Please join us for our April CE event on Zoom! 

Friday April 25 from 12 noon to 3 pm 

Understanding & Supporting Individuals who fit

the Autistic PDA Profile

Presented by Diane Gould, LCSW and Zach Morris, M.Ed. from PDA North America

Diane Gould and Zach Morris will share their expertise of the Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile that has gained attention in North America over the last few years. 

The presentation will cover: defining PDA and differentiating it from other presentations of autism; identifying characteristics of PDA such as drive for autonomy and highly sensitive nervous system experience; discussing what works and what doesn’t work in terms of support. We will look at common co-occurring experiences for PDAers and examine ways to promote a sense of safety. Participants will be led through an approach that helps PDA individuals experience more access to engagement at home, at school, and in the therapy room. Diane and Zach will highlight a relationship driven mindset that is effective in supporting the needs of these individuals and families. They will share case examples and leave time for questions and answers.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to name the characteristics of PDA children, teens and adults 

Participants will be able to describe what strategies are helpful and unhelpful for this population 

Participants will be able to explain how PDA differs from the more common autistic presentation as well as ODD and other diagnostic categories

Selected references: 

O’Nions, E., & Eaton, J. (2020) Extreme/‘pathological’ demand avoidance: an overview. Paediatrics and Child Health. 30 (12) 411-415

O’Nions, E., Viding, E., Floyd, C., Quinlan, E., Pidgeon, C., Gould, J. Happé, F. (2018) Dimensions of difficulty in children reported to have an autism spectrum diagnosis andfeatures of extreme/‘pathological’ demand avoidance. Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

Fusar-Poli, L., Brondino,N.,Politi, P ., Aguglia, E. (2022) Missed Diagnoses and misdiagnoses of adults with autism spectrum disorder. European Archives of Psychiatryand Clinical Neuroscience, 272, 187-198.http: //doi.org/10.1007/s00406-020-01189-w

Fiddler, R. & Gould, D (2024). Navigating PDA in America: a framework to support anxious, demand-avoidant autistic children, teens and young adults. Jessica Kingsley Publishing.

Price, D. (2022). Unmasking autism: Discovering the new faces of Neurodiversity. Harmony Books.

Accessibility Accommodations: 

Please reach out to Carla Rosinski at ppcsalem@gmail.com

Attendees will receive 3 CEs 

The Private Practice Colloquium (PPC) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The PPC maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 

Each professional is responsible for the individual requirements as stipulated by their licensing agency. Please contact you individual licensing board /regulatory agency to review the continuing education requirements or license renewal. 

**There are no conflicts or disclosures for this event**