About this episode

In this episode, Casey discusses the distinct nature of Pathological Demand Avoidance compared to Autism, ADHD, and Anxiety, sharing personal insights and experiences.

There is a lot of noise in the PDA space right now, and some of it is making parents doubt themselves and feel more confused rather than less. So I am re-airing this episode from May 2025 because I think it will help you feel more confident in the path you are on. In this episode I share a story from a feeding support group that crystallized for me why PDA is a distinct experience, not one that can be folded into autism, ADHD, or anxiety strategies without losing something critical. I walk through two examples of content I have seen in the PDA space that would have sent me spiraling five years ago, and I close with a Buddhist concept called the near neighbor enemy that gave me the strength to say something I know is controversial. Key Takeaways The Support Group Story and What It Clarified | 00:01:39 Shortly after moving to Michigan, my husband and I organized a babysitter and drove to a support group for families of Autistic children with feeding challenges. All the other children played in another room with their special interests. One non-speaking child sat calmly with a car magazine. Others played with trains and Legos while their parents talked. I wept on the way home…

People in this episode

Host: Casey

Topics covered

• Pathological Demand Avoidance
• Autism
• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Parenting
• Support Groups

Keywords

• Pathological Demand Avoidance
• Autism
• ADHD
• Anxiety
• parenting
• support group
• Buddhist concept

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: PDA, Michigan

Books & works: Buddhist concept

More episodes of At Peace Parents Podcast

• Throwback: 5 Ways to Recognize Pathological Demand Avoidance at School | Ep. 179 · September 8, 2026 · 30 min
• Educational Exclusion, Radical Trust, and What PDA-Affirming Schooling Looks Like: Otto Specht School | Ep. 178 · September 1, 2026 · 1h 12m
• One Year Later: Justin's Story of Progress With His PDA Son | Ep. 177 · August 25, 2026 · 49 min
• Basic Needs and Pathological Demand Avoidance: Toileting, Sleep, Hygiene, Eating, and Safety | Ep. 176 · August 18, 2026 · 18 min
• Why You're Walking On Eggshells: Cumulative Nervous System Activation And Your PDA Child Or Teen | Ep. 174 · August 4, 2026 · 18 min
• Finding Meaning as a Parent of a Pathological Demand Avoidance Child or Teen | Ep. 173 · July 28, 2026 · 18 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the At Peace Parents Podcast podcast page.