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Autism Parenting

A young boy with autism and PDA is running away from his concerned mother in a park, his expression showing determination rather than defiance. He's reaching toward imaginary characters only he can see, illustrating how elopement and fantasy often intertwine as coping mechanisms for children with PDA who seek escape from overwhelming demands.

A young boy with autism and PDA is running away from his concerned mother in a park, his expression showing determination rather than defiance. He's reaching toward imaginary characters only he can see, illustrating how elopement and fantasy often intertwine as coping mechanisms for children with PDA who seek escape from overwhelming demands.

Understanding When a Child with Autism and PDA Elopes or Uses Fantasy

When a child with autism and PDA elopes or uses fantasy, they're using coping mechanisms to manage overwhelming demands and anxiety. Learn how to support their need for autonomy while keeping them safe, with practical strategies for parents navigating these challenging behaviors while fostering connection and understanding.

Apr 208 min read

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A neurodivergent child with autism and PDA sitting alone looking disinterested among toys and activities, demonstrating the common experience of boredom that masks underlying anxiety and demand avoidance.

A neurodivergent child with autism and PDA sitting alone looking disinterested among toys and activities, demonstrating the common experience of boredom that masks underlying anxiety and demand avoidance.

Understanding and Supporting Your Autistic and PDA Child Who Is Always Bored

Parenting an autistic and PDA child who is always bored presents unique challenges that go beyond typical childhood restlessness. Discover how anxiety, demand avoidance, and sensory needs contribute to expressions of boredom, and learn practical, parent-tested strategies to support your child's engagement while respecting their need for autonomy.

Apr 198 min read

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A young girl with PDA and autism crossing a finish line with her arms raised triumphantly, her face showing intense determination and relief. Other children trail behind as she wins the race, symbolizing how winning provides a crucial sense of control and predictability in an otherwise overwhelming world.

A young girl with PDA and autism crossing a finish line with her arms raised triumphantly, her face showing intense determination and relief. Other children trail behind as she wins the race, symbolizing how winning provides a crucial sense of control and predictability in an otherwise overwhelming world.

When Your Child with PDA Always Has to Win, Be First, and Impulsively Behave

Parenting a child with PDA who always has to win, be first, and impulsively behave presents unique challenges. This article explores the anxiety and need for control behind these behaviors in children with Pathological Demand Avoidance and autism. Discover practical, compassionate strategies to help your child navigate these challenges while supporting their autonomy and emotional development.

Apr 137 min read

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Two boys sitting by each other. One boy is neurodivergent with PDA and autism and is mad at the other because he does not believe that something that just occurred is fair.

Two boys sitting by each other. One boy is neurodivergent with PDA and autism and is mad at the other because he does not believe that something that just occurred is fair.

PDA and a Strong Sense of Fairness and Justice

Parenting a child with PDA and autism who has an intense sense of fairness? You're not alone. Discover why justice matters so deeply to these children and how their autism hidden behind ADHD symptoms can manifest as passionate advocacy. Learn practical strategies to support their need for autonomy while helping them develop the flexibility to thrive in our sometimes unpredictable world.

Apr 127 min read

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Unique Ways Your Child with Autism and PDA May Show Love

Unique Ways Your Child with Autism and PDA May Show Love

Unique Ways Your Child with Autism and PDA May Show Love

Understanding the unique ways your child with autism and PDA may show love requires looking beyond traditional expressions of affection. From sharing special interests and maintaining proximity, to functional communication and problem-solving, these children express a deep connection in their own meaningful language. When we learn to recognize and appreciate these subtle expressions, we discover a profound bond that's simply communicated differently.

Apr 118 min read

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A young boy with autism and PDA sits close to his supportive mother, his face showing the deep emotional impact of rejection sensitivity. His shoulders are slumped and eyes downcast as his mom gently places her arm around him, creating a safe space during this difficult emotional moment.

A young boy with autism and PDA sits close to his supportive mother, his face showing the deep emotional impact of rejection sensitivity. His shoulders are slumped and eyes downcast as his mom gently places her arm around him, creating a safe space during this difficult emotional moment.

Rejection Sensitivity (RSD), PDA, and Autism: Understanding the Emotional Landscape of Our Children

Understanding rejection sensitivity (RSD) transforms how we parent children with autism and PDA, creating emotional safety for their unique needs.

