In this episode of the ADHD Goals Podcast, host welcomes Danielle Jata-Hall, an accomplished author, educator, and PDA advocate. Danielle shares her late diagnosis of autism and ADHD, her experiences raising neurodivergent children, and her struggle against ‘parent blame’ and systemic misunderstandings. The conversation delves into her advocacy for Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) recognition, her journey from writing a blog to publishing books like ‘I’m Not Upside Down, I’m Downside Up’, and her aspirations to adapt her novel ‘Black Rainbow’ into a film. Emphasising a need for educational reform, Danielle discusses the potential benefits of alternative educational approaches like Montessori for neurodivergent children. Throughout, the discussion highlights the complexities of navigating societal norms and the need for a supportive understanding of neurodivergence.
00:00 Introduction to the ADHD Goals Podcast
01:15 Danielle’s Personal Journey with ADHD and Autism
07:58 Understanding PDA and Its Challenges
11:42 The Impact of Misunderstanding in Schools
20:24 Danielle’s Advocacy and Personal Struggles
24:29 Facing Blame and Fighting for Support
29:08 Channelling Frustration into Creativity
30:36 The Emotional Toll of Misunderstanding
33:15 A Glimmer of Hope and Progress
36:16 The Challenge of Finding Suitable Education
40:56 Exploring Alternative Education Systems
51:38 The Power of Storytelling and Future Aspirations
54:51 Conclusion and Call to Action
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