• EP 36: Special Guests- Caryn Price & Georgina Benger: Authors of 'Olive's Day'
    Dec 1 2025

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    In this episode of the Journeys with PDA Coffee Chat podcast, hosts Heather and Kerissa welcome special guests Caryn and Georgina, who share their insights on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and their experiences as educators and authors. They discuss the importance of understanding PDA, the impact of language and labels, and the need for autonomy in children. The conversation also delves into their books, 'Olive's Day' and 'Willow's Day', which aim to provide resources for families and educators to better support children with PDA. The guests emphasize the significance of compassion, inclusivity, and the role of peers in creating supportive environments for neurodivergent children.

    • Olive’s Day: Understanding and Navigating PDA – a neuro-affirming story bringing to life the lived experience of children with Pathological Demand Avoidance (Persistent Drive for Autonomy). It offers educators, families, and pupils a psychologically informed way to understand autonomy, anxiety, and emotional safety. Purchase: https://a.co/d/0NzXnRD
    • Willow’s Day: Repairing Harm & Building Bridges – a gentle, child-centred introduction to restorative justice, showing how apologies and accountability can repair relationships and build resilience. Purchase: https://a.co/d/aR07WK7

    Caryn Price (MA Special & Inclusive Education, MSc Psychology) & Georgina Benger (MEd Restorative Justice, Cantab)

    Instagram: https://rb.gy/44filv


    We offer connection, community & co-regulation. (And a few laughs!)
    Journeys With PDA (Heather & Kerissa) and any special guests cannot diagnose or prescribe treatments. All information is for educational purposes.

    To learn more about the Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) autism profile, visit our website at https://journeyswithpda.com/

    Heather & Kerissa are Certified PDA Trainers. They offer advocacy, education & family support through one-on-one coaching sessions.
    You can connect with Heather & Kerissa through their website and on social media.
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journeyswithpdanstagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeys_with_pda/

    🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/journeys-with-pda-coffee-chat-podcast/id1681327230

    📲 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5TelhjJN6J3Dt8PPfKEm6k?si=a85f893540a142c0

    💻YouTube Video Podcast:
    https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaSyUriZW2txMrh8vGLdljVFTf_VgK03d

    Support the show

    https://journeyswithpda.com

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • EP 35: Special Guest - Sarah Martin, RDN: Neurodivergent-affirming Nutrition {Part 3}
    Aug 25 2025

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    In this episode, Heather and Kerissa engage in a deep conversation with Sarah Martin, a registered dietitian nutritionist, about the challenges of eating for individuals with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and the complexities of Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). They explore the differences between selective eating and ARFID, the importance of responsive feeding therapy, and how to build positive relationships around food. The discussion emphasizes the need for individualized approaches to nutrition and the significance of autonomy and safety in feeding practices.

    "The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, a medical recommendation, diagnosis, or treatment suggestion. It is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified physician or other health care provider."

    Sarah Martin, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist dedicated to educating and empowering neurodivergent individuals and families to nourish their relationships with food and eating. A late-diagnosed AuDHD PDAer and parent of 3 neurodivergent children, Sarah is in the startup process for her company, Kindred Noodle, to provide neurodivergent-affirming nutrition education and support for her community. She brings a unique understanding of PDA to her work.

    Part 1 with Sarah can be found here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2055881/episodes/17007022

    Part 2 with Sarah can be found here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2055881/episodes/17281792

    Connect with Sarah on Facebook and Instagram @KindredNoodle or email thrive@kindrednoodle.com.

    We offer connection, community & co-regulation. (And a few laughs!)
    Journeys With PDA (Heather & Kerissa) and any special guests cannot diagnose or prescribe treatments. All information is for educational purposes.

    To learn more about the Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) autism profile, visit our website at https://journeyswithpda.com/

    Heather & Kerissa are Certified PDA Trainers. They offer advocacy, education & family support through one-on-one coaching sessions.
    You can connect with Heather & Kerissa through their website and on social media.
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journeyswithpdanstagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeys_with_pda/

    🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/journeys-with-pda-coffee-chat-podcast/id1681327230

    📲 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5TelhjJN6J3Dt8PPfKEm6k?si=a85f893540a142c0

    💻YouTube Video Podcast:
    https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaSyUriZW2txMrh8vGLdljVFTf_VgK03d

    Support the show

    https://journeyswithpda.com

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 39 mins
  • EP 34: Special Guests - Rachel Crupi & Brad Broyles; Polaris Academy
    Jul 13 2025

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    In this episode, Heather and Kerissa chat with Rachel Crupi & Brad Broyles.

    Rachel and Brad are from Polaris Academy in Mesa, Arizona. Polaris Academy is a transformative autism academy dedicated to empowering neurodiverse children.

