Relationship Dynamics with Children with PDA with Beth Elkins & Ian Thorsteinsson
Release Date: 03/27/2025
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info_outlineI am delighted to share the latest episode of our podcast, where Beth Elkins and Ian Thorsteinsson from Gretton School join Dale to explore the relationship dynamics with children who have Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA).
Beth is a parent to a young man with PDA and brings a unique perspective that combines both personal and professional insights. Her candid reflections on the highs and lows of parenting a child with PDA provide emotional support and encouragement, showing other parents that it can get easier with a shift in thinking and communication.
Beth and Ian explore various aspects of parenting children with PDA, sharing personal experiences, professional insights, and practical advice that can make a significant difference for parents, teachers and children.
They discuss:
- Understanding PDA as an anxiety disorder - “When you start to reduce their anxiety, you unlock their ability.” Beth Elkins
- The importance of individual parenting approaches.
- Building effective communication and relationships with children with PDA.
- Strategies for navigating challenges and celebrating successes.
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About Beth Elkins
Beth Elkins has worked in SEN for more than 25 years with a breadth of experience of working with learners with unique learning profiles and a need for education to be different. A parent of a young man with PDA, Beth’s passion for specialist education runs through both her personal and professional life, with the aim of making a positive difference in the lives of as many young people as possible.
About Ian Thorsteinsson
Ian Thorsteinsson joined the Cavendish Group in August 2018. He has a long senior management history in specialist education, particularly in autism schools and services. He has even opened a school for autism in Saudi Arabia. He is passionate about delivering a strong, effective and well resourced provision, which is planned individually, to ensure the best short- through to long-term outcomes.
Contact Beth & Ian
https://www.facebook.com/grettonschool
https://www.instagram.com/grettonschool/
Useful Links
What's it like to be an autistic headteacher of autistic children?
- B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk
- Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast
- Email Dale – [email protected]
- Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe
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