PDA and Autism Burnout: A Mother’s Journey of Resilience and Advocacy | Ep. 20

In this episode of 'Finding Hope on the Spectrum,' Brooke is joined by Stephanie Myung, a PDA autism mom and former Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), to discuss the challenges and experiences of raising a child with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Stephanie shares her personal story of navigating her son's intense autistic burnout, the difficulties of obtaining a proper diagnosis and services, and the paradigm shifts she experienced from her former career as a behavior analyst to her current advocacy work. Stephanie provides insights into PDA behavior, common misconceptions about autism, and strategies for parents to handle such complex situations, emphasizing the importance of non-reactive parenting, community support, and understanding the neurobiological aspects of behavior. The episode aims to spread awareness, offer practical advice, and encourage a compassionate approach in supporting individuals with PDA and their families.00:00 Introduction to PDA Parenting01:35 Welcome to Finding Hope on the Spectrum02:39 Introducing Stephanie Mayan04:01 Stephanie's Journey with PDA and Autism05:51 Understanding PDA and Autism Burnout09:39 Challenges and Misconceptions in PDA14:39 Navigating the School System with PDA34:40 Impact on Siblings and Family Dynamics36:13 Navigating Sibling Dynamics and Misophonia37:01 The Importance of Separating Siblings for Individual Time37:27 Challenges and Strategies for Parents38:13 Understanding PDA and Finding Community Support39:02 Effective Strategies for Managing PDA42:15 The Role of Parents in PDA Management43:38 Self-Care and Support for Parents56:33 Advocacy and Raising Awareness01:01:03 Concluding Thoughts and ResourcesConnect with Finding Hope on the Spectrum:Email: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574918739411Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-wagner-4819233a/Instagram: @findinghopeonthespectrumTikTok: FindinghopeonthespectrumGuest Contact: Instagram: @the_rehumanization_projectRecommended Books:The Declarative Language Handbook: Using a Thoughtful Language Style to Help Kids with Social Learning Challenges Feel Competent, Connected, and Understood, By Linda MurphyRecommended Articleshttps://www.psychotherapynetworker.org/article/the-pda-lens/Recommended Professionalshttps://www.peacefulparenthappykids.com/https://www.jessicarichardslcsw.com/Poppy and the Overactive Amygdala, By Holly Rae ProvanLow-Demand Parenting, By Amanda Diekman The Educator’s Experience of Pathological Demand Avoidance: An Illustrated Guide to Pathological Demand Avoidance and Learning, By Laura Kerbey