EP 41: Special Guest- Dr. Joy

In this episode of the Journeys with PDA Coffee Chat podcast, hosts Heather and guest co-host Dusty welcome special guest Dr. Joy Eberhardt DeMaster. Dr. Joy Eberhardt DeMaster joins the conversation to break down the relationship between PDA, PANS, and PANDAS through a parent-led, integrative, and neurodiversity-affirming lens. Key topics covered: What PDA means and why the term “persistent drive for autonomy” resonates with many families How PANS/PANDAS can show up as a sudden, dramatic change in a child Why sleep, eating, toileting, sensory overwhelm, handwriting, and separation anxiety can all be red flags How to distinguish baseline PDA traits from an abrupt medical change What parents can bring to appointments to help clinicians take concerns seriously Testing considerations, including throat, nose, and other swabs The importance of looking for infection, inflammation, and symptom support together How to tell autistic burnout apart from PANS/PANDAS in broad terms Why continued symptoms after treatment may mean more evaluation is needed To download the QR code resource page mentioned go to: https://orchid-pediatrics.kit.com/573c5cfba3 Learn more about Dr. Joy at https://orchidpediatrics.com/ Follow in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.pda.doc/ Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Orchid-Pediatrics/100080652554270/ Heather & Kerissa are Certified PDA Trainers. They offer advocacy, education & family support through one-on-one coaching sessions. You can connect with Heather & Kerissa through their website and on social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journeyswithpdanstagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeys_with_pda/ 🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/journeys-with-pda-coffee-chat-podcast/id1681327230 📲 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5TelhjJN6J3Dt8PPfKEm6k?si=a85f893540a142c0 💻YouTube Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaSyUriZW2txMrh8vGLdljVFTf_VgK03d Support the show https://journeyswithpda.com