Apr 108 min read

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A young neurodivergent child with autism and PDA covering their face with hands, showing signs of extreme embarrassment in a classroom setting.

A young neurodivergent child with autism and PDA covering their face with hands, showing signs of extreme embarrassment in a classroom setting.

When Emotions Run High: Understanding Extreme Embarrassment with Autism and PDA

Embarrassment in children with autism and PDA: practical strategies for parents to support emotional regulation and build resistance

Mar 298 min read

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A young neurodivergent girl sitting with her back to the camera beside her mother, both looking at an open book. The intimate moment captures their journey through developmental regression, showing the supportive connection between parent and child as they navigate challenges together.

A young neurodivergent girl sitting with her back to the camera beside her mother, both looking at an open book. The intimate moment captures their journey through developmental regression, showing the supportive connection between parent and child as they navigate challenges together.

Understanding Regression and PDA and Autism: A Parent's Perspective

Understanding regression in children with PDA/autism: practical parent-to-parent advice for navigating skill loss while honoring autonomy

Mar 248 min read

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A group of neurodivergent children with ADHD, autism, and PDA lying in a circle on green grass with their heads pointed inward. They're smiling and looking up at the sky, showcasing the joy and connection that can exist between children with different neurotypes. Their relaxed postures and happy expressions highlight how children with diverse neurological differences can form meaningful friendships and enjoy peaceful moments together in nature.

A group of neurodivergent children with ADHD, autism, and PDA lying in a circle on green grass with their heads pointed inward. They're smiling and looking up at the sky, showcasing the joy and connection that can exist between children with different neurotypes. Their relaxed postures and happy expressions highlight how children with diverse neurological differences can form meaningful friendships and enjoy peaceful moments together in nature.

Understanding AuDHD, Autism, ADHD, and PDA: A Parent's Guide to Supporting Neurodivergent Children

Navigating AuDHD, Autism, ADHD & PDA: A parent's guide to supporting your child's unique neurodivergent journey with compassion.

Mar 238 min read

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An African American mother and her neurodivergent daughter with autism smiling happily at each other and sharing a warm embrace, illustrating the loving connection that develops when a parent understands their child's persistent drive for autonomy.

An African American mother and her neurodivergent daughter with autism smiling happily at each other and sharing a warm embrace, illustrating the loving connection that develops when a parent understands their child's persistent drive for autonomy.

Reframing PDA: Understanding the Persistent Drive for Autonomy in Children with Autism

Reframing PDA as a "persistent drive for autonomy" transforms understanding and offers positive strategies for children with autism and PDA.

Mar 2210 min read

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A young neurodivergent child sitting at a desk looking frustrated while working on a task, representing the challenges of developmental plateau

A young neurodivergent child sitting at a desk looking frustrated while working on a task, representing the challenges of developmental plateau

Understanding Developmental Plateau with Autism and PDA: A Parent's Guide

Understanding developmental plateaus in autism: not setbacks but periods of invisible growth. Learn how to support your child through these

Mar 187 min read

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Understanding Stimming in Public for Children with PDA and Autism

Understanding Stimming in Public for Children with PDA and Autism

Understanding Stimming in Public for Children with PDA and Autism

Discover how to support your child's stimming in public while navigating PDA and autism with confidence, compassion and practical strategies

Mar 167 min read

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A young boy with autism and PDA sleeping peacefully in a sensory-friendly nap space, surrounded by comfort items including a weighted blanket and soft cushions. The room features gentle lighting and minimal distractions, creating an environment that supports his neurodivergent sleep needs.

A young boy with autism and PDA sleeping peacefully in a sensory-friendly nap space, surrounded by comfort items including a weighted blanket and soft cushions. The room features gentle lighting and minimal distractions, creating an environment that supports his neurodivergent sleep needs.

PDA and Napping: Understanding Your Child's Rest Needs

Finding peaceful paths to rest for children with PDA and autism requires understanding, not demands. Learn strategies that actually work!

Mar 157 min read

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A neurodivergent girl with autism sharing a warm embrace with her happy, smiling mother, illustrating the beautiful connection and unconditional love between them despite societal challenges they may face.

A neurodivergent girl with autism sharing a warm embrace with her happy, smiling mother, illustrating the beautiful connection and unconditional love between them despite societal challenges they may face.

The Social Stigma of Autism vs. ADHD: What Parents Need to Know

ADHD is often more socially accepted than autism or PDA. Learn strategies to help your child thrive despite these unfair perceptions.

