Parenting and Self Care

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.

Michelle Davis

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.

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.

Michelle Davis

Apr 137 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.

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.

Michelle Davis

Apr 108 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

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

Michelle Davis

Mar 187 min read

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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

Michelle Davis

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.

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!

Michelle Davis

Mar 157 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.

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.

Michelle Davis

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.

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.

Michelle Davis

Mar 1210 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.

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.

Michelle Davis

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.

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.

Michelle Davis

Mar 98 min read

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A neurodivergent boy experiencing burnout, face contorted in distress with tears streaming down his cheeks as he screams, visibly overwhelmed by sensory and emotional overload, illustrating the intense reality of autism and PDA burnout.

When It All Becomes Too Much: Understanding Autistic Burnout and PDA

Learn to spot autistic burnout in PDA children & discover proven strategies from my parenting journey to help your child recover and thrive.

Michelle Davis

Mar 710 min read

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A compassionate mother embraces her two children, who display traits of autism, ADHD, anxiety, and PDA. Her gentle, understanding expression shows acceptance of their neurodivergence, while the children's body language reflects both the connection they share and the complex emotions that come with navigating daily challenges. This tender moment captures the beautiful bond between a parent and her children with different neurological needs.

When They Say You're Not Parenting Hard Enough: Navigating PDA Misconceptions

When told you're not firm enough with your PDA child, remember: you're not "soft parenting" – you're responding to demand avoidance.

Michelle Davis

Mar 512 min read

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Illustration of a young neurodivergent girl with kitty ears, symbolizing sensory preferences and self-expression in autism, ADHD, and PDA. A relatable representation of autistic masking, special interests, and identity in neurodivergent children.

When Worlds Overlap: Understanding ASD, ADHD, and PDA in Children

Learn how ADHD, autism, and PDA overlap in children, the challenges of diagnosis, and parent-tested strategies backed by research.

Michelle Davis

Mar 414 min read

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Happy neurodiverse girl smiling brightly, radiating joy and confidence. She has a relaxed posture, expressing warmth and positivity in an inclusive and supportive environment.

Does Your Child Have PDA and Autism? Recognizing the Signs & Receiving an Accurate Diagnosis in the USA

Discover how to recognize Pathological Demand Avoidance in children with autism and learn effective strategies to support their unique needs

Michelle Davis

Mar 28 min read

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