Daily life in a PDA family

Daily life in a PDA family

A PDA Society podcast episode featuring Jennifer Chilton

What does everyday life really look like for a family raising a child with a PDA profile?

In this honest and deeply relatable podcast episode, Rachel from the PDA Society is joined by Jennifer Chilton, neurodiverse-informed coach and parent of a child with a PDA profile, to discuss the realities of family life before and after understanding PDA.

Jennifer shares her family’s journey from surviving each day in crisis mode to building a calmer, more connected home life by changing not only her parenting approach, but also her mindset and expectations.

Together, they explore how understanding the underlying drivers of PDA can transform family relationships, reduce stress and create a more manageable, compassionate way of living for everyone involved.

In this episode you will discover:

• What daily life can feel like for families before PDA is understood

• Why traditional parenting approaches often don’t work for PDA children

• How adapting expectations can reduce conflict and anxiety

• The importance of connection, trust and nervous system regulation

• Finding the balance between flexibility and providing a sense of safety

• Why looking after your own wellbeing is essential, not selfish

• Practical ways to prioritise what really matters as a family

• How small, consistent changes can lead to lasting improvements over time

Many parents of PDA children feel as though they are constantly firefighting, questioning their parenting and simply trying to get through each day.

Jennifer speaks openly about the emotional impact of raising a PDA child, the pressures of balancing work and family life, and the turning point that helped her family move from surviving to thriving.

Her story offers reassurance that while life with PDA can be incredibly challenging, meaningful change is possible when families feel empowered to understand their child – and themselves – with greater compassion.

Guest links

Website: www.neurodistinct-coaching.co.uk

Instagram: @Jen_neurodistinct

Further sources of support & information

More podcasts available on the PDA Society Training Hub:
https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/

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/

You can find our Facebook support groups here 

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, but sometimes our guests may use language and terminology which differs.

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