Episode 8: PDA – It’s Not What You Think

Episode 8: PDA – It’s Not What You Think

In this episode, Erika and Ellie unpack one of the most misunderstood profiles in the neurodiversity space: PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance / Persistent Drive for Autonomy). We dive into what PDA actually is, why it has so many different names, and what is really happening in the nervous system when everyday expectations feel like genuine threats. We explore why traditional parenting, teaching and support strategies often backfire, and why approaches based on collaboration, flexibility and connection tend to be far more effective. You'll hear us bust some common myths, discuss communication styles that can reduce stress and resistance, and explain why PDA isn't about refusing to cooperate; it's about surviving overwhelming feelings of loss of control. Whether you're a parent, teacher, therapist, support worker, or someone with PDA yourself, this conversation has the potential to completely change how you understand behaviour. This is one we genuinely hope gets shared far and wide. Because when we misunderstand PDA, we often respond in ways that make life harder for everyone involved. But when we understand what's happening beneath the surface, everything starts to make a lot more sense. 💙 Learn more about the hosts!! Eleanor Brink [https://hypedss.com.au/meet-the-team-ellie-brink/] - MEd., BCBA, Advanced/Specialist BSP Erika Gleeson [https://www.instagram.com/thebehaviourguru/] - OAM, Speaker, Advanced/Specialist BSP

Episode 7 - NDIA changes - WTF do they mean for me?

The NDIA changes announced last month have left a lot of people overwhelmed, confused and for some, scared. Judging by the response to our Instagram poll, this is the topic people most wanted unpacked properly. So that’s exactly what we did. In this episode, we revisit what the NDIS was actually designed to be in the first place (spoiler: an insurance scheme), what the proposed changes really mean in practical terms, and what families, providers and participants can start doing now to prepare. We also dive into some of the uncomfortable conversations happening behind the scenes in the sector right now — including sustainability, evidence, funding pressures and the growing gap between what people need and what systems are realistically resourced to provide. There may be a few controversial thoughts in this one… but avoiding the conversation isn’t helping anyone. This episode isn’t about panic. It’s about understanding the landscape, cutting through the noise, and helping people get on the front foot. Learn more about the hosts!! Eleanor Brink [https://hypedss.com.au/meet-the-team-ellie-brink/] - MEd., BCBA, Advanced/Specialist BSP Erika Gleeson [https://www.instagram.com/thebehaviourguru/] - OAM, Speaker, Advanced/Specialist BSP

Episode 6: Weathering the Storm

Ever felt like behaviour “comes out of nowhere”? Spoiler: it usually doesn’t. In this episode, we unpack what’s actuallyhappening before, during, and after the big moments. We dive into escalation curves, nervous systems under stress, and the often-missed signs that tell us someone is struggling before things explode. Precursor behaviour, escalation curves, and why trying to “reason” with someone mid-storm usually goes about as well as you’d expect. This episode is for the parents, educators, support workers and professionals trying to hold steady in the chaos, and wanting to understand behaviour instead of just reacting to it. Because the goal isn’t to control the storm. It’s learning how to weather it. Learn more about the hosts!! Eleanor Brink [https://hypedss.com.au/meet-the-team-ellie-brink/] - MEd., BCBA, Advanced/Specialist BSP Erika Gleeson [https://www.instagram.com/thebehaviourguru/] - OAM, Speaker, Advanced/Specialist BSP

Episode 5: What’s the Why?

Every Behaviour Specialist’s favourite question… and for good reason. In this episode, we’re getting underneath it all — unpacking the why behind behaviour. Because every behaviour serves a function. And when we skip the why, we miss the whole point. We break down behaviour as communication (yes, even the ones that make you want to pull your hair out), and why surface-level responses often do more harm than good. This one’s for anyone who’s been told to “just follow through with consequences” or “set firmer boundaries” — but know it ain’t working!  And yes, we might have a few thoughts on things like suspension being called a “consequence.” (Spoiler: sending someone away doesn’t teach them how to stay.) Because when we understand the why, we stop reacting and throwing bandaids on things — and we start responding in a way that is ACTUALLY going to change things. Learn more about the hosts!! Eleanor Brink [https://hypedss.com.au/meet-the-team-ellie-brink/] - MEd., BCBA, Advanced/Specialist BSP Erika Gleeson [https://www.instagram.com/thebehaviourguru/] - OAM, Speaker, Advanced/Specialist BSP

Episode 4: The realities of complex diagnosis

Complex autism isn’t a checklist. It’s not a neat label. And it definitely doesn’t come with a clear roadmap. In this episode, we go there — unpacking what “complex” autism (and other complex diagnoses) actually looks like in real life. The co-occurring conditions, the constant decision-making, the systems that don’t quite fit, and the emotional load families are carrying behind the scenes. We’re also joined by a guest with lived experience, bringing a perspective that cuts through theory and straight into what it’s like to actually live it. This one’s for the parents in the thick of it — navigating risk, advocating hard, and making a thousand micro-decisions a day that no one else sees. Because complex autism isn’t just complex on paper. It’s complex to live Learn more about the hosts!! Eleanor Brink [https://hypedss.com.au/meet-the-team-ellie-brink/] - MEd., BCBA, Advanced/Specialist BSP Erika Gleeson [https://www.instagram.com/thebehaviourguru/] - OAM, Speaker, Advanced/Specialist BSP