOOK - Bipolar Answers 38:58

1M ago38:58

38:58

Pre-Order Bipolar Answers https://www.amazon.com/Bipolar-Answers-Questions-Answered-Psychologist-ebook/dp/B0F1DW5WQZ/ In this special episode, Dr. Robert Duff announces the pre-order launch of his latest book, Bipolar Answers: Questions from Real People Answered by a Real Psychologist. To celebrate, he provides listeners with an exclusive reading o…

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TPP 185a: Eileen Devine on Supporting Children with Pre-Natal Substance Exposure 48:56

1M ago48:56

48:56

Eileen Devine, a neurobehavioral therapist and support coach, discusses supporting children with brain-based neurodevelopmental challenges resulting from pre-natal exposure to drugs or alcohol, as well as the unique challenges for adoptive parents raising atypical children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Pathological Demand Avoidance Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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