Unlearning Authority & PDA: Parenting and Life Balance (Two-Part Podcast)

Unlearning Authority & PDA: Parenting and Life Balance (Two-Part Podcast)

This two-part podcast is included in our monthly and annual subscriptions, or can be purchased individually. It offers extended personal insight, lived experience and practical reflection for parents, carers and professionals supporting PDAers.

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Parenting a PDAer often involves rethinking traditional expectations — including authority, autonomy and how we balance care with our own lives. This two-part series combines rich lived experience with thoughtful discussion to support more compassionate and sustainable ways of parenting and living.

In Part 1, we explore unlearning authority — letting go of top-down expectations, building collaboration, responding to demand avoidance with empathy, and creating relationships that feel safer and more supportive for PDAers and families alike.

Part 2 shifts focus to another reality for many carers: when your career takes a back seat. We dive into the emotional and practical impact of managing work, identity and wellbeing while prioritising the needs of a PDAer — and how to navigate these challenges with intention and care.

Created by the PDA Society with contributions from people with lived experience and professionals in the field.

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 PDAers 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.