Libsyn Directory

Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) with Diane Gould

Release Date: 02/03/2025

Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) with Diane Gould

Special Ed on Special Ed

Stay tuned for the transcript, which will be available shortly after publication on. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Diane Gould Guest Title and Bio: Diane Gould is a licensed clinical social worker with over 40 years of experience working with neurodivergent children, adults, and their families. She founded PDA North America, an organization dedicated to supporting families and professionals navigating this unique autism profile. Diane is also the co-author of the groundbreaking book, Navigating PDA in America, which adapts international knowledge of PDA to the unique challenges...

Navigating the Emotional Terrain: Counseling and Behavioral Strategies in Special Education with Dr. Gwen Martin

Special Ed on Special Ed

Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Dr. Gwendolyn Martin Title/Organization: Licensed Professional Counselor, Founder of Dr. Gwen’s Counselor Café, LLC, and Coastal Crossroads Counseling Solutions, LLC Guest Bio: Dr. Gwendolyn Martin, also known as Dr. Gwen, is a licensed professional counselor, former special education teacher, school counselor, and college professor. She has dedicated her career to supporting children and families with high emotional and behavioral needs. Through her ventures,...

Empowering Through Accessibility: Insights from The Blind Blogger, Maxwell Ivey

Special Ed on Special Ed

Stay tuned for the transcript, which will be available shortly after publication on. Host: Dana Jonson  Guest: Maxwell Ivey  Guest Title and Bio: Maxwell Ivey, also known as The Blind Blogger, is a blind entrepreneur, author, speaker, and accessibility advocate. Maxwell has built a successful career helping businesses, nonprofits, and organizations embrace accessibility—not just as a legal requirement, but as an opportunity to create a better experience for everyone. With an inspiring journey that began in a family of carnival owners, Maxwell has emerged as a respected voice...

Reaching New Heights: The Power of Parent Advocacy in Special Education with April Rehrig

Special Ed on Special Ed

Host: Dana Jonson Guest: April Rehrig Title: Founder, Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting Bio: April Rehrig is a distinguished advocate in special education with over two decades of experience as a school psychologist, teacher, and parent within the public school setting. As the founder of Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting, April focuses on training parents to be effective advocates for their children. Her strength-based approach emphasizes collaboration, communication, and empowering families to navigate the IEP process successfully. Episode Summary In this episode, Dana...

Empowering Autism Parenting: Transforming Challenges into Triumphs with Andrea Pollack

Special Ed on Special Ed

Stay tuned for the transcript, which will be available shortly after publication on. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Andrea Pollack Founder, Autism Parent Solutions Andrea Pollack is a former litigator turned educator and parenting coach. After homeschooling her autistic son for eight years due to a lack of suitable educational settings, Andrea earned a master’s degree in education and founded Autism Parent Solutions. Her mission is to empower parents of autistic children with the tools and strategies needed to foster success at home, in school, and beyond. She is also the chairman of the board of...

Academic Pressures, Eating Disorders, and Mental Wellness: A Comprehensive Approach with Ilona Phillips

Special Ed on Special Ed

Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Ilona Phillips Founder of Lotus Consulting, Psychotherapist specializing in eating disorders Guest Bio: Ilona Phillips is the founder of a psychotherapy group practice specializing in treating eating disorders. With over two decades of experience, she evolved from working solo to leading a team of 30 clinicians. Her work emphasizes helping individuals navigate recovery from eating and anxiety disorders while equipping parents and guardians with the tools and...

Suicidal Behaviors in Adolescents with Disabilities and Therapeutic Support with Melody Murray

Special Ed on Special Ed

Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be available on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Melody Murray Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Child Mental Health Specialist, Author Melody has a unique background that spans roles as a hospital ER mental health evaluator, reality TV producer, and therapist. With experience in childhood trauma, suicidal ideation, and family dynamics, Melody is dedicated to making mental health accessible through public forums and online courses. She’s known for her holistic approach, combining professional insight with...

