I'm Sandra McConnell, the PDA Mama Bear.  I'm an instructor, speaker, blogger, and coach.  I have two graduate certificates in Learning Differences & Neurodiversity in Executive Functioning and Autism (Landmark, 2021); Master of Arts in Forensic Psychophysiology (Argosy, 2006); and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology/Criminology (UNM, 2000).   I have experience in organizational leadership, corporate communications, mediation & conflict resolution, negotiation & elicitation, photography, and even crime scene investigation.  I live in Maryland, USA, with my husband who's ADHD, my 13-year-old son who's PDA, my 10-year-old son who's ADHD, and my 6-year-old daughter who's TBD. 

And I am officially diagnosed as autistic PDA and - plot twist! - a previous diagnosis of "Secret" Schizoid Personality (emphasis on the "secret"). Don't worry, it's not schizophrenia, it's closer to autism, and I love to borrow from other parts of Psychology to illuminate or help with PDA. Did you know that both PDA and Schizoids crave autonomy, are attracted to fantasy, and feel intruded upon by demands the world places on them? Despite the shared features, they "solve" their crises: PDA avoids, controls, and explodes, whereas Schizoids detach, fantasize, and fake. PDA is easier to spot, because they usually prioritize for avoidance, whereas Schizoids prioritze invisibility. In either case, their tactics are servants, not masters, to their true need, SAFETY. And that's something we can help with.

If you seek me out for coaching/training, we'll talk about what "safety" means, what intrusions they may be feeling, and what "lacking a social identity" means. We'll also talk about how to forge relationships with them that are warm, unintrusive, and wise. Because without that, they are unlikely to thrive.

Use the calendar tool below to make an appointment today. If you don't see anything that fits, use the contact tool to email me. My sessions are 100% pro bono ("free"), instead please donate to PDA North America , the only non-profit PDA resource in North America.