    Find out more about Polaris Academy: www.polarisacademy.org
    Connect with Rachel: rachel@polarisacademy.org

    Connect with Brad: brad@polarisacademy.org

    We offer connection, community & co-regulation. (And a few laughs!)
    Journeys With PDA (Heather & Kerissa) and any special guests cannot diagnose or prescribe treatments. All information is for educational purposes.

    To learn more about the Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) autism profile, visit our website at https://journeyswithpda.com/

    Heather & Kerissa are Certified PDA Trainers. They offer advocacy, education & family support through one-on-one coaching sessions.
    You can connect with Heather & Kerissa through their website and on social media.
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journeyswithpda
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeys_with_pda/

    🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/journeys-with-pda-coffee-chat-podcast/id1681327230

    📲 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5TelhjJN6J3Dt8PPfKEm6k?si=a85f893540a142c0

    💻YouTube Video Podcast:
    https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaSyUriZW2txMrh8vGLdljVFTf_VgK03d

    Support the show

    https://journeyswithpda.com

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Season 3 Episode 33 Special Guest - Rachel Crupi, M.S., BCBA-LBA
    Jul 2 2025

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    In this episode, Heather and Kerissa chat with Rachel Crupi, M.S., BCBA-LBA.

    Rachel Crupi is the Director of Behavior Services at Polaris Academy in Mesa, Arizona. Polaris Academy is a transformative autism academy dedicated to empowering neurodiverse children.

    Find out more about Polaris Academy: www.polarisacademy.org
    Connect with Rachel: rachel@polarisacademy.org


    We offer connection, community & co-regulation. (And a few laughs!)
    Journeys With PDA (Heather & Kerissa) and any special guests cannot diagnose or prescribe treatments. All information is for educational purposes.

    To learn more about the Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) autism profile, visit our website at https://journeyswithpda.com/

    Heather & Kerissa are Certified PDA Trainers. They offer advocacy, education & family support through one-on-one coaching sessions.
    You can connect with Heather & Kerissa through their website and on social media.
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journeyswithpda
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeys_with_pda/

    🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/journeys-with-pda-coffee-chat-podcast/id1681327230

    📲 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5TelhjJN6J3Dt8PPfKEm6k?si=a85f893540a142c0

    💻YouTube Video Podcast:
    https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaSyUriZW2txMrh8vGLdljVFTf_VgK03d

    #autisticwoman #ADHD #JourneysRETREAT2025 #adhdwoman #coffeechatpodcast #pdaparentingsupport #pdaawareness #pdaadvocacy #PDAcoffeechat #pdacommunity #pdaparentsupport #pdasupport #ADHDwomen #pdaparenting #lowdemandparenting #autisticwomen #journeyswithpdacoffeechatpodcast #neurodiversity #differentnotless #livinglyman

    Support the show

    https://journeyswithpda.com

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 1 min
  • S3: EP 32: Special Guest - Sarah Martin, RDN: Neurodivergent-affirming Nutrition {Part 2}
    Jun 4 2025

    Send us a text

    In this episode, Heather and Kerissa chat with Sarah Martin, RDN.

    Sarah Martin, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist dedicated to educating and empowering neurodivergent individuals and families to nourish their relationships with food and eating. A late-diagnosed AuDHD PDAer and parent of 3 neurodivergent children, Sarah is in the startup process for her company, Kindred Noodle, to provide neurodivergent-affirming nutrition education and support for her community. She brings a unique understanding of PDA to her work.

    "The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, a medical recommendation, diagnosis, or treatment suggestion. It is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified physician or other health care provider."

    Part 1 with Sarah can be found here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2055881/episodes/17007022

    Connect with Sarah on Facebook and Instagram @KindredNoodle or email thrive@kindrednoodle.com.

    We offer connection, community & co-regulation. (And a few laughs!)
    Journeys With PDA (Heather & Kerissa) and any special guests cannot diagnose or prescribe treatments. All information is for educational purposes.

    To learn more about the Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) autism profile, visit our website at https://journeyswithpda.com/

    Heather & Kerissa are Certified PDA Trainers. They offer advocacy, education & family support through one-on-one coaching sessions.
    You can connect with Heather & Kerissa through their website and on social media.
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journeyswithpdanstagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeys_with_pda/

    🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/journeys-with-pda-coffee-chat-podcast/id1681327230

    📲 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5TelhjJN6J3Dt8PPfKEm6k?si=a85f893540a142c0

    💻YouTube Video Podcast:
    https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaSyUriZW2txMrh8vGLdljVFTf_VgK03d

    #autisticwoman #ADHD #JourneysRETREAT2025 #adhdwoman #coffeechatpodcast #pdaparentingsupport #pdaawareness #pdaadvocacy #PDAcoffeechat #pdacommunity #pdaparentsupport #pdasupport #ADHDwomen #pdaparenting #lowdemandparenting #autisticwomen #journeyswithpdacoffeechatpodcast #neurodiversity #differentnotless #livinglyman


    Support the show

    https://journeyswithpda.com

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 38 mins
  • Season 3 Episode 31 - Special Guest- Leah McDermott: Unschooling & Bridge Academy
    May 13 2025

    Send us a text

    In this episode, Heather and Kerissa chat with Leah McDermott.

