Lauren Brown: Sharing Her Neurodivergent Journey on the PDA Voices Podcast
Disclaimers: We want to affirm our commitment to neurodiversity and inclusive language practices. We utilize identity-first language, acknowledging the preferences of the community we serve. Therefore, you may notice us referring to individuals as "autistic people" rather than "people with autism." This choice reflects our dedication to respecting the autonomy and identity of each individual. Studies have indicated that many within the autistic community prefer the term "autistic person," emphasizing the importance of recognizing and honoring diverse perspectives. Thank you for joining us on this journey of understanding and acceptance.
Educational Purposes: The information presented here is for educational purposes, and not meant to diagnose, treat or cure medical conditions or challenges, including neurodivergence (including mental health challenges), or physical health.
Lauren Brown, a dedicated and compassionate member of our administrative team, recently graced the PDA Voices Podcast to share her powerful story. As a late-diagnosed Autistic adult with a Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile and a mother to two neurodivergent (ND) children, Lauren’s perspective is rich with lived experiences, insightful reflections, and unwavering authenticity.
The PDA Voices Podcast—a platform dedicated to amplifying the narratives of individuals with PDA and those who support them—provided Lauren an opportunity to discuss her life, challenges, and triumphs in a raw and relatable way. Her conversation, which you can watch here or below, delves into topics such as neurodivergence in adulthood, raising ND children, navigating societal expectations, and fostering self-acceptance.
Lauren’s Late Autism Diagnosis and PDA Profile
Lauren began by discussing her late autism diagnosis, which was a pivotal moment in her life. Like many women and individuals assigned female at birth, her autism went undetected during her childhood. The societal expectations of masking—conforming to neurotypical standards of behavior—often obscured the signs of autism, leaving her feeling misunderstood and overwhelmed.
Her PDA profile adds another layer of complexity. PDA, a lesser-known subtype of autism, is characterized by a heightened anxiety response to perceived demands, whether external or internal. Lauren shared how PDA has shaped her interactions, relationships, and daily life, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and accommodating this unique neurodivergent trait.
For Lauren, understanding her PDA tendencies has been empowering. It gave her the vocabulary and tools to navigate challenges while advocating for herself and her children. Her diagnosis wasn’t just a label; it was a key that unlocked self-awareness, self-compassion, and an enriched ability to connect with others in the neurodivergent community.
Parenting Two Neurodivergent Children
One of the most poignant aspects of Lauren’s story is her role as a mother to two ND kids. She highlighted the beauty and complexity of raising children who see and experience the world differently.
Lauren’s parenting journey is deeply influenced by her own experiences as a neurodivergent individual. She spoke candidly about the moments of joy, the challenges of navigating education systems, and the emotional work of advocating for her children in environments that may not always understand or support their needs.
Her approach to parenting centers on unconditional acceptance, emotional safety, and honoring her children’s unique ways of being. Lauren advocates for a strengths-based perspective, focusing on what her children excel at rather than trying to mold them into societal expectations. This perspective allows her to nurture their individuality and empower them to thrive in a world that often prioritizes conformity.
The Challenges of Demand Avoidance
A significant part of Lauren’s conversation revolved around PDA. She explained how the instinctive resistance to demands—even those she places on herself—can manifest in her daily life.
Lauren shared personal anecdotes about navigating these challenges, from the small (like responding to routine tasks) to the more profound (such as managing expectations in relationships). She highlighted the importance of low-demand environments, where flexibility and autonomy are prioritized, as critical to her well-being.
Her insights also extended to her parenting. Recognizing PDA in her children has allowed her to develop strategies that honor their autonomy, reduce anxiety, and build trust. She emphasized the importance of curiosity over control, understanding over discipline, and collaboration over coercion in parenting and beyond.
Advocating for Neurodivergent Families
Lauren’s advocacy work is rooted in her lived experience. She uses her platform to educate others about PDA and neurodivergence, encouraging a shift from stigma to understanding.
On the podcast, Lauren spoke passionately about the need for systemic change. Schools, workplaces, and healthcare systems often operate under rigid structures that marginalize ND individuals. By sharing her story, Lauren hopes to inspire a more inclusive approach, where accommodations and empathy are the norm rather than the exception.
Her advocacy is also deeply personal. She shared her hopes for her children’s futures—a world where they can grow and flourish without feeling the pressure to mask or conform.
Fostering Self-Acceptance
One of the most inspiring aspects of Lauren’s journey is her commitment to self-acceptance. Being diagnosed later in life came with a mix of relief and grief—the relief of understanding herself and the grief of recognizing the struggles she endured without support.
Lauren spoke about the importance of unlearning internalized ableism, embracing neurodivergence as a valid and valuable way of being, and finding joy in authenticity. She credited her community—both online and offline—for providing the validation and support she needed to embark on this journey of self-discovery.
Why Lauren’s Story Matters
Lauren’s story is not just her own—it’s a reflection of countless neurodivergent individuals and families navigating similar paths. By sharing her experiences on the PDA Voices Podcast, she’s helping to dismantle misconceptions, build bridges of understanding, and foster a sense of community.
Her voice serves as a beacon for late-diagnosed Autistic adults, PDAers, and parents raising ND children. Lauren reminds us that it’s never too late to understand ourselves, embrace our identities, and create spaces where everyone—neurodivergent or not—can belong.
Lauren’s conversation on the PDA Voices Podcast is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the power of storytelling. Watch her episode here to learn more about her inspiring journey and the lessons she continues to share with our community.
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