In this episode of the Journeys with PDA Coffee Chat podcast, hosts Heather and guest co-host Dusty welcome special guest Dr. Joy Eberhardt DeMaster.

Dr. Joy Eberhardt DeMaster joins the conversation to break down the relationship between PDA, PANS, and PANDAS through a parent-led, integrative, and neurodiversity-affirming lens. Key topics covered:

• What PDA means and why the term “persistent drive for autonomy” resonates with many families
• How PANS/PANDAS can show up as a sudden, dramatic change in a child
• Why sleep, eating, toileting, sensory overwhelm, handwriting, and separation anxiety can all be red flags
• How to distinguish baseline PDA traits from an abrupt medical change
• What parents can bring to appointments to help clinicians take concerns seriously
• Testing considerations, including throat, nose, and other swabs
• The importance of looking for infection, inflammation, and symptom support together
• How to tell autistic burnout apart from PANS/PANDAS in broad terms
• Why continued symptoms after treatment may mean more evaluation is needed

To download the QR code resource page mentioned go to: https://orchid-pediatrics.kit.com/573c5cfba3

Learn more about Dr. Joy at https://orchidpediatrics.com/

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Heather & Kerissa are Certified PDA Trainers. They offer advocacy, education & family support through one-on-one coaching sessions.
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