Trauma, Autonomy, and Advocacy: Navigating PDA with Julia Daunt and Ruth Fidler

In this episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker sits down with Julia Daunt and Ruth Fidler, co-authors of Being Julia. Together, they explore the realities of living with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), how it intersects with ADHD and psychotic episodes, and the challenges of navigating life with this often misunderstood condition.

Julia shares her personal journey from childhood to adulthood, discussing the obstacles she faced and the strategies that helped her thrive. Ruth, an education consultant with over 30 years of experience, provides insight into the development of the book and the importance of advocacy for PDA.

💡 Sponsor Message:

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📝 Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

🌟 Understanding PDA:

• What is Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and why is it so often misunderstood?

• The difference between PDA and other autism profiles.

• Why the term "pathological" is important for understanding the profound impact of PDA on daily life.

🤯 Living with PDA – Julia’s Story:

• Navigating school with PDA: Feeling “different” and being labeled as “naughty.”

• The challenge of self-imposed demands and why even enjoyable activities can feel overwhelming.

• How Julia's life changed once she found acceptance and understanding.

🛠️ Strategies for Supporting Those with PDA:

• How to balance autonomy with support without creating pressure.

• Why it’s crucial to build trusted relationships to reduce stress and encourage collaboration.

• Understanding the "Demand Dial" analogy: How to synchronize external demands with individual capacity.

💡 Breaking Down Misconceptions:

• Why PDA is not about being lazy or deliberately oppositional.

• The impact of expectations on anxiety and avoidance.

• How support systems can be built to respect autonomy while fostering positive engagement.

💬 Key Takeaways:

✅ Autonomy is Key: Offering choice and flexibility helps reduce anxiety and resistance.
✅ Normalize the Experience: Understand that PDA is not a choice—it’s a neurological reality.
✅ Collaborative Approach: Building relationships based on trust and partnership rather than coercion.
✅ Listen and Learn: Every person with PDA is unique, and understanding their individual needs is essential.
✅ Reflect on Practice: Shifting from a "fix it" mindset to a supportive, empathetic approach makes a huge difference.

📚 Guest Spotlight:

Julia Daunt - PDA advocate, public speaker, and co-author of Being Julia. Julia’s lived experience sheds light on the everyday challenges of PDA and how to thrive despite them.
Ruth Fidler - Education consultant with decades of experience specializing in autism, PDA, and emotional well-being. Co-author of Being Julia and passionate advocate for person-centered support.

⏳ Timestamps:

• [00:00] - Introduction and Sponsor Message

• [02:19] - Julia’s Journey: Living with PDA and Misunderstood Behaviors

• [12:15] - Breaking Down PDA: Myths and Realities

• [21:30] - Strategies That Work: Building Trust and Offering Autonomy

• [30:45] - Managing Internal Meltdowns and Self-Imposed Demands

• [38:10] - The Role of Relationships in Supporting PDA

• [47:20] - The Power of Language: Why "Pathological" Matters

• [56:30] - Final Takeaways and How to Support Someone with PDA

📖 Further Resources:

• Being Julia - Get your copy to learn more about Julia’s journey and practical strategies for PDA support.

• PDA Society - A hub for resources, guidance, and community support.

• Able Hub - Join the Able Hub for exclusive podcast content, training, and more.

📲 Connect with Us!

🔗 Instagram: @AbleToCarePodcast
🔗 LinkedIn: @AbleTraining
🔗 TikTok: @AbleToCare
🔗 Website: AbleHub.uk

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