Quirky Infinity logo Empowering neurodivergent people through understanding and conversation

More Than Quirky

Empowering neurodivergent people through understanding and conversation

More Than Quirky logo with Infinity symbol blending with the Q

Quirky Infinity logo Empowering neurodivergent people through understanding and conversation

PDA

Not Everything is a Lesson (Be Like Elsa: Let it Go)

A teachable moment is the time at which learning a specific idea is at its easiest. Unfortunately in pop psychology has twisted this to become something along the lines of “I can see the issue presenting itself, so let’s use this opportunity to turn it into a lesson.” And often that when the teachable moment appears, it must be addressed immediately. Sometimes this is fantastic, because it gives a tangible, applicable, relevant context.  However there[…]

Emotional Dysregulation

When it comes to emotional dysregulation, there are many ways to communicate with children about this. There are many methods for helping them regulate (including some suggestions below). We use numerous strategies to teach our kids to recognise their feelings, in order to process them more appropriately. An emotionally dysregulated child can be exhausting. They can be hurtful – physically, mentally, and emotionally – and they can ruin special events. An emotionally dysregulated child can[…]

Modelling or Coddling: Helping With Tasks

When your neurodivergent child insists they can’t do something you know they can do, or simply asks for help with a task you think they should be doing independently at their age, a decision needs to be made. Do you insist they do it, or do you help? If the latter, are you actually helping, or are you setting a dangerous precedent? Will they rely on you forever? Will they fail to learn the skills[…]

Q&A: Why Won’t My Child Do Simple Tasks?

Q. My kid often says they can’t do something I have asked them to do like getting their shoes from the cupboard but I know it’s something they can do. If I ask them why they can’t do it they say they don’t know why. What can I do to make this easier? Mum of autistic daughter aged 5-8 A. This is a really common situation for autistic children, and children with ADHD (and adults!),[…]

When You Just Can’t: Task Paralysis

Task paralysis is incredibly annoying. For everyone involved. There are many theories as to why it happens, or what it means, but the reality of it is simply an extreme case of involuntary procrastination and avoidance of a task. Task Paralysis is a common form of ADHD Paralysis, and one I struggle with massively. Evidently. Let me begin by sharing with you the irony of finding myself facing task paralysis when wanting to write an[…]

PDA: Pathological Demand Avoidance / Persistent Need for Autonomy

The Persistent Need for Autonomy (AKA Pathological Demand Avoidance) Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is frequently known in neurodivergent circles as the Persistent Need for Autonomy, which feels like a more accurate name to those who experience it. Before we even get into defining what PDA is, I think the most important thing for parents of neurodivergent kids with PDA to understand is that this is not defiance.  It is not bad behaviour. It is not aggression. It[…]

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