Unschooling With PDA

Unschooling With PDA•shows.acast.com

A podcast for parents navigating the complexities of raising children with the Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile of autism. Join host Rose, a late diagnosed autistic mum, as we explore her and other parents' experiences with PDA, home education, unschooling, and the challenges of being a parent as a late-diagnosed or undiagnosed neurodivergent person. This podcast aims to create a supportive space for sharing experiences, emphasising that you're not alone on this often difficult journey. Gain practical strategies, insights, and a sense of community where we all understand both the ups and downs of parenting and home educating a PDAer.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last refreshed: February 14th, 2026 at 5:34 PM ⓘ

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Episodes

11. "But How Will They Learn To Read?!"

Find out how Rose (@ unschoolingwithpda ) and three other parents (Amy - @ amymrutter // Victoria - @ wartswaypda // Linsey - @ unschoolingstanley ) navigated the unschooling path of their neurodivergent children learning to read without ever having been formally taught at school. They all share ideas and resources that worked for their four very different boys, to help show how varied unschooled learning can be, and still have the same successful results, without any formal teaching taking plac...

Aug 04, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 11

10. A Positive Outlook: Balancing PDA parenting with studying for a degree, SEND advocacy, sibling needs and staying optimistic as a single mum

In this podcast episode, we meet Sarah, a single mum of two from Bristol, about her experiences navigating life with her 12 year old PDAer daughter, Isla, and Isla's older brother. Sarah shares insights from her journey, detailing the challenges of finding the right educational setting for Isla, the difficulties with local authorities, her transition to home education, and her passion for advocacy within the special educational needs community. Sarah also reflects on personal growth, self-care, ...

Feb 16, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 10

09. Christmas Special: Real-life tips from parents for a calm holiday season with autistic & PDA children

In this special Christmas mini episode, Rose shares real-life examples and strategies based on her own and other families' lived experiences, for creating a more comfortable, low-pressure Christmas for neurodivergent children. She also discusses her approach to reflecting on the past year at each year’s end—through personal videos or journaling—to appreciate incremental growth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 17, 2024•17 min•Season 1Ep. 9

08. Diagnosing the Environment: How to create spaces that promote learning based on any child's individual needs

A conversation with Kate Steer at Nurtured Neuro Kids , a neurodivergent family coach and education consultant. We explore her journey as a parent raising a PDA child while reflecting on how her child psychology background has influenced her approach to parenting. Kate discusses the challenges of meeting a child’s individual needs, focusing on conscious and intentional parenting methods. We also talk about common misconceptions in neurodivergent child development and the critical role of creatin...

Sep 16, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 8

07. Fatherhood and PDA: Ben's Journey

Rose chats to Ben, a father of three boys diagnosed with autism and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). This episode offers a heartfelt and insightful look into parenting children with PDA and the continuous process of learning and adapting, from a dad's perspective. Ben's Instagram: @daddydinosaurpda Ben shares his family's experiences, the challenges they face, and their journey of discovering PDA. He discusses their parenting style, including transitioning to low demand parenting, and the st...

Jun 26, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 7

06. Unschooling and Unmasking: How to Live an Authentic Neurodivergent Life Going Against Societal Norms

Linsey's Instagram : @unschoolingstanley Linsey from the West Midlands discusses unschooling her three children, particularly her PDA son Stanley. She shares her motivations, challenges, and the influence of her own neurodivergence on her parenting and educational philosophy. Linsey emphasises authenticity and discusses her own personal growth as an unmasked adult, and how this has affected her own life and relationships. Main Topics: Unschooling, child-led education, Pathological Demand Avoidan...

Jun 13, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 6

05. Finding the Fun in Mathematics: A Conversation About Joyful Maths For Home Educators

Former maths teacher turned home educator, Ruth Rinaldi, shares her insights into how to make mathematics accessible and enjoyable for all ages and abilities, even if parents don't have a lot of maths knowledge; common misconceptions and mistakes we make while approaching maths education; and specific examples and resources for parents on how to facilitate their child's interest at the appropriate level without making it into a formal lesson. A treasure trove of an episode for those who find mat...

May 23, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 5

04. From Classroom to #VanLife: How Ex-Teacher Sharon Became An Unschooling Advocate

Ex-teacher and mum of two Sharon discusses her thoughts about the education system with Rose. We talk about how she unschools her PDAer alongside her other autistic son, having de-schooled herself. Reflections on the difficulties and learning curves of home education, including self-care for parents, and adapting to each child's unique needs. Exploring the family's adaptation to living and learning in a van this year, with plans for travel across Europe! Sharon's Instagram : @learning_to_unlearn...

May 03, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 4

03. Our Autism Diagnosis & PDA Discovery Journey

*Content advisory: Birth and breastfeeding are discussed in the first 5 minutes* Rose shares the first signs of autism she saw in her baby son, and the trauma he went through that she thinks may have caused his PDA; the steps she had to take to be taken seriously on the NHS autism assessment pathway; and finally the diagnosis and support she was offered. In the second half there is also a mention of DLA and the application process for that. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informa...

Apr 13, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 3

02. Mum Amy Rutter's experience of parenting a PDAer in burnout, getting an EHCP and EOTAS, and managing work alongside being a carer

Amy shares her son's long journey to a diagnosis, getting an EHCP and EOTAS, but can her PDAer actually access the learning provided by the package? Amy also shares her motivation to create the Parent Carer Cheerleading Squad, a community to support and uplift fellow parent carers: Amy's Instagram : @amymrutter Facebook : Parent Carer Cheerleading Squad group Further reading : https://linktr.ee/amymrutter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Feb 26, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 2

The difference between PDA vs "vanilla" demand avoidance; unschooling basics and why it works well for PDAers

Rose introduces the podcast and why the concept became "unschooling with PDA". What's the difference between PDA and demand avoidance in autism and ADHD? Discussing the essence of unschooling and why Rose thinks it's the best way for her son and most other younger PDAers. PDA Society website: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/ * Disclaimer: this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. It does not claim to be official medical advice of any kind. Please speak to your paediatrician if you need advi...

Dec 21, 2023•24 min•Season 1Ep. 1

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