Connection before correction – The use of NVR for PDA families (Part 1)

In this episode, Sarah Stewart from the PDA Society is joined by Tracy Weiner, an NVR (Non-Violent Resistance) practitioner and parent of a PDA young person, to explore how NVR can support families experiencing high levels of distress and conflict.

Tracy shares both her professional expertise and personal experience as a parent, speaking about the realities of parenting a PDA child into adolescence and adulthood. The conversation focuses on how NVR can offer an alternative approach when families are facing situations such as parental violence and aggression (PVA), where traditional strategies may no longer feel effective.

Part 1 introduces the core principles of NVR, including moving away from control and consequences, and instead focusing on connection, presence, and de-escalation. Tracy explains how NVR shifts the focus from trying to “fix” behaviour to strengthening relationships and reducing conflict over time.

Sarah and Tracy also explore the emotional impact on parents, including fear, isolation, and uncertainty, and how NVR can help rebuild confidence and stability within the family system. The discussion highlights that this approach is not about giving in, but about responding differently to create safer, more sustainable dynamics.

Key Themes

• What NVR (Non-Violent Resistance) is and how it works
• Moving away from control and consequence-based approaches
• Strengthening connection and reducing conflict
• The emotional impact of high-stress family situations
• Rebuilding parental confidence and stability

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the PDA Society. While we aim to provide balanced and inclusive discussions, individual experiences and perspectives may vary.

The PDA Society is committed to using language and terminology that reflects the preferences of PDA and autistic people. However, guests may sometimes use language that differs.

Appearance on our podcast is not an endorsement of an individual, and not all guests will align with our position on the issues discussed.

Further sources of support and information

• PDA Society Training Hub: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/
• PDA Society Website: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/
• PDA Society Training: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/training/
• PDA Society Support Service: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/support/

Guest links

• NVR – Haim Omer explains non-violent resistance (40 min)
• https://www.nvruk.co.uk/