EPISODE · Jan 22, 2026 · 45 MIN
Highly Sensitive Nervous Systems
from PDA Society Podcast · host PDA Society
In this episode, host Rachel is joined by Jenni Honeyben, a parenting coach with specialist experience in supporting families of PDA children. Together, they explore the idea of highly sensitive nervous systems - a trait particularly relevant to PDAers.Jenni shares how heightened sensitivity affects children’s ability to cope with everyday demands, why safety and regulation are so important, and what parents and carers can do to help. Through practical examples and compassionate insight, she explains how understanding nervous system responses can reduce stress, strengthen relationships, and create calmer family environments.Topics Covered: What it means to have a highly sensitive nervous system Why this trait is particularly significant for PDA children How nervous system sensitivity influences anxiety and demand avoidance Practical ways to help children regulate and feel safe The role of co-regulation and connection in reducing stress Strategies for parents and carers to create calmer daily routines How small changes can make a big difference for family lifeDeeper Dive Subscriber Episode For those who’d like to go further, an exclusive “Deeper Dive” 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/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/Guests links:Jenni Honeyben Parenting Support & Coaching - http://www.jennihoneyben.com/
What this episode covers
In this episode, host Rachel is joined by Jenni Honeyben, a parenting coach with specialist experience in supporting families of PDA children. Together, they explore the idea of highly sensitive nervous systems - a trait particularly relevant to PDAers. Jenni shares how heightened sensitivity affects children's ability to cope with everyday demands, why safety and regulation are so important, and what parents and carers can do to help. Through practical examples and compassionate insight, she explains how understanding nervous system responses can reduce stress, strengthen relationships, and create calmer family environments. Topics Covered: * What it means to have a highly sensitive nervous system * Why this trait is particularly significant for PDA children * How nervous system sensitivity influences anxiety and demand avoidance * Practical ways to help children regulate and feel safe * The role of co-regulation and connection in reducing stress * Strategies for parents and carers to create calmer daily routines * How small changes can make a big difference for family life Deeper Dive Subscriber Episode For those who'd like to go further, an exclusive "Deeper Dive" 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/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/ Guests links: Jenni Honeyben Parenting Support & Coaching - http://www.jennihoneyben.com/
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Highly Sensitive Nervous Systems
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