Sports can be a great way for children to exercise and get peer interaction. However, for neurodivergent kiddos that can be problematic due to the potential for sensory issues and stressor overwhelm. So, I put together a list of different activities that can provide those positive aspects of sport with the accommodations needed for neurodivergent kiddos.

Neurodivergence and sport 

Big thanks to our guest Elle for talking to us about her experience of being neurodivergent and raising a child that is also neurodivergent. We discussed balancing parental triggers with a child's triggers, what happens when those two don't mesh and how Elle manages caring for her own needs and those of her daughter.  This episode gave a lot of great insight and there are some references to information that helped Elle.  I listed them below for those who want more information. Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World that Wasn't Designed for You Jenara Nerenberg My Daughter is not Naughty Jane Sherwin Samantha Craft's Autistic Traits Checklist Two Sides of the Spectrum podcast

Big thanks to our guest Elle for talking to us about her experience of being neurodivergent and raising a child that is also neurodivergent. We discussed balancing parental triggers with a child's triggers, what happens when those two don't mesh and how Elle manages caring for her own needs and those of her daughter.  This episode gave a lot of great insight and there are some references to information that helped Elle.  I listed them below for those who want more information. Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World that Wasn't Designed for You Jenara Nerenberg My Daughter is not Naughty Jane Sherwin <a href="http://www.myspectrumsuite.com/samantha-crafts-autistic-traits-checklist/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Samantha Craft's Autistic Traits Checklist</a> <a href="https://two-sides-of-the-spectrum.simplecast.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Two Sides of the Spectrum podcast</a>

Talking with Elle about being a PDAer raising a PDAer

Summer vacation and the change in schedule can be problematic for kids on the spectrum.  In this episode, I share what's happening in my house, and some things I am trying to help ease that struggle for my little guy, and I hope some of it helps you all as well. Lists of activities for Autistic kids Sensory activities for Autistic kids

Summer vacation and the change in schedule can be problematic for kids on the spectrum.  In this episode, I share what's happening in my house, and some things I am trying to help ease that struggle for my little guy, and I hope some of it helps you all as well. <a href="https://www.exceptionallives.org/resources?gclid=CjwKCAjwnZaVBhA6EiwAVVyv9LVJqLwH_av6BMc-5Pi0LRGHsmKFIKmdN9fqkm5SGoBPXnkGOZXwBBoCESQQAvD_BwE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lists of activities for Autistic kids</a> <a href="https://www.thisgrandmaisfun.com/sensory-activities-kids-autism/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sensory activities for Autistic kids</a>

Summer Vacation

We hear terms like stimming, obsessive interests, repetitive behaviors, etc. when talking about neurodivergence, but what do they look like? I wanted to provide some examples for those seeking assessment and/or diagnosis so that you have some talking points at the appointment.

But what does it look like?

This anniversary episode going out on PDA Day talks about the interaction between siblings of PDAers, and I had 2 special guests help me out with this.

Sibling Dynamics

This episode talks about the way ADHD can present in adults differently than children, the impacts undiagnosed ADHD can have, and why it's important to seek a diagnosis.   This website has a treasure trove of information about ADHD. Instagram is up!  @perpetuallydeterminedadvocate

This episode talks about the way ADHD can present in adults differently than children, the impacts undiagnosed ADHD can have, and why it's important to seek a diagnosis.   This <a href="https://www.additudemag.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">website</a> has a treasure trove of information about ADHD. Instagram is up!  @perpetuallydeterminedadvocate

Undiagnosed adult ADHD 

This episode is something of a rant against the willful ignorance present in school systems and how it negatively impacts the neurodivergent kids stuck in these emotionally abusive situations. More information on how emotional trauma causes damage to the parts of the brain can be found at the following link. 

This episode is something of a rant against the willful ignorance present in school systems and how it negatively impacts the neurodivergent kids stuck in these emotionally abusive situations. More information on how emotional trauma causes damage to the parts of the brain can be found at the following <a href="https://highlandspringsclinic.org/blog/can-emotional-trauma-cause-brain-damage/#:~:text=Is%20Emotional%20Trauma%20A%20Brain,emotional%20trauma%20upon%20the%20brain." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">link</a>.

