Finding Therapeutic Support as a PDA Parent

Finding Therapeutic Support as a PDA Parent

A PDA Society podcast episode with Christine MacInnis (LMFT)

Parenting a PDA child can be one of the most rewarding experiences imaginable — but it can also be deeply isolating, emotionally exhausting, and misunderstood by those around you.

In this insightful and compassionate podcast episode, Sarah from the PDA Society is joined by licensed therapist Christine MacInnis (LMFT) to explore the unique challenges parents and carers face when seeking support for themselves.

Many PDA parents find themselves navigating constant criticism, conflicting professional advice, feelings of guilt, and the exhausting pressure of advocating for a child whose needs are often misunderstood. Yet finding therapeutic support that truly understands PDA can be surprisingly difficult.

In this conversation, Christine shares her expertise on what PDA-informed support looks like in practice and explains why parents need support that validates their experiences, strengthens their confidence, and helps them navigate the emotional impact of caring for a PDA child.

In this episode you’ll discover

• Why parenting a PDA child can feel so isolating and overwhelming
• The emotional toll of not being believed or understood
• How to identify therapists who genuinely understand PDA
• The green flags and red flags to look for when choosing a therapist
• Why traditional parenting advice can be unhelpful—or even harmful—for PDA families
• The importance of nervous system awareness, validation and attunement
• How therapeutic support can help parents build confidence in their instincts
• Alternative sources of support, including coaching, groups and community connections

Packed with practical guidance and reassuring insights, this episode offers a roadmap for parents who may feel lost, unsupported or unsure where to turn.

Whether you’re considering therapy for the first time, searching for a PDA-affirming professional, or simply wanting reassurance that you’re not alone, this conversation provides valuable tools, hope and understanding.

Perfect for parents, carers, family members and professionals who want to better understand the realities of supporting PDA families and the importance of finding the right support.

What you’ll gain from listening

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what effective therapeutic support looks like, greater confidence in recognising PDA-affirming practice, and reassurance that your experiences as a parent matter too.

Perfect for parents, carers, family members and professionals who want to better understand the realities of supporting PDA families and the importance of finding the right support.

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/

Guest link

www.theneurodivergentwhisperer.com

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.