Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

Tuesday, 20 August 2024 | 10am – 12pm | Online

This webinar will help you understand the distinct behaviour profile associated with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA).

This course is for those who work with children and young people who have or show signs of Pathological Demand Avoidance.

Tickets

Price: £40 for members | £55 for non-members

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Key Learning

Uncover the distinctive profile of PDA, in particular, the way children are driven to avoid demands and expectations
Explore issues for educational settings in meeting the needs of pupils with PDA
Develop effective strategies for engaging with children with PDA and promoting their emotional wellbeing

This webinar will help you develop a better understanding of the distinct behaviour profile associated with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and will explore how to provide better support to those pupils who are affected.

Although the PDA is not yet officially recognised in Scotland as being part of the autism spectrum, parents, carers and the sector have identified a need for improved guidance and support on this topic.

From previous attendees

"It has helped me to understand how the young person might be really struggling rather than just being difficult."

"As a support for learning teacher I will be able to share strategies with colleagues that they will then be able to use with pupils in their classes. Many of the strategies are universal - what helps one benefits all."

"This was presentation was yet opening in a way that will hopefully help me support the child the best way I can. I learned a lot and almost any questions I had during the presentation were answered throughout it. Would recommend this presentation to anyone wishing to understand more about PDA."

Facilitators

Ruth Fidler is an Education Consultant specialising in complex autism, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), interactive approaches and emotional wellbeing. She worked at a non-maintained special school for 94 autistic pupils, for 22 years until 2014 and has worked independently across the UK since then.

Ruth provides training and consultancy for schools, children's services, and parents.

She is the co-author of several books, including, Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance in Children (2012), Can I Tell You About Pathological Demand Avoidance? (2015), Collaborative Approaches to Learning (2019), Girls and Autism (2019), Being Julia (2021) and Navigating PDA in America (2024).