Overview
There is growing awareness and recognition of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) as a distinct autistic profile with needs which benefit from specific strategies.
This workshop is for parents/carers of children and young people who present with the PDA profile, whether or not they have received a diagnosis.
Event outline
Topics covered:
- Definition and brief history of PDA
- Reframing to Persistent Drive for Autonomy
- PDA in education
- Dysregulation/distress and sensory difficulties
- How we can support our children and young people
Facilitators
Mary van der Merwe
Parenting, Sleep & Neurodivergent CYP Practitioner
Mary van der Merwe is a dedicated neurodiversity advocate with experience in supporting and training individuals and professionals on Autism and trauma. Within PSC, she leads the A-Team, a group for autistic and ADHD primary and secondary aged girls, providing a space where they can meet other neurodivergent girls and be their authentic selves. As well as this, Mary delivers specialized training programs that emphasize the neurodiversity paradigm, and co-ordinates and delivers specialist 1:1 support. Mary is also a trainer on the National Autism Trainer Programme training CAMHS and the NHS to help improve outcomes for Autistic individuals. Coming from a neurodivergent family herself, Mary’s personal insights and professional expertise drive her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Helen Cattermole
Parenting & Sleep Practitioner
Helen is a registered nurse in learning disabilities (RNLD) and worked as a challenging behaviour specialist nurse within the Berkshire Foundation Healthcare Trust, supporting adults with learning disabilities, as well as their families and carers. Now, Helen works for Parenting Special Children, where she delivers training on various topics, including sleep management, the "Who's In Charge?" program, Autism, "Time Out for Special Needs," and provides one-on-one clinics.
Attending details
Please make a booking for each person attending.
On booking you will receive a confirmation email from Eventbrite. Please check your junk folder.
Zoom Requirements:
– Please have Zoom downloaded to your PC for the best experience. You can download the software here:Â https://zoom.us/
– You need a Zoom account to access the workshop. You can sign up for a free Zoom account here:Â https://zoom.us/signup
Accessing the Event:
The Zoom meeting ID, passcode, and link will be emailed 3 days before the event, and also 1 hour before. Please check your junk folder.
Zoom will ask you to register for the event. Please provide your first name and surname. This allows us to note attendance for our records. The email address requested by Zoom is the one associated with your Zoom account. If there is more than one person on your booking, and you are accessing the event together from one device, then please put both of your names in the Zoom registration form when you join the event. Please do not sign in/register using ‘Apple ID sign in’ as this removes your name and email address from the Zoom report and we cannot log your attendance, resulting in a DNA (Did not attend) against your name.
Please note that you may not record the workshops or take screenshots. This is to maintain confidentiality and privacy for attendees.
Many of our events have waiting lists. If you are no longer able to attend please let us know so we can offer your place to someone else. Please note that we require 7 days notice of cancellation to offer a refund.
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