Articles #PDAParenting

The Reality of the "Inclusive" Playground While bullying is often minimized as a childhood rite of passage, for neurodiverse children—especially those with Pervasive Demand Avoidance (PDA) and autism—it is a daily barrier to education. High-stress environments often exacerbate "visible" neurodivergent traits like stimming or palilalia, leading to social exclusion rather than support. Navigating a Neurotypical World Drawing from 20 years of expertise and lived experience as a mother, I explore the challenges of context blindness and the intense labor involved in teaching neurodiverse children to navigate everyday tasks. From mastering a simple trip to the shops to managing "foot-in-mouth" moments in social settings, neurodiverse kids are often working twice as hard just to stand still. The Mission: Ground-Up Education The burden of "fitting in" should not rest solely on the child. This article highlights the vital importance of: Social Stories & Toolsets: Equipping kids to navigate neurotypical environments. School Advocacy: Moving beyond "inclusive" labels to genuine understanding. Malleable Kindness: Teaching neurotypical peers to embrace differences from an early age. The Bottom Line We must stop trying to fit square pegs into circular saws. By spreading knowledge and fostering acceptance in schools today, we can prevent the long-term psychological "scarring" that carries into adulthood.

Why Won’t They Just Sleep? The Neurodivergent Brain, Bedtime Battles & the Parent Who Now Requires Horse Tranquilisers If you’ve ever found yourself weeping into a muslin cloth at 3:00 AM while your child displays the stamina of a marathon runner, this is for you. In the world of neurodiversity—especially with Autism, ADHD, and PDA—bedtime isn't just a routine; it’s a high-stakes transition that many brains are physically wired to resist. From the "melatonin lag" to the sensory minefield of a quiet room, I dive deep into why the neurodivergent brain fights sleep so ferociously. More importantly, I share the journey from my own "hollowed-out ghost" phase (and my resulting dependence on "significant" sedation) to finding a path that actually works. Inside the article: The Science of the Struggle: Why delayed melatonin and sensory processing issues make "standard" bedtimes nearly impossible. The PDA Factor: Why sleep feels like a loss of autonomy and how to lower the demand. The Chair Method: A step-by-step look at how I used co-regulation to build independent sleep without the trauma of controlled crying. The "Panini Squish" & Other Tools: Practical, sensory-smart strategies to build a non-negotiable (but low-demand) wind-down routine. A Note to the Sleep-Deprived Parent: Why your rest isn't a luxury—it's a health crisis that deserves attention. Stop trying to land the plane before it has started its descent. Let’s look at the scaffolding your child—and your nervous system—actually needs. "Sleep is the foundation everything else is built on—regulation, learning, and the basic human capacity to get through a day without crying in a car park."

From Roblox moderation to the dangers of YouTube Shorts, a neurodiversity specialist shares a candid look at parenting on the spectrum. Learn how to balance digital autonomy with safety for your neurodivergent child.

"Look At How Much of You is Switched On" What happens when we stop talking about what neurodiverse children can’t do and start looking at the "cities of light" inside their brains? In this article, I reflect on parenting children with PDA, the power of neurodivergent representation in history, and the beautiful, often hilarious directness of a mind that sees the world exactly as it is. It’s a reminder that the world doesn’t need our children to be "less"—it’s waiting for them to be more.