Parents of PDAers Mental Health & Wellbeing

Parents of PDAers: Mental Health & Wellbeing

Who looks after the parent when you’re spending every day looking after everyone else?

Parenting a child with a PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) profile can be rewarding, but it can also be relentless. Many parents find themselves living in survival mode – constantly firefighting, advocating, co-regulating and putting everyone else’s needs before their own. Over time, the emotional and physical toll can lead to exhaustion, burnout and a profound sense of isolation.

In this honest, compassionate and deeply reassuring podcast episode, Rachel from the PDA Society is joined by Emma McDonnell- parent of two autistic children, including one with a PDA profile, and a neurodivergent parent herself.

Drawing on both lived experience and the work she now does supporting other parents, Emma shares her family’s journey through crisis, burnout and recovery. She offers practical, realistic strategies that acknowledge the realities of parenting a PDA child, helping parents find small but meaningful ways to care for themselves without adding more pressure or guilt.

This is not about striving for perfection. It’s about learning how to survive, recover and reconnect with yourself – one small step at a time.

In this episode you will discover:

• Why so many parents of PDA children experience burnout and emotional exhaustion
• The hidden impact of constantly living in survival mode
• How to recognise the signs that your own wellbeing needs attention
• What “micro moments” are and how they can help you regulate throughout the day
• Simple grounding and breathing techniques that fit into busy family life
• Why many parents feel unable to ask for help—and how to overcome those barriers
• The importance of finding connection with other parents who truly understand
• Practical ways to lower your stress levels without unrealistic self-care expectations
• How looking after your own wellbeing benefits your whole family
• Why being a “good enough” parent is more than enough

This episode offers more than reassurance – it provides practical, compassionate tools that can be used in everyday life. You’ll come away with simple strategies to help you feel calmer, more regulated and better equipped to navigate the challenges of parenting a PDA child.

Most importantly, you’ll be reminded that your wellbeing matters too. By making small, sustainable changes, it’s possible to reduce overwhelm, build resilience and create moments of calm, even during the most challenging days.

Guest links

www.emma-mcdonnell.com

Facebook and Instagram – @theemmamcdonnell

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.