Autism Spectrum & PDA Parenting: Supporting Sensory Needs, Safety, and Wellbeing through OT (Occupational Therapy)

This episode explores PDA (pathological demand avoidance) and PDA strategies for low demand parenting within children on the Autism Spectrum and within other neurodivergence, through a neurodiversity-affirming lens, focusing on foundations built by paediatric occupational therapy (OT), co-regulation, and DIR Floortime. Learn how the parent–therapist relationship supports the child’s nervous system, and the parent's nervous system, long-term wellbeing, and everyday functioning. We move from rigid, outcome-focused strategies to flexible, relationship-driven care that honors each child’s unique profile and the familys' thriving as a whole.

Guest
Rachel Gebers, Pediatric Occupational Therapist. Instagram: Growing Joy OT — https://www.instagram.com/growingjoyot/

Key takeaways

• Foundations and relationships come first: the child’s nervous system needs safety and co-regulation.
• PDA requires a flexible, child-led, neurodiversity-affirming approach—avoid rigid autism “playbooks.”
• The parent–therapist dyad is central; alignment and energy state matter for progress.
• A long-term mindset is essential: “slow to go fast” builds durable gains and reduces avoidance.
• Equity in school and home matters: support for autonomy, balanced to the child’s needs and context.
• Ensuring you find a neurodiversity affirming therapist

Guest: Rachel Gebers, Pediatric Occupational Therapist. Instagram: Growing Joy OT — https://www.instagram.com/growingjoyot/

Connect with Rachel via Growing Joy OT on Instagram for consults or floor-time parent coaching: https://www.instagram.com/growingjoyot/

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Explore these topics:

• ⚡ Regulation & Safety: Understand why PDA is a Nervous System Response here.
• 🗣️ PDA Foundations: Master the shift to Declarative Language & Safety here.
• 🏫 Education & Advocacy: Navigating masking and School Refusal here.

🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

✨ Raising PDA Community: Join the Waitlist for wraparound support and an exclusive discount! (Next Opening March 2026!)

✨ Free PDA Language Guide: FREE GUIDE

You are not failing and your child is not broken. If you're ready to establish deeper foundations and sustainable support, visit chantalhewitt.com for more resources.

About the Show: Chantal Hewitt provides neuroaffirming strategies for Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and Autism. Help for families navigating autistic burnout, family wellbeing and sibling dynamics, challenging behaviour, school refusal and autism meltdowns using low-demand parenting.