Empowering Through Exercise: Fitness and Autism with Jimmy Clare

Special Ed on Special Ed

Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Jimmy Clare Guest Title: Founder of Crazy Fitness Guy, Motivational Speaker, Autism Advocate, Author Introduction: In this episode, Dana Jonson sits down with Jimmy Clare, the resilient and inspiring founder of Crazy Fitness Guy. Jimmy, a motivational speaker, autism advocate, and host of the Crazy Fitness Guy Healthy Living Podcast, shares his journey of overcoming adversity, including bullying, multiple surgeries, and living with spinal stenosis. Dana and Jimmy explore how he...

Dysgraphia Insights and Inclusive Strategies with Cheri Dotterer

Special Ed on Special Ed

Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on . Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Cheri Dotterer Guest's Bio: Cheri Dotterer is a handwriting specialist and dysgraphia consultant with an occupational therapy background. Her work focuses on providing innovative strategies and interventions for individuals with dysgraphia, combining educational neuroscience with hands-on support. Episode Summary: In this episode, Dana Jonson and Cheri Dotterer explore the complexities of dysgraphia, covering its emotional, cognitive, and physical impact on students with learning...

Unlocking Potential Enhancing Brain Health and Development with Dr. Rebecca Jackson

Special Ed on Special Ed

Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Dr. Rebecca Jackson Chief Programs Officer, Brain Balance, Board-Certified Cognitive Specialist, and Doctor of Chiropractic. Guest Bio: Dr. Rebecca Jackson is a brain health expert and the Chief Programs Officer at Brain Balance. She is also a Board-Certified Cognitive Specialist and a Doctor of Chiropractic with over 15 years of dedicated research and hands-on application in cognitive development. She has passionately worked to improve the well-being of children and...

More Episodes

Stay tuned for the transcript, which will be available shortly after publication on SpecialEd.fm.

Host: Dana Jonson
Guest: Diane Gould
Guest Title and Bio: Diane Gould is a licensed clinical social worker with over 40 years of experience working with neurodivergent children, adults, and their families. She founded PDA North America, an organization dedicated to supporting families and professionals navigating this unique autism profile. Diane is also the co-author of the groundbreaking book, Navigating PDA in America, which adapts international knowledge of PDA to the unique challenges faced by families in the United States. Her work focuses on creating low-pressure, supportive environments for individuals with PDA through education, advocacy, and systemic change.

Episode Summary

In this episode, host Dana Jonson sits down with Diane Gould, a pioneer in raising awareness about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) in the United States. They explore what PDA is, how it fits within the autism spectrum, and why it has only recently gained recognition in America. Diane shares her journey to becoming a leading advocate for PDA, highlights the challenges in diagnosing and supporting individuals with PDA, and provides insights into creating low-pressure, relationship-based environments that foster autonomy.

Listeners will learn:

The unique characteristics of PDA, including its pervasive drive for autonomy and heightened sensitivity to demands.
How PDA differs from traditional understandings of autism.
Why traditional behavioral approaches may not work for PDA and how to adopt a mindset shift focused on flexibility and collaboration.
Practical strategies for parents, educators, and professionals to support individuals with PDA effectively.

Resources Mentioned

Book: Navigating PDA in America by Diane Gould and Ruth Fidler
Website: PDA North America (pdanorthamerica.org)

Free monthly PDA 101 webinars (First Thursday of every month)
Downloadable resources for parents and professionals
Training programs and provider directory

Book: Is This Autism? by Donna Henderson
Book: The Declarative Language Handbook by Linda Murphy

Engagement and Sharing

Share the Episode with a Friend: If you know someone who could benefit from understanding PDA, share this episode with them!

Leave a Review: Help us spread awareness about PDA by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback supports the podcast and helps others to find it.

Episode Summary

Resources Mentioned

Engagement and Sharing

If You Like This Episode, Be Sure to Check Out:

TOPICS