Episode 15: A Parent's Guide to Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

Episode 17: Beyond the Diagnosis: Helping Kids with Dyslexia Build Confidence and Skills

In this episode of The Bylund Clinic Podcast, Dr. James Bylund sits down with Kate Feriance, CEO and co-founder of Redwood Literacy, for a practical and deeply grounded conversation on supporting students with dyslexia and other learning differences. Drawing from her experience as both an educator and a parent of a child with dyslexia, Kate shares how Redwood Literacy was built to address a major gap: smart, capable students struggling with foundational academic skills—and families unsure how to help. Together, they break down what truly matters when it comes to intervention. The conversation explores the difference between research-based and evidence-based instruction, why progress monitoring is essential, and how flexibility in teaching approach can make or break a student’s success. Kate also offers actionable guidance for parents at any stage of the journey—from early concerns to formal diagnosis—emphasizing one key point: don’t wait to start helping your child. Beyond academics, the discussion highlights the importance of building confidence, self-awareness, and resilience in students with learning differences. The episode introduces the “six non-academic keys to success,” a set of traits that can be developed in everyday moments but have long-term impact on outcomes in school and life. The episode also takes a realistic look at the role of schools, acknowledging both their strengths and limitations, and encouraging parents to take an active, informed role in advocating for their child while partnering with educators. Whether you’re a parent navigating dyslexia for the first time, a professional supporting neurodivergent learners, or someone interested in evidence-based education, this episode offers clear, practical insights you can apply right away. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute psychological, medical, or educational diagnosis or advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a clinician–patient relationship with The Bylund Clinic or any of its providers. Redwood Literacy: Supporting Students with Dyslexia & Learning Differences Website: https://www.redwoodliteracy.com/Redwood Literacy is an education organization specializing in helping students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and other learning differences build strong reading, writing, and math skills. They provide both online and in-person tutoring, along with assessments and parent support programs. Founded in 2018, Redwood’s mission is to ensure that all students with literacy challenges can access their full potential by improving skills, restoring confidence, and cultivating a love of learning. The Bylund Clinic: Educational & Psychological Support for Children Website: https://thebylundclinic.com/ The Bylund Clinic is a Bay Area–based practice specializing in educational and psychological services for children and adolescents. They focus on helping families understand learning differences, mental health challenges, and how to navigate school systems like IEPs. Led by Dr. James Bylund, a licensed clinical and educational psychologist, the clinic provides comprehensive evaluations and guidance for students with neurodevelopmental and emotional needs. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, psychological, mental health, or therapeutic advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapist-client, clinician-patient, or any other professional relationship between you and The Bylund Clinic, its hosts, guests, or affiliates. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need professional support, please consult a qualified healthcare provider or emergency services in your area. Always seek the advice of a licensed professional regarding any questions you may have about your health or well-being.

Episode 16: Assistive Tech 101 For Parents

In this episode of The Bylund Clinic Podcast, we’re joined by Anya Ashouri, M.S., CCC-SLP, a speech-language pathologist specializing in assistive technology and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Anya shares her professional journey into the world of assistive technology (AT) and helps parents understand how these tools are thoughtfully evaluated and implemented across school settings. We begin by defining assistive technology in plain language and clarifying common misconceptions — including the difference between “high-tech” devices and the many low-tech and mid-tech supports that often make a meaningful difference. Anya explains who may benefit from AT across ages and learning profiles, and what general indicators professionals consider when determining whether assistive technology may be appropriate. We also explore the critical distinction between access and instruction — how assistive technology supports access to curriculum and communication without replacing skill development or evidence-based teaching. Anya walks us through the typical framework used in comprehensive AT assessments, including how professionals analyze a student’s strengths, needs, environments, and daily demands to ensure recommendations are aligned and functional. From there, we discuss best practices for implementation across settings, the importance of training and consistency, and what research says about the effectiveness of assistive technology for reading, writing, math, attention, executive functioning, and communication. We also examine how artificial intelligence is influencing the AT landscape — highlighting promising innovations as well as areas where thoughtful caution is warranted.Finally, Anya shares practical examples of how assistive technology can support students with reading and writing challenges, as well as students with language and communication differences. We also address common systemic barriers — including training, funding, and capacity — and the factors that tend to predict successful outcomes.This episode is designed to help parents build foundational knowledge about assistive technology so they can ask informed questions and better understand how AT may support access, participation, and independence across school environments. Parents can reach Anya at: ⁠https://sites.google.com/view/anyaashourislp?usp=sharing⁠ [https://sites.google.com/view/anyaashourislp?usp=sharing] ⁠anya.ashouriSLP@gmail.com⁠ [anya.ashouriSLP@gmail.com] Check out Anya's slidedeck of AT resources at: ⁠https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vTdX6liKTM-Qb6PZPgD001_M4Qt0r2UEEx8bgGgGDmtCmMa30KEQlbTc3CAnjYCWTbWj7pXWl2qwHEf/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000&slide=id.p⁠ [https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vTdX6liKTM-Qb6PZPgD001_M4Qt0r2UEEx8bgGgGDmtCmMa30KEQlbTc3CAnjYCWTbWj7pXWl2qwHEf/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000&slide=id.p] Learn more about The Bylund Clinic: ⁠https://thebylundclinic.com/⁠ [https://thebylundclinic.com/] Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment, diagnosis, or therapy. Listening does not create a therapist-client relationship. If you have concerns about your child's or your own mental health, please consult a qualified professional.

