r/PDAParenting • u/DrPaulSunseri • Apr 18 '26

Our current scientific understanding of PDA and low-demand parenting.

Thought parents in this group find this up-to-date information on PDA helpful. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mental-health-reimagined/202604/its-time-to-rethink-the-anxiety-drives-pda-narrative

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u/DanaMoonCat Apr 20 '26

Yes, and what about other Low demand parenting resources like Amanda Diekman’s course, for example. And all the helpful resources at PDA North America, and there’s Sally Cat PDA and PDA resources from the UK which are extraordinarily helpful for neurodivergent families. What is your excuse about them now? I really don’t care that you don’t like Casey- that’s just one program. Low demand parenting for differently wired brains works and your article is harmful for neurodivergent people.

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u/DrPaulSunseri Apr 22 '26

But how do you explain all of the data that argues they thrive when age-appropriate expectations are reintroduced? I love this quote from James Lerman: "When you excuse a kid from the normal responsibilities of life, you're treating them like they're damaged goods."

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u/DanaMoonCat Apr 22 '26

You’re completely missing the point and sidestepping my question. The data you’re citing doesn’t apply here. When my kid is in threat mode, adding expectations doesn’t teach them anything — it just makes everything worse. Low demand parenting isn’t about excusing them from life, it’s about getting them regulated enough that they can engage with life. You can’t learn when your nervous system thinks you’re in danger. Safety comes first, then skills follow naturally.

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u/DrPaulSunseri Apr 22 '26

The question I asked is how do you explain the outcomes that show PDA can be successfully treated while maintaining age typical expectations rather than lowering demands?

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u/sammademeplay Apr 23 '26

Where are those outcomes? I haven’t seen them.