Deer Creek Family Support & Therapy

02/03/2026

Wondering if your child has autism, ADHD or learning disabilities? Or are you wondering if you do? We can help! Our Registered Psychologist has expertise in assessing “high masking” individuals. Contact us to see how we can support you!

09/07/2025

Oxford is currently offering a 30% discount on the book Lisa Schelbe and I wrote bringing it down to an easy $27.99! This book was such a passion project and is an amazing resource for social workers and any other professionals that work alongside foster families! Be sure to add it to your list!
Www.global.oup.com/academic

06/02/2025

It was great talking on the podcast Kids with Big Emotions, talking about PDA, if you're looking for some more insight!

"They’re Not Just Saying No to Be Difficult"

You ask them to brush their teeth 🪥—and suddenly there’s yelling, crying, or hiding in the closet.

You suggest they change their shirt 👕 and it’s like you’ve asked them to walk through fire.

These everyday requests feel impossible for your child—and you’re left wondering why such simple things are such a big deal.

It’s easy to assume it’s defiance. But what if the real issue is that your child’s nervous system sees demands as threats? ⚠️

For some kids, being told what to do triggers the same survival instinct as being chased by a tiger.

Their brain isn’t disobeying—it’s panicking. And the more you push, the more overwhelmed they become.

What helps isn’t more discipline. It’s understanding what their body and brain are really trying to protect them from—and learning how to reduce those threats, not escalate them. 🧠💛

This shift changes everything.

🎧 Hear the full conversation with Amanda Preston in Episode 111: PDA, Autism & Misdiagnosis: What Parents Need to Know. Listen on your favorite podcast app or at https://andiclark.com/podcast.

04/06/2025

If you're raising a kiddo with PDA and would benefit from your doctor, pediatrician, optometrist, dentist etc understanding your child, then let them know about our new course! PDA for Medical Professionals!
https://amandaprestonco.com/pdamedical

04/03/2025

Great explanation to help understand this more!

04/01/2025

If you’re interested in learning how to support adoptive/foster families, we have an upcoming workshop for mental health professionals and therapists coming up! More information on our website!

03/30/2025

Beautiful 💕

03/26/2025

Seen on a friend’s wall ❤️
If you know the creator, please shout so that we can give them credit x

03/25/2025

Subtle changes in language can shift how we think about behaviors across the lifespan.

03/24/2025

A great article on viewing a PDA focused autism assessment through the DSM lens!
https://www.amandadiekman.com/blog/how-PDA-kids-meet-autism-criteria?fbclid=IwY2xjawJNgExleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHetwSsvpdJBTj8BJ6RSWZHzvTBQYmMC9g5PtwX2bDv5_F2lXYJp2JrFvLA_aem_gn2MCa3u1sdM7PDP2pokHA

Navigating PDA and autism evaluations can be complex. Learn how PDA traits intersect with DSM-5 autism criteria to improve diagnosis and support pathways for PDA children.

03/15/2025

This looks like an awesome opportunity to learn more about unschooling, as it is often the only option when parenting PDA kids. Tickets are free!!
https://www.theunschoolingsummit.org/

03/04/2025

Please reach out for help if you're sinking!

Currently deep, deep underwater.

Em