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A two-hour workshop on pathological demand avoidance (PDA), tailored for professionals in working with children in the early years.

Explore clinical perspectives on PDA, including the complex psychosocial factors that contribute to demand-avoidant behaviour in early childhood, and how we can apply effective, evidence-based and neuroaffirming practices when working with children with PDA.

Who's this workshop for?

ECEC, ECI, allied health, family services, anyone working with children.

Cost (GST inclusive)

• Members $175
• Non-members $200

About this workshop

In recent years, the term pathological demand avoidance (PDA) has emerged as a term to describe a set of challenges faced by some autistic children and the adults who support them. PDA describes a characteristic behavioural pattern of avoiding or challenging adults’ requests, instructions and expectations to an extent that the child’s wellbeing and daily activities are significantly impacted.

Although PDA is not a stand-alone diagnosis, educators and parents frequently find it a useful way to describe the complexities of this behavioural presentation. So how can we use our understanding of early childhood development to help us support children with this PDA behavioural profile?

In this seminar, we will explore clinical perspectives on PDA, including the complex psychosocial factors that contribute to demand-avoidant behaviour in early childhood, and how we can apply effective, evidence-based and neuroaffirming practices when working with children with PDA.

You will come away with a deeper understanding of:

• Clinical perspectives on autism and PDA, including the existing research base
• An evidence-based, neuroaffirming framework for supporting children with PDA that integrates:
  • Attachment theory
  • The low arousal approach
  • Therapeutic techniques to build functional social communication
  • “Yes, but” interaction strategies to systematically build tolerance of everyday demands
• Creating sustainable change for the child, family and educators

Why attend?

• Enhance your professional skills with insights into PDA.
• Network with like-minded professionals and share best practices.
• Equip yourself with the tools to make a lasting impact on the children and families you support.

Meet our presenter

Susan Glencross is an Educational and Developmental Psychologist and sought-after consultant in the field of autism and early intervention. Susan has over 10 years of experience supporting the neurodivergent community, and built her foundation in both centre-based and community-based early intervention; it was here she learnt about excellence in cross-disciplinary assessment, consultation and EIBI research and implementation.

Susan is also Clinical Director of Strathmore Kids where she provides assessment and therapeutic support to neurodivergent children and their families. Also a Board Approved Supervisor, Susan offers mentorship and professional support to allied health professionals in the field.

Susan has an in-depth understanding of the unique challenges faced by our neurodivergent community. Her work centres around the wellbeing of the child by empowering the adults in a child’s life to make lasting change.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We're here to help!