Episode 65
This week we are joined by Tina MacGillivray, known as @thepdaparent on instagram and a beacon of resilience and knowledge in parenting. This week we talk to her about the journey of parenting her son with 48 XXYY syndrome, autism, Tourette's, and PDA.
This is a heartbreaking yet inspiring episode which tells the story of a parent who has realised that the support she needs just isn't there, and has taken matters into her own hand - an experience help with so many others in this community. We talk PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), about being on the receiving end of an underfunded system, and the choice to disengage. We also discuss how Tina brought herself and her son back from the brink, low demand parenting, educating oneself about the nervous system, and the key role humour has in parenting.
The episode concludes with an empowering message to parents: your journey, though daunting, is laced with opportunities for transformation, growth, and the discovery of unexpected joy in the face of adversity. Join us as we share a story not just of struggle, but of profound hope and the indelible strength of the human spirit.
Click here for Tina's The PDA Parent Newsletter
PDA Books:
Understanding PDA in Children – Phil Christie
The Educators Guide to PDA – Laura Kerbey
Collaborative Approaches to Learning for Children with PDA – Ruth Fidler
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📩 Contact Me
If you would like to get in touch, you can email me directly at olivia.kessel@sendparenting.com
I would genuinely love to hear from you, especially about the topics you would like covered and the guests you would love to hear from in 2026.
