PDA Society Podcast

In this episode, Rachel from the PDA Society is joined by Lyndsey Stokes and Keighly Murphy from Rise Skool, an alternative education provision supporting neurodivergent children and young people who have struggled in mainstream settings. Together, they explore what can happen when education is rebuilt around safety, trust and emotional regulation rather than compliance and rigid expectations. Lyndsey and Keighly share how many of the young people who come to Rise Skool have experienced repeated school trauma, exclusions, anxiety or long-term disengagement. The conversation focuses on creating environments where children feel safe enough to learn. Rather than prioritising academic targets from the outset, Rise Skool centres relationship-building, predictability and co-regulation. Lyndsey and Keighly explain how reducing demands, observing communication patterns and tuning into nervous system responses helps students begin to re-engage. Part 1 explores how traditional education models can inadvertently escalate anxiety for PDA learners, and how alternative settings can shift from control to collaboration. The discussion highlights the importance of dignity, flexibility and truly listening to young people. Key Themes * Why PDA learners often struggle in mainstream education * The impact of school trauma and repeated exclusions * Building safety before focusing on academic outcomes * Relationship-led and co-regulation-based approaches * Reducing demands to support re-engagement * Reframing success in education Deep Diver Subscriber Episode For those who would like to go further, Part 2, an exclusive "Deep Diver" subscriber episode, is available through our Training Hub. You can access it here: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/ Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the PDA Society. While we aim to provide balanced and inclusive discussions, individual experiences and perspectives may vary. The PDA Society is committed to using language and terminology that reflects the preferences of PDA and autistic people, but sometimes our guests may use language and terminology which differs. Appearance on our podcast is not an endorsement of an individual, and not all of our guests will align with our position on the issues discussed. Further sources of support and information * PDA Society Training Hub: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/ * PDA Society Website: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/ * PDA Society Training: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/training/ * PDA Society Support Service: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/support/

In this episode, Gemini from the PDA Society is joined by Linda Murphy, author of The Declarative Language Handbook and The Co-Regulation Handbook, to explore how declarative language can support PDA children and young people. Linda explains the difference between declarative and imperative language, and why shifting from telling and directing to wondering and noticing can reduce anxiety and defensiveness. The conversation explores how questions, commands and corrections can inadvertently increase demand sensitivity, particularly for children with a PDA profile. Gemini and Linda discuss how declarative language creates space for autonomy, supports problem-solving, and strengthens connection. Rather than giving instructions, declarative statements share observations, feelings or information, allowing the child to process and respond without feeling controlled. Part 1 focuses on understanding the principles behind declarative language, how it supports co-regulation, and why small shifts in communication can have a powerful impact in both home and school settings. Key Themes * The difference between declarative and imperative language * How direct instructions can increase anxiety for PDA children * Supporting autonomy and problem-solving through communication * The link between declarative language and co-regulation * Reducing demand while maintaining connection * Using language to create safety rather than compliance Deep Diver Subscriber Episode For those who would like to go further, Part 2, an exclusive "Deep Diver" subscriber episode, is available through our Training Hub. You can access it here: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/ Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the PDA Society. While we aim to provide balanced and inclusive discussions, individual experiences and perspectives may vary. The PDA Society is committed to using language and terminology that reflects the preferences of PDA and autistic people, but sometimes our guests may use language and terminology which differs. Appearance on our podcast is not an endorsement of an individual, and not all of our guests will align with our position on the issues discussed. Further sources of support and information * PDA Society Training Hub: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/ * PDA Society Website: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/ * PDA Society Training: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/training/ * PDA Society Support Service: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/support/ Guest links: Linda's website: https://www.declarativelanguage.com/

In this episode, Rachel from the PDA Society is joined by Riko Ryuki to explore what it is like parenting as a PDAer. Riko shares openly about raising three children, two of whom have PDA profiles, while navigating their own PDA and additional disabilities. Together, Rachel and Riko discuss how parenting can look and feel different when you also experience high demand sensitivity yourself. The conversation explores the realities of everyday family life, including adapting routines to meet individual needs, responding flexibly rather than rigidly, and understanding that even children with the same profile can require very different approaches. Riko reflects on being more child-led, matching expectations to capacity, and resisting more traditional "because I said so" parenting models. Part 1 focuses on lived experience, connection and reframing. Riko speaks about the strengths that can come from shared understanding, the moments of joy and closeness that can emerge when anxiety is managed well, and some of the misconceptions they have encountered from others about parenting differently. Key Themes * Parenting with a PDA profile * Being child-led and adapting to fluctuating needs * Raising multiple neurodivergent children with different support requirements * Misconceptions about flexible parenting approaches * The strengths and connection that can come from shared neurodivergence Deep Diver Subscriber Episode For those who would like to go further, Part 2, an exclusive "Deep Diver" subscriber episode, is available through our Training Hub. You can access it here: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/ Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the PDA Society. While we aim to provide balanced and inclusive discussions, individual experiences and perspectives may vary. The PDA Society is committed to using language and terminology that reflects the preferences of PDA and autistic people, but sometimes our guests may use language and terminology which differs. Appearance on our podcast is not an endorsement of an individual, and not all of our guests will align with our position on the issues discussed. Further sources of support and information * PDA Society Training Hub: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/ * PDA Society Website: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/ * PDA Society Training: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/training/ * PDA Society Support Service: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/support/ Guest's links: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/rikoryuki * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RikosPDApage1/ * Blog: https://dragonriko.wordpress.com/

