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

Steve Francis is the drummer Bulletbelt, a heavy metal band hailing from Wellington New Zealand. In this episode, Lloyd and Steve talked about their experiences and perspectives on heavy metal music, from personal influences to the broader culture and community.

Steve, a seasoned musician and drummer for the New Zealand metal band Bulletbelt, shares his journey into heavy metal, influenced by his older brothers and early exposure to bands like Van Halen.

He talks about the evolution of his band, which started in 2009, and the importance of maintaining high standards and teamwork among band members. The conversation also highlights the challenges and rewards of being in a band, including dealing with lineup changes, balancing personal and professional commitments, and the importance of live performances in connecting with fans.

The dialogue also touches on the impact of heavy metal on listeners and the music scene, emphasizing how it brings people together and offers a sense of belonging, especially for those who feel like outcasts.

Steve speaks about the importance of supporting local bands, the evolving nature of heavy metal with its diverse sub-genres, and the role of music in providing emotional catharsis. He also shares his hopes for the future of the metal scene, encouraging young musicians to find their people and play shows.

The conversation concludes with Steve's thoughts on the importance of positivity and community support in the music industry.

https://www.bulletbelt-official.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Bulletbelt/

https://www.instagram.com/bulletbeltnz/

In our latest episode, "Highlights of Filipino Culture Inside the Philippine Independence Day," we delved into the rich history and vibrant celebrations of Filipino Independence Day. From the resistance against Spanish oppression to the modern-day festivities, we explored the diverse customs and traditions that make this event so special.

Did you know that Filipino communities in New Zealand come together to celebrate this significant day? From cultural variety shows to mouth-watering food festivals, the spirit of the Philippines comes alive in these events. We also highlighted the talent of Amang Pintur Sirika, a folk artist renowned for his unique hand painting performances using his own blood and hair as a medium.

And who can forget about the mouthwatering Filipino cuisine? Adobo, often debated as the national dish of the Philippines, is a staple in these celebrations. We also took a moment to appreciate the rich cultural heritage through fashion and photography exhibits, showcasing the Filipino talent in storytelling.

If this piqued your interest, we encourage you to join and experience the vibrant festivities of Filipino Independence Day in your local community or even consider planning a visit to New Zealand!

Stay tuned for more exciting episodes as we continue to explore the beauty and richness of different cultures around the world.