At Peace Parents Podcast Ep. 133 - PDA and ASD Evaluations for You and Your Child
Nov 11, 2025
Dr. Alex Klein, a clinical psychologist specializing in neurodivergent evaluations, shares invaluable insights about assessing Autism and PDA. They discuss the significance of self-diagnosis and the emotional factors in seeking formal assessments. Klein highlights the importance of recognizing family patterns and obtaining accurate assessments without relying solely on third-party reports. Additionally, he explores flexible strategies for evaluating children and therapeutic options tailored for PDA, emphasizing the need for safety and understanding in therapy.
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Shared Nervous-System Responses Reveal Links
- Parents can share nervous-system responses with their child even if behaviors differ.
- Recognizing shared fight/flight/freeze/fawn dynamics creates empathy and better responses.
Use Diagnosis To Reduce Masking And Protect Yourself
- Use a diagnosis to claim self-compassion and concrete accommodations.
- Diagnosis can legitimize protecting your nervous system and reducing masking.
Ask Specific Assessment Process Questions
- Request a discovery call and ask how assessors adapt to masking and what tools they use.
- Be wary if assessors insist on third-party reports as an absolute requirement.
