Supporting Self-Care, Learning & Leisure: OT Approaches for PDA Children

About this episode

Rachel and occupational therapist Bryher Hill discuss how occupational therapy can support PDA children and their families by focusing on understanding their needs and reducing demands.

In this episode, Rachel from the PDA Society is joined by Bryher Hill, an occupational therapist from Helping Kids Shine, to explore how occupational therapy can support PDA children and their families. Bryher shares insight into how occupational therapy looks different when working with PDA profiles, focusing less on compliance and more on understanding the underlying needs driving behaviour. The conversation explores how everyday activities such as self-care, routines and transitions can become overwhelming when anxiety and demand sensitivity are high. Part 1 focuses on understanding the role of occupational therapy in supporting regulation, autonomy and participation in daily life. Bryher explains how observing a child's sensory profile, nervous system responses and communication style can help identify what is making tasks feel difficult. The discussion also highlights the importance of adapting expectations, reducing pressure and working collaboratively with the child, rather than imposing routines that may increase distress. Bryher emphasises that small, thoughtful adjustments can make everyday activities feel more achievable and less threatening. Key Themes * The role of…

People in this episode

Host: Rachel

Guest: Bryher Hill

Topics covered

• occupational therapy
• PDA children
• self-care
• anxiety
• collaboration
• daily life

Keywords

• PDA
• occupational therapy
• self-care
• anxiety
• demand sensitivity
• collaboration
• daily routines

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: PDA Society, Helping Kids Shine

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