In this episode, Rachel from the PDA Society speaks with Julia Daunt, an adult PDAer, author and trainer, about the experience and meaning of distressed behaviours.

Drawing on her personal insight and professional experience, Julia explains what distressed behaviours look and feel like from the inside. She discusses the difference between being in control and feeling overwhelmed, and how anxiety, sensory sensitivities and unmet needs can lead to behaviours that are often misunderstood.

Rachel and Julia explore how reframing distressed behaviours through empathy and understanding can support more positive responses from families, schools and professionals. This conversation offers a powerful reminder that what looks challenging from the outside is often an expression of fear, pain or overload.

Key Themes

• Understanding distressed behaviours from a PDA perspective
• The role of anxiety, fear and overwhelm in triggering behaviours
• The importance of empathy and curiosity in response
• Moving away from behaviour management towards emotional safety
• Recognising the difference between control and distress

Deep Diver Subscriber Episode

For those who would like to go further, Part 2, an exclusive “Deep Diver” subscriber episode, will be available through our Training Hub. You can access it here: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the PDA Society. While we aim to provide balanced and inclusive discussions, individual experiences and perspectives may vary. The PDA Society is committed to using language and terminology that reflects the preferences of PDA and autistic people, but sometimes our guests may use language and terminology which differs. Appearance on our podcast is not an endorsement of an individual, and not all of our guests will align with our position on the issues discussed.

Further sources of support and information

• PDA Society Training Hub: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/
• PDA Society Website: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/
• PDA Society Training: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/training/
• PDA Society Support Service: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/support/

Guests links:

• Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JuliaDauntPDA
• Blog: https://memyselfandpda.com/

In this episode, PDA Society CEO Ed speaks with Suzanne McManus, an editorial leader and creative professional, who joins the podcast to share her personal experience as the parent of a PDA child.

Suzanne reflects on the steep learning curve of parenting when traditional approaches don’t fit, and how she had to unlearn familiar ideas about authority, control and compliance. She discusses the shift from managing behaviour to understanding anxiety and autonomy, and how connection, trust and humour have become the foundations of her parenting.

Through warmth and honesty, Suzanne offers reassurance to parents who may be feeling isolated or unsure, highlighting the importance of community and self-compassion along the way.

Key Themes

• Parenting a PDA child through understanding and flexibility
• Letting go of traditional ideas about authority and control
• Replacing behaviour management with empathy and curiosity
• Building trust, humour and connection in family life
• Finding reassurance and community as a PDA parent

Deep Diver Subscriber Episode

For those who would like to go further, Part 2, an exclusive “Deep Diver” subscriber episode, will be available through our Training Hub. You can access it here: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the PDA Society. While we aim to provide balanced and inclusive discussions, individual experiences and perspectives may vary. The PDA Society is committed to using language and terminology that reflects the preferences of PDA and autistic people, but sometimes our guests may use language and terminology which differs. Appearance on our podcast is not an endorsement of an individual, and not all of our guests will align with our position on the issues discussed.

Further sources of support and information

• PDA Society Training Hub: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/
• PDA Society Website: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/
• PDA Society Training: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/training/
• PDA Society Support Service: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/support/

In this episode, Rachel and guest Julia Daunt begin an open and thoughtful conversation about puberty and PDA, exploring how hormonal, physical and emotional changes can intensify anxiety and demand sensitivity during this stage of development.

The discussion looks at how puberty can affect PDA profiles in ways that are often misunderstood or overlooked. Listeners are guided through common challenges including heightened emotional responses, sensory sensitivities, changes in body awareness and increasing demands around independence, social expectations and self-care.

This first part focuses on building understanding. It highlights why puberty can feel particularly destabilising for PDAers, and why behaviour changes at this stage are often a sign of overwhelm rather than defiance. The episode offers reassurance to parents and carers who may feel unsure how best to support their child during this complex transition.

· Why puberty can be especially challenging for PDAers

· The impact of hormonal changes on anxiety and regulation

· Increased sensory sensitivity and emotional intensity

· Understanding behaviour as communication during puberty

· Supporting safety, trust and connection through change

For those who would like to go further, Part 2, an exclusive “Deep Diver” subscriber episode, is available through our Training Hub. You can access it here: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/

The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the PDA Society. While we aim to provide balanced and inclusive discussions, individual experiences and perspectives may vary. The PDA Society is committed to using language and terminology that reflects the preferences of PDA and autistic people, but sometimes our guests may use language and terminology which differs. Appearance on our podcast is not an endorsement of an individual, and not all of our guests will align with our position on the issues discussed.

· PDA Society Training Hub: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/

· PDA Society Website: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/

· PDA Society Training: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/training/

· PDA Society Support Service: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/support/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JuliaDauntPDA

Blog: https://memyselfandpda.com/

The books Julia mentioned in the episode are:

https://amzn.eu/d/8G7bjjo

https://amzn.eu/d/2thMLw3