Navigating Autism and PDA: Iain Girvan's Insightful Journey as a Dedicated Father

Today we're thrilled to have Iain Girvan joining us, a dedicated father and advocate, who will share his profound journey of parenting a child diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance). Iain opens up about his son’s unique traits, the challenges and systemic frustrations he faces, and the emotional toll it takes on their family. We'll delve into how his son’s advanced social reasoning and imaginative thinking often defy stereotypes about autism, the complexities of navigating traditional school systems, and the essential yet arduous journey towards homeschooling.

Together, we'll explore the overlap between autism, ADHD, and PDA, and discuss practical strategies for managing intense situations driven by PDA. Iain also provides insights into his low-demand parenting approach, emphasizing autonomy and flexibility to reduce anxiety and resistance. Through his experiences, we gain a better understanding of the importance of strength-based evaluations, community support, and personal resilience.

Tune in as Iain shares his story of advocating for his child’s education and mental health while simultaneously building supportive communities for other parents. We’ll hear about his innovative initiatives, like online gaming mentoring, and his emphasis on self-care amidst the rigors of caregiving.

This episode is a compelling blend of personal anecdotes, practical advice, and reflections on creating a more understanding and supportive environment for children with unique needs.

Iain's Website:

https://autsupport.nz/autmentor/

Iain's FaceBook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558418123427