In this episode, we sit down with Amanda Diekman, author of Low-Demand Parenting, to explore the intersection of PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), neurodiversity, and low-demand parenting.
What We Cover:
- What PDA is and is not – Understanding PDA as a profile rather than a diagnosis, and clearing up common misconceptions.
- Why PDA is widely discussed today – How awareness of PDA has grown and why so many neurodivergent families relate to this profile.
- The Low-Demand Parenting approach – What it means to shift from high expectations to a more supportive, flexible, and attuned style of parenting.
- How a low-demand lifestyle works in practice – Real-life applications and examples of reducing demands to create a more peaceful home.
- The importance of practicing low-demand living for yourself – Why parents must first extend grace and compassion to themselves in order to do the same for their kids.
- Parenting trauma and nervous system healing – How our past experiences shape the way we parent, and the ways we can regulate and heal our nervous systems to show up more fully for our children.
If you’ve ever felt like traditional parenting advice doesn’t fit your neurodivergent family, or if you’re struggling to support a child who resists demands, this episode is for you. Amanda offers compassionate, insightful guidance on how to shift from a high-pressure, compliance-based dynamic to one that fosters connection, trust, and emotional safety.
Amanda Diekman is an autistic adult, parent coach, and author in the neurodiversity space. Amanda runs a successful coaching practice for parents of neurodivergent children including online courses and a vibrant membership community. She lives with her husband and three neurodivergent children in an intentional community in Durham, NC.
Find Amanda Diekman’s work at:
https://www.amandadiekman.com
@lowdemandamanda
--
It’s important and essential to put our voices (Rythea and Cara) in a context. We are two white, cis-gender, straight, middle-class women living with financial and societal privilege. Because of this, our perspectives are limited and do not reflect the realities of all our listeners. This podcast will feature guests with expertise around conscious parenting who differ in gender, race, class, abilities, sexual orientation, and histories from us, to broaden the conversation and reflect the lives of as many people as possible. 25% of the proceeds of this podcast will go to creators of color who have been mentors and influences on our work and in our growth as parents.
You can donate to this podcast by going to https://buymeacoffee.com/yourkidsdontsuck
Book with Cara: calendly.com/caratedstonetherapy
Book with Rythea: rythea.com/supportsession
Join Rythea's support group: https://buymeacoffee.com/rythealee
Rate & Review:
Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform! Your feedback helps us reach more parents looking to embrace collaborative, non-coercive parenting.
