Overview
THIS EVENT IS FULLY BOOKED. Please email admin@parentingspecialchildren.co.uk to be added to the waiting list.
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.
Tickets for Berkshire parents/carers are kindly sponsored by Leiper Gupta Family Lawyers: https://lgfamilylawyers.co.uk
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.
Charlie Taylor
Helpline & Support Groups Manager
Charlie provides information and support to parents/carers and professionals through our Helpline via phone and emails. She offers a kind and understanding approach with compassion and relatability. She coordinates and facilitates our community support groups with monthly face to face support and information for parents/carers of children with special needs. She works with our CYP at groups and supports other practitioners on Autism and ADHD workshops.
Charlie has personal and professional experience with neurodiversity, Developmental trauma for professionals training, and Level 2 SEND Law training (IPSEA).
Attending details
Please make a booking for each person attending.
On booking you will receive an ‘Order’ email which goes to the email address listed in the billing details in your website user account. The ‘Order’ email is followed by a ‘Ticket Details’ email which goes to the attendee email address on the booking form, and contains the Zoom attendance information.
You need a Zoom account to access this event. You can sign up for free here: https://zoom.us/freesignup/
The Zoom link, meeting ID and passcode are in the ‘Ticket Details’ email. Please check your junk folder, add the event to your calendar, and keep the email safe for use on the day of the event.
Zoom will ask you to sign in, and to register for the event, so please allow time for this before the event starts. You can register at any time before the event starts. We would advise you to do this as soon as you can so we can help you if you have any difficulties.
We will use the Chat function to allow you to ask questions during the sessions. The events are best viewed on a PC or laptop. Please have the latest version of Zoom installed. You can download the software here: https://zoom.us/download
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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