Symptoms of dysfunction or signs of recovery?

In this episode, we tackle a topic that resonates deeply with many families: recognizing the difference between dysfunction and signs of recovery when transitioning children out of the school system, especially those with PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) or those experiencing burnout.
We explore the stages of recovery and why what might seem like problematic behaviors-such as changes in sleep patterns, resistance to routine, or shifts in eating habits-can actually be part of a natural healing process.
Key Points Covered:
The expectations we often hold when bringing children home from a high-stress school environment, and why those expectations may not match the reality of recovery.
How the brain and body respond to prolonged stress, and why the shift out of survival mode may look like exhaustion, disrupted sleep, or changes in behavior.
The role of neurobiology in the recovery process: why children may stay awake at night and sleep during the day, refuse basic tasks like brushing their teeth, or experience shifts in food intake.
The wisdom of the body and brain in recovery-how survival instincts help children find safety in unexpected ways.
Shifting our perspective from seeing these behaviors as dysfunctional to understanding them as steps in the healing process.
We also discuss how family members can hold space for children during these critical phases of recovery, understanding that their needs are being met in ways that may not align with societal expectations but are vital for their healing.
Key Takeaways:
Recovery from school-related trauma is a process, and the behaviors that may seem dysfunctional could actually be signs of deep healing.
The neurobiological response to chronic stress can lead to sleep and eating disruptions, as well as resistance to demands-this is part of the body’s way of recovering from trauma.
It’s crucial for families to trust the recovery process and provide a safe, supportive environment where children can heal in their own time.
Who Is This Episode For?:
This episode is for parents, caregivers, and educators working with children who are recovering from school-related trauma or who have a PDA profile. It provides insights into understanding what recovery looks like and how to support children through it without pathologizing natural healing responses.
Connect with Us:
Website: ⁠www.kristyforbes.com.au⁠ (www.kristyforbe...⁠)
Instagram: ⁠ _kristyforbes⁠
Facebook: ⁠ intunepathways⁠
Thank You:
A special thanks to our listeners for engaging with these important discussions. Your experiences and stories continue to inspire and guide us. And to my lovely friend, Alli Davies of Music and the Brain, for sitting alongside me as I infodumped about this topic, close to my heart.