School induced trauma

Since yesterday was World Autism Day, I wanted to do an awareness topic. A lot of research exists to show how girls are almost 4 times as likely to go undiagnosed for neurodivergent conditions like autism, ADHD and PDA. Some groups are advocating for changes to that. https://autisticgirlsnetwork.org/ is one of those.

Since yesterday was World Autism Day, I wanted to do an awareness topic. A lot of research exists to show how girls are almost 4 times as likely to go undiagnosed for neurodivergent conditions like autism, ADHD and PDA. Some groups are advocating for changes to that. <a href="https://autisticgirlsnetwork.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://autisticgirlsnetwork.org/</a> is one of those.

Gender Gap in Diagnosis

This past week the family went to Disney World and I wanted to share my tips on planning a vacation with a PDAer and the things that worked and didn't work for us.

Vacationing with a PDAer

I decided to finally start researching residential care and boy did it set off some internal struggle. I wanted to share what I found with you all. As always, a transcript for the episode can be provided by email.

Residential Care

Raising awareness and acceptance about Pathological Demand Avoidance, or PDA.

This episode is more a relatable one than informational. We look at the ways stress and anxiety affect the parent and PDAer.

Stress and anxiety of navigating PDA

I read an article from Spectrum News that talked about a new diagnostic device for autism, called StranDx. This would use hair to test for certain markers that could indicate autism. Read the article here.  The other article mentioned that reviewed the research on testing baby teeth can be found here.

I read an article from Spectrum News that talked about a new diagnostic device for autism, called StranDx. This would use hair to test for certain markers that could indicate autism. Read the article <a href="https://www.spectrumnews.org/news/fda-cites-hair-based-autism-diagnostic-aid-as-breakthrough/?fbclid=IwAR0MOX7gBqEN2Ca8IKaNddKpw0yb1l1Y--_IS3XPOptqSCEYpIsTh5TX6MY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.  The other article mentioned that reviewed the research on testing baby teeth can be found <a href="https://www.spectrumnews.org/news/study-offers-toothy-look-environmental-risk-autism/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

What is StranDx?

This episode explores the concept of unschooling as a form of education.  Unschooling is a type of homeschooling that puts children in charge of directing their learning toward their interests and passions with parents acting as active partners in that learning by providing resources.  Below are some links to a variety of resources that provide more information on the topic:https://outschool.com/#abkyvtq4yh– interactive online classeshttps://daynamartin.com/ - courses on unschoolinghttps://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/grown-unschoolers/ - unschooling mom and coachhttps://hslda.org/legal/international- homeschool guidelines internationallyPodcasts:The Unschooling LifeUnschooling PodcastUnschooling ConversationsUnschooling to University

This episode explores the concept of unschooling as a form of education.  Unschooling is a type of homeschooling that puts children in charge of directing their learning toward their interests and passions with parents acting as active partners in that learning by providing resources.  Below are some links to a variety of resources that provide more information on the topic: <a href="https://outschool.com/#abkyvtq4yh–" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://outschool.com/#abkyvtq4yh–</a> interactive online classes <a href="https://daynamartin.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://daynamartin.com/</a> - courses on unschooling <a href="https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/grown-unschoolers/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.unschoolingmom2mom.com/grown-unschoolers/</a> - unschooling mom and coach <a href="https://hslda.org/legal/international-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://hslda.org/legal/international-</a> homeschool guidelines internationally Podcasts: The Unschooling Life Unschooling Podcast Unschooling Conversations Unschooling to University

Unschooling

I finally succumbed to the pandemic, and my voice is struggling. I'll have the episode for today out as soon as I can talk clearer.

