When we’re raising PDA kids, or any kids with school-related trauma, one of the hardest moments can be when they say:

“I want to try school again.”

On the surface, that might sound hopeful. Brave. Promi...

Institutional cynicism does not appear out of nowhere, nor does it simply emerge because individuals working within systems become tired, burnt out, or skeptical over time. Institutional cynicism g...

It is remarkable how often adults express confusion or indignation when children, particularly children labelled pathologically demand avoidant or oppositionally defiant (note - those who resist and/o...

PDAers often struggle with being perceived.

By that I don’t simply mean being seen. I mean the experience of someone observing, interpreting, forming conclusions, or assuming meaning about what we’re...

We spend so much time demonising the creative, magical ways in which the human brain (and consciousness) preserves a person’s sanity. Not only do we overlook this, we  actually disrespect it.

I am a ...

I’m asked often about my qualifications. In fact, just yesterday someone asked if I had “any actual qualifications or is it all just personal experience?”

I don't typically answer this. But her...

I would sob in isolation, convinced I didn’t know how to raise my children correctly because I was looking for the ‘right’ (safest, socially acceptable) answer.

I would criticize myself, reject mysel...

I fear for the rights of my teen.

She is non speaking, with significant support needs and requires intensive care around the clock.

We already do not have support workers due to lack in skill level ...

I was discussing with a friend and fellow PDAer yesterday how challenging it can be to realise I am not being 100% honest with myself and/or others when trying to seek support. To be more specific, I ...

Our children struggling does not immediately indicate that we are not doing enough, or that we are missing some crucial information. To struggle is to be human and our behaviour is not the problem - i...