Episode 15: A Parent's Guide to Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

A Parent's Guide to Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) In this episode, we sit down with Maria Gregory, LEP and Guy Hernandez, LMFT of TheraTree Community for a nuanced, clinically grounded conversation about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)—also referred to as Pervasive Drive for Autonomy—and what this profile can look like in real children, families, and schools. For parents who may be encountering PDA for the first time, Maria and Guy break down how a PDA profile differs from more familiar presentations of anxiety, oppositional behavior, or behavioral noncompliance. They explore why PDA is not currently recognized as a standalone diagnosis in the DSM or ICD, and how this lack of formal classification can create confusion for families seeking answers and appropriate support. Maria and Guy share how clinicians can thoughtfully identify PDA traits without relying on a formal diagnostic label, including the professional frameworks, theories, and clinical patterns that tend to emerge during evaluation. They also address an ongoing debate in the field: whether PDA is exclusive to autism or whether it can exist outside of an ASD diagnosis. Throughout the episode, the conversation highlights common misconceptions and misdiagnoses, including ways children with a PDA profile are often misunderstood by well-meaning adults and systems that rely on traditional behavior management approaches. Maria and Guy explain how recognizing PDA traits shapes therapeutic goals and strategies, emphasizing approaches that prioritize safety, autonomy, and nervous system regulation.  Finally, the episode explores the school context, including common barriers within educational systems, frequent misunderstandings by teams, and accommodations or approaches that can meaningfully reduce conflict and support engagement for students with PDA traits. This episode is especially relevant for parents, clinicians, and educators seeking a deeper, more compassionate understanding of PDA—and practical guidance for supporting children whose needs do not fit neatly into traditional diagnostic or intervention frameworks. You can learn more about TheraTree's services at: theratreecommunity.com [https://www.theratreecommunity.com/marias-bio?utm_source=chatgpt.com] (925) 378-9456 Learn more about the Bylund Clinic at: bylundclinic.com (925) 418-4661 Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment, diagnosis, or therapy. Listening does not create a therapist-client relationship. If you have concerns about your child's or your own mental health, please consult a qualified professional.

Episode 14: What Parents Need to Know About Limited Conservatorships

In this episode of The Bylund Clinic Podcast, we sit down with Damien B. Troutman, Senior Associate at the Leigh Law Group, to explore the complex and often overwhelming process of limited conservatorships. Damien brings years of experience working in employment law, special education law, disciplinary matters such as suspensions and expulsions, as well as disability law, Regional Center advocacy, and cases involving adults with disabilities. Together, we break down the essentials for parents and caregivers: * What a limited conservatorship is, and how it differs from other conservatorships * The distinction between conservatorship of the person versus the estate * Why parents may consider a limited conservatorship as their child with disabilities turns 18 * An overview of the process, timeline, and court involvement * Common misconceptions families often have * The connection between conservatorship planning, financial planning, and future stability Damien shares practical guidance on when families should begin preparing, and steps that can make the process more manageable. Parents will leave with a clearer understanding of their options, the role of the court, and where to turn for support. For more information on Damien Troutman’s work, visit Leigh Law Group or call 1-(800) 424-5297. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Episode 13: Technology Addiction and Treatment w/ Alex Basche

In this episode of The Bylund Clinic Podcast, Dr. James Bylund talks with Alex Basche, LMFT, a leading therapist specializing in technology addiction and digital overuse. Together they explore how to distinguish heavy screen use from true addiction, why neurodivergent youth (ADHD, autism) often engage with gaming differently, and what evidence-based strategies can help families restore balance. Alex shares practical tools for parents—including family media plans, activity menus, and guidance on when (and how) a “detox” may be useful. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or professional, this conversation offers concrete steps for supporting kids and teens in developing healthier relationships with screens. About Our Guest Alex Basche is a Bay Area psychotherapist who has dedicated nearly 15 years to working with children, adolescents, and families. He is recognized for his specialization in technology addiction and digital overuse, co-founding California’s first in-network Intensive Outpatient Program for adolescent tech addiction in 2017. Alex’s approach is holistic and strength-based, focusing not only on mental and emotional health but also on sleep, nutrition, exercise, and social support systems. He integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based approaches, DBT, ACT, Gestalt, and Gottman Therapy, tailoring interventions to each client with evidence-based methods. He has authored over 200+ therapy group sessions on topics ranging from social skills to trauma-related anxiety, and has led specialized PTSD treatment groups for preteens. His teaching and training extend across California through workshops on process addictions, adolescent anxiety and depression, and parenting in the digital age. Learn more at: resetfromtech.com [https://resetfromtech.com/about?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment, diagnosis, or therapy. Listening does not create a therapist–client relationship. If you have concerns about your child’s or your own mental health, please consult a qualified professional.