A little patience

A condition that sometimes appears with PDA is Imposter Syndrome and I wanted to explore that topic in this episode.  Imposter Syndrome, like PDA, has decades of research by mental health professionals, but is not listed in the DSM-5.  There are some ways to combat the various types of IS, but enlisting the help of a mental health professional is one of the best.  If you have dealt with Imposter Syndrome and would like to come on the show and talk about your experience, please contact me.  I am always willing to give my platform to those who can provide firsthand perspectives. Mentioned in this episode: https://impostorsyndrome.com/ Imposter Syndrome Quiz

A condition that sometimes appears with PDA is Imposter Syndrome and I wanted to explore that topic in this episode.  Imposter Syndrome, like PDA, has decades of research by mental health professionals, but is not listed in the DSM-5.  There are some ways to combat the various types of IS, but enlisting the help of a mental health professional is one of the best.  If you have dealt with Imposter Syndrome and would like to come on the show and talk about your experience, please contact me.  I am always willing to give my platform to those who can provide firsthand perspectives. Mentioned in this episode: <a href="https://impostorsyndrome.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://impostorsyndrome.com/</a> <a href="https://www.psycom.net/imposter-syndrome-quiz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Imposter Syndrome Quiz</a>

Imposter Syndrome

This episode we talk with Dr. Jennifer Corie from Iceberg Therapy Services in Baton Rouge.  She gives us information on Selective Mutism and Masking, which are highly misunderstood, and anxiety driven components of autism, PDA and other neurodivergent conditions.  Dr. Corie explains that these are not strategies, but responses to external stimuli and the result of anxiety. You can find more information about Dr. Corie and her services at: https://www.icebergts.com/

This episode we talk with Dr. Jennifer Corie from Iceberg Therapy Services in Baton Rouge.  She gives us information on Selective Mutism and Masking, which are highly misunderstood, and anxiety driven components of autism, PDA and other neurodivergent conditions.  Dr. Corie explains that these are not strategies, but responses to external stimuli and the result of anxiety. You can find more information about Dr. Corie and her services at: <a href="https://www.icebergts.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.icebergts.com/</a>

Selective Mutism & Masking

This episode I am joined by my kiddos' dad, Shane, to talk about working together as parents and how to get on the same page.  We also talk about keeping continuity in parenting from two households.  

This episode I am joined by my kiddos' dad, Shane, to talk about working together as parents and how to get on the same page.  We also talk about keeping continuity in parenting from two households.

Parenting together

We all experience the unsolicited advice from those who think they can give us pointers on parenting.  It can be really irritating, but sometimes it can be a teachable moment.  How do you explain PDA to people in those moments?   Mentioned in this episode: PDA Society Awareness cards https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/shop/product/pda-awareness-cards/ The Explosive Child Dr. Ross Greene Peace I Give: A Peaceful Parenting Blog

We all experience the unsolicited advice from those who think they can give us pointers on parenting.  It can be really irritating, but sometimes it can be a teachable moment.  How do you explain PDA to people in those moments?   Mentioned in this episode: PDA Society Awareness cards <a href="https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/shop/product/pda-awareness-cards/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/shop/product/pda-awareness-cards/</a> The Explosive Child Dr. Ross Greene <a href="https://peaceigive.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Peace I Give: A Peaceful Parenting Blog</a>

Explaining PDA to others

This episode looks at what happens in the event that you have to call for emergency assistance during one of your PDAer's meltdowns.  I recently sat down with a police officer to get some insight on how to handle the process, and what can be done to help lessen the misunderstandings that can sometimes accompany a meltdown.  Below are a list of links mentioned in the episode: PDA brochure: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/resources/what-is-pda-information-sheet/

This episode looks at what happens in the event that you have to call for emergency assistance during one of your PDAer's meltdowns.  I recently sat down with a police officer to get some insight on how to handle the process, and what can be done to help lessen the misunderstandings that can sometimes accompany a meltdown.  Below are a list of links mentioned in the episode: PDA brochure: <a href="https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/resources/what-is-pda-information-sheet/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/resources/what-is-pda-information-sheet/</a>

Calling 911

Now that we have 10 episodes out, we're going to take a short hiatus until November, and then we'll begin a "season 2" of sorts. We hope to continue providing information, awareness, acceptance and support to all of the listeners out there. Thank you for all of your support and messages so far, and keep them coming!

Coming soon!

PDA, Neurodivergence & the Perpetually Determined Advocate

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