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The sun shining through a majestic oak tree

Yeah, I’m a school advocate — something I never realized I didn’t want to be. It’s hard, because I don’t want to be that mom — the one who’s always asking for exceptions, extra breaks, or special considerations. I know there are other kids in the class who need support too, and I never want to seem like I don’t understand that but I need too -They have no idea what often happens before we even make it out the door — the panic attacks, the tears, the harsh words, and refusals as we spend two exhausting hours just trying to get ready. There are mornings when brushing her hair or teeth simply isn’t possible, when the wrong spoon can trigger a full panic attack or when I have to help her get dressed because she just can’t do it herself that day.Those mornings are so hard — I try to explain that it’s been a rough start, but then she walks into school smiling, cheerful, and politely saying “good morning.” No one would ever guess what it took to get there. They don’t see the struggle behind the mask-

We had a good day

<h2>Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance</h2>Seasonal changes can be especially tough for kids with PDA. Shifts in daylight, weather, and routines can heighten anxiety and make everyday life feel more overwhelming. As parents, recognizing this helps us respond with patience and support.Keeping things as predictable as possible—like regular meals, familiar routines, and clear expectations—can make a big difference in helping them feel grounded.At the same time, seasonal activities can bring moments of joy when introduced gently. Giving your child plenty of preparation and involving them in the planning helps them feel more in control and less overwhelmed.Simple activities like decorating for holidays, trying seasonal treats, or going on nature walks can be lovely when offered at their pace. The goal is to create experiences that feel safe, comfortable, and truly enjoyable for them.

Navigating Seasonal Changes

Stressed mother feeling desperate about stubborn daughter who screams.

Some days feel heavier than others. My daughter is in burnout right now, and it’s a challenge I can’t quite put into words. The hardest part isn’t just the panic attacks, or the moments when even basic hygiene—brushing teeth, bathing—becomes overwhelming. It’s the uncertainty. It’s not knowing when this will ease, or how to support her in the ways she needs without pushing too hard.Each day brings its own set of hurdles. Some days, a shower or brushing teeth feels like climbing a mountain. Some days, panic attacks appear out of nowhere, shaking both her and our sense of calm. And yet, we take it one small step at a time—gentle reminders, patient guidance, celebrating every little victory, even if it’s just a sip of water or a quick wash.Burnout can be invisible to others, but for families living it, it is constant and exhausting. I share this because if you’re on this journey too, I want you to know: you’re not alone. Some days are going to be hard, some days slightly lighter, and sometimes all we can do is breathe with them, hold space for them, and hope the next day brings even the tiniest bit of relief.

Burnout - When does it End

Every moment spent together is absolute bliss

I wish we had known earlier and that bothered me for a long time -&nbsp; like so many others, we were given labels that almost fit, but not quite. First it was ADHD and then came Autism. And while parts of those descriptions made sense, there was always something more—nothing ever felt like it fully explained the daily and sometimes epic battles, the extreme anxiety, the need for her to be constantly in&nbsp; control and why nothing we did made it better- day after day, month after month, year after year...and then at age 9.... the diagnosis of PDA - Pathological Demand Avoidance.Finally, things clicked. Finally, the pieces fit. Getting a late diagnosis is bittersweet. There’s a mixture of&nbsp; sadness and anger for the years spent misunderstanding, struggling, and trying to fit into a framework that wasn’t built for our child.&nbsp; But there’s also relief and the empowering knowledge that you can finally understand and support your child in the ways he/she truly needsWe can’t change the past. But we can change the future.

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We had a good day

Navigating Seasonal Changes

Burnout - When does it End

Late Diagnosis, New Beginning