What is PDA?
Pathological Demand Avoidance (renamed by some Autistic Advocates as Pervasive Drive for Autonomy) is a profile of autism. That means that PDAers usually have a diagnosis of Autism*, but present in a specific way. Characteristics often include:
Avoiding and resisting the ordinary demands of life
Appearing more social than many other Autistic folks
Extreme and unpredictable mood swings
Enjoyment of pretend play and/or role playing
Having a strong need for control
Often more comfortable with adults than children
Significant sensory challenges (including sometimes being hypersensitive to others’ voices, facial expressions, etc)
Seemingly unconcerned about the impact of their behavior on others
Have very different behavior in different environments (school, home)
Tend not to respond to conventional parenting, teaching, or support approaches
*Autism is often masked by hyper verbal/social abilities (meaning there may not be a formal diagnosis)
(adapted from PDA North America)
While PDA is not currently a recognized diagnosis in the US (not listed in the DSM-5 assessment manual), it is becoming more well known. There is not enough research on PDA, but the profile is getting more and more visibility.
For many, discovery of PDA is a huge lightbulb moment, after years of being confused and exhausted.
Because most traditional parenting, schooling and mental health techniques don’t work with these children, it can lead kids, parents and providers to feel very alone and exhausted.
You Are Not Alone.
Whether you are just discovering PDA, or know all about it but need help shifting your parenting or practice, I can help. In addition to parenting my own PDA teen, I have extensive training in PDA and run a parent support group (for teen PDAers),
Introducing My New Program:
“My Brain Won’t Let Me!”
Understanding and Ending the Struggle Around Demand Avoidant Behavior
Parenting is hard in general, and parenting children who challenge what’s “normal” is even more so. You may have found that the best advice from books and the most revered experts – not to mention the unsolicited takes from your in-laws, high school friends, school nurse and the crossing guard – simply do not apply to your kid.
This program will tell you why.
Using the latest research in the field, I’ll share neuroscience-based insights into your child’s behavior to help restore peace in your home. Whether your child has autism, anxiety, or has been diagnosed with more oppositional behaviors, there is exciting research – much of it new – that is turning typical parenting tips on their head.
Very few professionals — teachers, school leaders, psychologists, or counselors — are trained in brain-based, neurodiversity-affirming practices. If you feel like you’ve been on your own, piecing together ideas from random sources, and want a place to learn more and put together a plan to move forward, this is your chance!
With over two decades of experience in the trenches of the NYC public school system, as a parent of an autistic, demand-avoidant teen, and current student of applied neuroscience, I simply can’t wait to share what I’ve learned.
Together we can:
● Develop actionable strategies to address challenges - at home and school ● Adopt a neurodiversity affirming viewpoint, with learnings from lived experiences of ND advocates
● Make you a more effective parent for all your children Join me for this intensive!
This program will be a blended experience of learning content and connecting with a small cohort of other parents facing similar struggles. Sessions will be conducted live over Zoom, but you will also be able to access the video content on your own time if you miss a session. This workshop series is intended for parents who suspect or know that their child fits the PDA profile, as well as those who are just curious to learn more about brain-based parenting techniques.
Dates TBA