Meet The Team
Meet the journeys with PDA Team
"Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so much." - Hellen Keller
We are parents disheartened by the lack of information & support available on the PDA profile. We also recognize a deep need for community & a safe space to share in. We have created a space to share our experiences, knowledge & support while creating a space for others to find resources, connection & community.
Journeys with PDA was born out of the desire to spread awareness and understanding about the unique profile of autism, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA).
While raising our autistic children with PDA profile, we have encountered many challenges and obstacles in seeking support and understanding our children and the diagnosis itself. We know that we are not alone in this struggle and want to encourage other families that are facing the same challenges.
Through a great deal of research, trainings, a shift in our thinking, and a change in our parenting style, we have children who are now thriving! It took a lot of trial and error, many tears and a lot of trust rebuilding to arrived at this place. We want you to arrive at a place of thriving rather than just surviving too!
We don't want you to walk this journey alone. Join us as we share our experiences supporting PDA.
We are Certified PDA Trainers with the desire to spread awareness and understanding about PDA in the United States. We are passionate about providing support and education to families of children with PDA. We provide private consultations and family coaching. As well as training and support to professionals working with individuals with PDA.
Heather
Heather Jessup, M.Ed.
- K-12 Special Education licensed teacher in the state of Florida
- K-6 Elementary Education licensed teacher in the state of Florida
- Gifted Education endorsement in the state of Florida
- ESOL endorsement in the state of Florida
- Early Childhood P-3 licensed teacher in the state of Ohio
- Early Childhood (4-5) Generalist endorsement in the state of Ohio
- Intervention Specialist (K-12) Mild/Moderate licensed teacher in the state of Ohio
- Certified PDA Trainer through PAST and the Open College Network – London
- Co-Founder of Journeys With PDA
Heather, who is neurodivergent herself (ADHD), is the mom of an amazingly brilliant and hilariously funny autistic young man with a suspected Pathological Demand Avoidance profile.
After years of trying to find appropriate supports for him, Heather and her husband decided to fully incorporate a PDA friendly environment in their home. The result has been life-changing.
With the combination of child-led homeschooling (unschooling) and a very low demand, low arousal approach, their family, and more importantly their son, is thriving.
Heather endeavors to educate and support professionals and families about PDA. She is available for trainings and consultations and looks forward to working with those who wish to learn more about this unique profile.
Kerissa
Kerissa Lyman
- Certified PDA Trainer through PAST and the Open College Network – London
- Co-Owner of Journeys With PDA (2022)
- Level 2 PDA Training course through PAST and the Open College Network – London
- Advanced Training Workshop for Dr. Ross Greene's Collaborative & Proactive Solutions model
- Certificate in Counseling -Udemy
- The Nurture Programme:
- Nurturing Autism;
- PDA Nurture Programme
- Nurturing Anxiety
Kerissa is the mother of two children. Her daughter has been identified as autistic with Pathological Demand Avoidance profile. Her son is also autistic. Shortly after both children were diagnosed autistic, Kerissa came to realized that she is neurodivergent as well. At the age of 35 she was diagnosed as autistic.
In an effort to better understand her children and herself she began to learn as much as possible about the autistic experience and how to support Pathological Demand Avoidance profile. Kerissa and her husband decided to put aside everything considered normal or traditional to pursue an authentic autistic life for their family.
Once implementing a Low Demand Lifestyle combined with trust, compassion and home education their family has become more peaceful and joy filled.
Kerissa is passionate about helping individuals and families further their understanding of the autistic experience and PDA. She is available for trainings, public speaking and individualized support through 1-on-1 coaching session. She is also the author of the blog LivingLyman where she shares her experiences.
