Voice, Vision, and Validation: A Conversation With Diane Gould on Empowering Neurodivergent Lives

In this powerful episode of The PDA Parenting Podcast, host Amy Kotha is joined by Diane Gould, LCSW - a veteran therapist, late-diagnosed autistic woman, and Director of PDA North America. Diane shares her personal journey to discovering her neurodivergence and how it informs her professional mission to amplify PDA awareness and advocacy across the continent.Together, Amy and Diane dive into what it truly means for neurodivergent individuals - especially those with a PDA profile - to find their voice in a world that often misunderstands them. From school struggles and masking to identity, self-advocacy, and parenting with presence, this episode is rich with insight, validation, and practical wisdom.Highlights:Diane’s late autism diagnosis and the surprising story behind itThe founding and mission of PDA North AmericaThe power of lived experience in supporting PDA familiesRethinking behavior through the lens of curiosity and nervous system regulationWhat it means to scaffold our kids' voices — not replace themA vision for a truly neurodivergent-affirming worldResources & Contact:📚 Navigating PDA in America by Diane Gould & Ruth Fidler🌐 PDA North America  www.pdanorthamerica.orgPEERS®-Inspired Friendship & Relationship Program  https://dianegouldtherapy.com/peers/📧 Email: [email protected] or [email protected]✨ To learn more about Amy’s work or to get coaching support, visit www.amykcoach.com