#61 - Rachel's Lived Experience: What School Flexibility Looks Like for a PDA Child

Rachel, a parent from southern Tasmania, joins host Leisa Reichelt to share her lived experience supporting her son, now in Year 11 and engaged with school, through what has been anything but a straightforward journey. Rachel's son is autistic with PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance, or Pervasive Demand for Autonomy), ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia and a high IQ. That combination created enormous challenges in settings that weren't designed to accommodate his needs. But also enormous possibilities when the right supports were finally in place. Rachel walks us through the early warning signs from daycare onwards, a primary school experience marked by suspensions, bullying and the gradual removal of the very accommodations that were keeping her son engaged/ Then the 19-month battle to get him into a school better suited to his needs, which was ultimately resolved in eight days once an advocate got involved. She shares the specific, practical accommodations that have made the difference: running when overwhelmed, frozen peas and corn for sensory regulation, a safe space during substitute teacher lessons, dropping subjects that created knock-on dysregulation, and a highly modified timetable built around his strengths. She also talks about the role of a positive behaviour support practitioner in shifting the whole school culture, and why that kind of whole-school investment pays off for every student. Rachel also shares her perspective on what's at stake with the proposed NDIS reforms, and points to resources for families who want to stay informed and take action. Relevant resources: The Growing Space (NDIS information and advocacy) - https://www.thegrowingspace.com.au/ Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) - https://www.dpacaustralia.net/ Australian Neurodivergent Parents Association (ANPA) - https://www.thisisanpa.org/ Regional Autistic Engagement Network Tasmania - https://www.raentasmania.com.au/ Association for Children with Disability (national, state branches) - https://acd.org.au/ School Can't Australia — https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/ School Can't Australia Facebook Community —   / schoolphobiaschoolrefusalaustralia   If you are a parent or carer in Australia and experiencing distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact the Parent Help Line. https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/i... Get in touch? Email us at [email protected] with your feedback, suggestions or to volunteer to share your School Can't experience. Disclaimer The content of this podcast is based on personal lived experiences and is shared for informational and storytelling purposes only. It should not be treated as medical, psychological, or professional advice under any circumstances. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please seek guidance from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.