Episode 47: Ruth Fidler (Educational Consultant) - Fostering Acceptance and Flexibility in Education

The Empowered Parent with Dana Baltutis

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Renowned educational consultant Ruth Fidler joins us to unravel the complex world of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and its profound impact on educational settings. Through Ruth's journey and her deep connection with children who develop differently, we gain insights into the unique challenges faced by individuals with PDA, rooted in autism. Discover how hypersensitivity to demands can lead to avoidance of everyday tasks and explore the emotional undercurrents that affect these children. With increasing awareness in countries like Australia, Ruth's expertise provides a valuable lens for understanding and supporting children with PDA and autism.
Navigating the educational landscape for neurodiverse children requires thoughtful strategies, especially when fostering positive relationships and managing transitions. We delve into the significance of maintaining strong student-teacher connections and the unexpected benefits of nurturing relationships with non-teaching staff. By integrating creative activities like art and music into daily routines, educators can bolster students' emotional well-being and self-regulation. The episode also highlights the critical role of parents and the challenges they face when schools limit their involvement, advocating for flexibility and greater autonomy for students.
Choosing the right school for sensitive or neurodiverse children can be a daunting task for parents. This episode offers guidance on navigating these decisions by emphasizing acceptance, flexibility, supportive staff, and sensory-friendly environments. We also address the broader themes of supporting neurodiversity in education, focusing on recovery time and adaptable approaches for autistic children, including those with PDA. Special attention is paid to the unique challenges faced by autistic girls in obtaining timely diagnoses, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies and systemic support. Through Ruth Fidler's insights, we provide practical advice for parents and educators, aiming to foster a more inclusive educational experience for all.
https://autismassociates.co.uk/ruth
https://autismawarenesscentre.com/shop/education-classroom/collaborative-approaches-to-learning-for-pupils-with-pda/
https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/resources/engaging-children-with-pda-in-learning-promoting-their-emotional-wellbeing/
https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/author/B00MTB8NRA

danabaltutis.com, mytherapyhouse.com.au, https://mytherapyhouse.com.au/your-childs-therapy-journey/ https://www.danabaltutis.com/services

Chapters

1. Episode 47: Ruth Fidler (Educational Consultant) - Fostering Acceptance and Flexibility in Education (00:00:00)

2. Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance in Education (00:01:24)

3. Supporting Positive Relationships in Education (00:20:48)

4. Choosing School for Sensitive Child (00:30:47)

5. Supporting Neurodiversity in Education (00:35:29)

6. Supporting Autistic Girls and Collaborative Approaches (00:42:20)

7. Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance in Parenting (00:54:54)