In this episode, Sarah from the PDA Society is joined by Shirleyann Haig, bestselling author and Passive Income Coach, to explore how creating alternative income streams can offer greater flexibility when parenting neurodivergent children. Shirleyann shares her personal journey as a mother of two boys, one with ADHD and one autistic with a PDA profile. After a 25-year career in the pharmaceutical industry, she found herself struggling to balance the demands of corporate life with the unpredictability of school exclusions, phone calls home and the reality of parenting children with complex needs. Despite being a top performer in her company, she was made redundant due to the time she needed to take off to support her children. The conversation explores the emotional and financial impact of that experience, particularly as a single parent navigating divorce alongside school exclusions and ongoing uncertainty. Shirleyann reflects on how that moment of redundancy forced her to confront how financially fragile many families can be when relying solely on traditional employment structures. Part 1 focuses on how Shirleyann transitioned away from corporate life and became a Passive Income Coach, helping others to build income streams that do not rely on fixed hours or physical presence. She explains how passive income is not about avoiding work, but about creating systems where work done once can generate income repeatedly. For families living with unpredictability, this flexibility can reduce stress, create stability and offer space to prioritise children's needs without sacrificing long-term financial security. *Redundancy due to being a carer is illegal. If you are struggling our support service can direct you to information about your legal rights. Key Themes * The challenge of balancing corporate work with neurodivergent parenting * School exclusions, unpredictability and employment instability * The emotional impact of redundancy linked to caregiving * Understanding passive income and how it can create flexibility Deep Diver Subscriber Episode For those who would like to go further, Part 2, an exclusive "Deep Diver" subscriber episode, is available through our Training Hub. You can access it here: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/ Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the PDA Society. While we aim to provide balanced and inclusive discussions, individual experiences and perspectives may vary. The PDA Society is committed to using language and terminology that reflects the preferences of PDA and autistic people, but sometimes our guests may use language and terminology which differs. Appearance on our podcast is not an endorsement of an individual, and not all of our guests will align with our position on the issues discussed. Further sources of support and information * PDA Society Training Hub: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/ * PDA Society Training: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/training/ * PDA Society Support Service: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/support/ Guest links:  * Shirleyann's Website   Shirleyann Haig | Ethical Passive Income Coach & Speaker [https://shirleyannhaig.com/home] * Instagram:  shirleyannhaig

In this episode, Rachel from the PDA Society is joined by Tabitha Poole, an occupational therapist from the charity ERIC, to explore a topic that many PDA families describe as a common challenge, toileting. Tabby shares her professional insight into why toileting can be difficult for PDA children and young people, and how these challenges are often linked to anxiety, demand sensitivity, sensory differences and the need for autonomy. Rachel and Tabby discuss common experiences such as refusal, avoidance, accidents, fear of the toilet, and the impact of shame and pressure. Part 1 focuses on understanding. It explores what might be underneath toileting difficulties, why traditional approaches can make things harder, and how reframing toileting as a nervous system and safety issue can lead to more compassionate and effective support. Key Themes * Why toileting can be particularly difficult for PDA children * Anxiety, demand sensitivity and the need for autonomy * The role of sensory sensitivities and interoception * How pressure, shame and urgency can increase distress * Reframing toileting difficulties through understanding and safety Deep Diver Subscriber Episode For those who would like to go further, Part 2, an exclusive "Deep Diver" subscriber episode, is available through our Training Hub. You can access it here: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/ Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the PDA Society. While we aim to provide balanced and inclusive discussions, individual experiences and perspectives may vary. The PDA Society is committed to using language and terminology that reflects the preferences of PDA and autistic people, but sometimes our guests may use language and terminology which differs. Appearance on our podcast is not an endorsement of an individual, and not all of our guests will align with our position on the issues discussed. Further sources of support and information * PDA Society Training Hub: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/ * PDA Society Website: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/ * PDA Society Training: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/training/ * PDA Society Support Service: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/support/ Guest links: * @toilettimewithtabby * @continencehub * @eric_charity * www.tabithapoole.com [http://www.tabithapoole.com/] * www.continencehub.com [http://www.continencehub.com/] https://eric.org.uk/advice-about-bladders-bowels-and-toileting-for-children-with-additional-needs-2/ https://eric.org.uk/potty-training/children-additional-needs/ https://eric.org.uk/children-with-additional-needs/toileting-support-for-autistic-children/ https://eric.org.uk/interoception-and-toileting/