    Leah is a former teacher turned radical unschooling advocate, owner and author at Your Natural Learner, and founder and head of school at Bridge Academy.

    Connect with Leah on Facebook and Instagram @yournaturallearner

    Learn more about Bridge Academy at https://bridgeacademy.us/

    Join Heather & Kerissa as they share from an authentic & real-life perspective with in-depth conversations around neurodiversity, PDA autism profile, and the autistic experience. This, on occasion, includes sensitive and difficult topics. (Topics include but are not limited to mental health crisis, depression, anxiety, burnout, trauma, and suicidal ideation.) All listeners need to be aware of their own emotional well-being and ability to engage in such topics.

    We offer connection, community & co-regulation. (And a few laughs!)
    Journeys With PDA (Heather & Kerissa) and any special guests cannot diagnose or prescribe treatments. All information is for educational purposes.

    To learn more about the Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) autism profile, visit our website at https://journeyswithpda.com/

    Heather & Kerissa are Certified PDA Trainers. They offer advocacy, education & family support through one-on-one coaching sessions.
    You can connect with Heather & Kerissa through their website and on social media.
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journeyswithpda
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeys_with_pda/

    Support the show:
    https://journeyswithpda.com

    Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

    Support the show

    https://journeyswithpda.com

    Support the show

    https://journeyswithpda.com

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 1 min
  • Season 3 Episode 30 - Special Guest- Sarah Martin, RDN: Neurodivergent-affirming Nutrition {Part 1}
    Apr 20 2025

    Send us a text

    In this episode, Heather and Kerissa chat with Sarah Martin, RDN

    Sarah Martin, RDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist dedicated to educating and empowering neurodivergent individuals and families to nourish their relationships with food and eating. A late-diagnosed AuDHD PDAer and parent of 3 neurodivergent children, Sarah is in the startup process for her company, Kindred Noodle, to provide neurodivergent-affirming nutrition education and support for her community. She completed PDA North America's Level 1 and Level 2 trainings in PDA and brings a unique understanding of PDA to her work.

    Connect with Sarah on Facebook and Instagram @KindredNoodle or email thrive@kindrednoodle.com.

    Join Heather & Kerissa as they share from an authentic & real-life perspective with in-depth conversations around neurodiversity, PDA autism profile, and the autistic experience. This, on occasion, includes sensitive and difficult topics. (Topics include but are not limited to mental health crisis, depression, anxiety, burnout, trauma, and suicidal ideation.) All listeners need to be aware of their own emotional well-being and ability to engage in such topics.

    We offer connection, community & co-regulation. (And a few laughs!)
    Journeys With PDA (Heather & Kerissa) and any special guests cannot diagnose or prescribe treatments. All information is for educational purposes.

    To learn more about the Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) autism profile, visit our website at https://journeyswithpda.com/

    Heather & Kerissa are Certified PDA Trainers. They offer advocacy, education & family support through one-on-one coaching sessions.
    You can connect with Heather & Kerissa through their website and on social media.
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journeyswithpda
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeys_with_pda/

    Support the show

    https://journeyswithpda.com

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 22 mins
  • Season 3 Episode 29 - Special Guest- Steph Curtis: PDA in the Family
    Mar 16 2025

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    In this episode, Heather and Kerissa chat with Steph Curtis, author of "PDA in the Family: Life After the Lightbulb Moment," and the blog Steph's Two Girls.

    You can find more information about Steph Curtis at www.stephstwogirls.co.uk
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephstwogirls

    Join Heather & Kerissa as they share from an authentic & real-life perspective with in-depth conversations around neurodiversity, PDA autism profile, and the autistic experience. This, on occasion, includes sensitive and difficult topics. (Topics include but are not limited to mental health crisis, depression, anxiety, burnout, trauma, and suicidal ideation.) All listeners need to be aware of their own emotional well-being and ability to engage in such topics.

    We offer connection, community & co-regulation. (And a few laughs!)
    Journeys With PDA (Heather & Kerissa) and any special guests cannot diagnose or prescribe treatments. All information is for educational purposes.

    To learn more about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) autism profile, visit our website at https://journeyswithpda.com/

    Heather & Kerissa are Certified PDA Trainers. They offer advocacy, education & family support through one-on-one coaching sessions.
    You can connect with Heather & Kerissa through their website and on social media.
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journeyswithpda
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeys_with_pda/

    Support the show:
    https://journeyswithpda.com

    Support the show

    https://journeyswithpda.com

    Show More Show Less
    58 mins