Mar 149 min read

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A smiling blonde girl with autism sits at her school desk, holding an open book. Her genuine expression captures a moment of joy and engagement in the learning environment, showcasing neurodivergent children thriving when supported in educational settings.

A smiling blonde girl with autism sits at her school desk, holding an open book. Her genuine expression captures a moment of joy and engagement in the learning environment, showcasing neurodivergent children thriving when supported in educational settings.

The Hidden Struggle: Masking Autism and PDA at School

Masking autism and PDA at school exhausts children and impacts mental health. Recognize the signs and support your child's authentic self.

Mar 139 min read

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Two parents sitting side by side, each holding a neurodivergent child with autism. One parent is making gentle eye contact while breathing deeply with their child, while the other is providing a calming deep pressure hug. Both demonstrate effective co-regulation techniques that provide emotional security and comfort.

Two parents sitting side by side, each holding a neurodivergent child with autism. One parent is making gentle eye contact while breathing deeply with their child, while the other is providing a calming deep pressure hug. Both demonstrate effective co-regulation techniques that provide emotional security and comfort.

Co-Regulation and "Enabling"

Co-regulation isn't enabling—it's essential. Learn how your presence helps your child with PDA & autism develop emotional regulation skills.

Mar 1210 min read

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A smiling young girl with curly hair sits beside her supportive mother, both looking happy as they engage in a creative activity together. The image represents their journey of discovery after finding that the girl's autism and PDA had been hidden behind her initial ADHD diagnosis, illustrating how proper understanding leads to better connection and joy between parent and child.

A smiling young girl with curly hair sits beside her supportive mother, both looking happy as they engage in a creative activity together. The image represents their journey of discovery after finding that the girl's autism and PDA had been hidden behind her initial ADHD diagnosis, illustrating how proper understanding leads to better connection and joy between parent and child.

Autism Hidden Behind ADHD: Recognizing the Signs Your Child's Complete Story

When autism hides behind ADHD, understanding your child's complete neurodevelopmental profile leads to better support and connection.

Mar 1113 min read

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Two smiling grandparents sitting closely with their granddaughter who has PDA and autism. They're engaged in a calm activity together, demonstrating their active involvement in supporting both their granddaughter and adult child. Their genuine smiles and attentive postures show understanding and acceptance rather than judgment, creating a safe and loving environment for their neurodivergent grandchild.

Two smiling grandparents sitting closely with their granddaughter who has PDA and autism. They're engaged in a calm activity together, demonstrating their active involvement in supporting both their granddaughter and adult child. Their genuine smiles and attentive postures show understanding and acceptance rather than judgment, creating a safe and loving environment for their neurodivergent grandchild.

Supporting Your Children When Your Grandchild Has PDA and Autism: A Grandparent's Guide

Grandparents: Learn how to truly support your adult children raising kids with PDA and autism through understanding, not judgment.

Mar 107 min read

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A happy neurodivergent girl with her arms raised joyfully while playing on a sensory swing. Her expression shows the comfort and delight that appropriate sensory input can provide for children with PDA and autism.

A happy neurodivergent girl with her arms raised joyfully while playing on a sensory swing. Her expression shows the comfort and delight that appropriate sensory input can provide for children with PDA and autism.

Navigating Sensory Processing Challenges in Children with PDA and Autism

Learn how sensory processing challenges affect children with PDA and autism - learn practical strategies for supporting their unique needs.

Mar 98 min read

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A teenage girl with curly hair partially hiding her face behind a decorative mask, symbolizing how girls with autism and PDA often 'mask' their true selves to fit in socially. Her eyes visible above the mask show a mix of vulnerability and determination, representing the emotional complexity of neurodivergent teens navigating social expectations while concealing their authentic experiences.

A teenage girl with curly hair partially hiding her face behind a decorative mask, symbolizing how girls with autism and PDA often 'mask' their true selves to fit in socially. Her eyes visible above the mask show a mix of vulnerability and determination, representing the emotional complexity of neurodivergent teens navigating social expectations while concealing their authentic experiences.

Unmasking the Hidden Challenge: Understanding Masking with Autism in Girls

Unmasking hidden struggles: How girls with autism and PDA exhaust themselves trying to fit in, and what parents can do to help them thrive.

Mar 87 min read

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