Overview

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a profile of the autism spectrum, which involves extreme anxiety in response to everyday requests and demands, and where the individual utilises "social strategies" to cope or avoid the demand.

PDA can resemble Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and due to its relative lack of awareness and training opportunities, often goes unrecognised and untreated.

Individuals with a PDA profile do not respond to traditional behavioural strategies, which can worsen their symptoms and reduce their quality of life. 

Researchers in the UK have progressed their study of PDA and highlight the importance in training psychologists to better understand the unique strengths and weaknesses of this profile. Whilst many clinicians have an understanding of Autism, their awareness of PDA and its unique characteristics and implications for therapy are not always implemented in practice. 

Although research in this field is in its infancy with diagnostic measures still requiring further validation and best practice techniques developing, it is accepted that approaching support from a trauma informed perspective, often results in better outcomes.

This webinar will cover specific techniques that are showing promise in positive health outcomes for PDAers.

Level of Learning

Foundational. This activity is targeted to those new to the topic.

Duration of access

Access to the recording and presenter slides is for 12 months from the date of confirmed registration.

APS CPD-Approved

This activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality. Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process.

CPD Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking APS Professional development activities.

Activity details 

• On-demand webinar recording 

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this webinar, participants should be able to:

• describe Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), how it presents and how it is diagnosed,

• recognise the challenges for PDA individuals and their family, and

• describe the screening and assessment process for PDA.

Presenter(s)

Emma Spencer

About the presenter(s)

Emma Spencer is a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience working with children, adolescents, and families.
She is a highly regarded trainer with a reputation for providing engaging, empowering, and inspirational seminars and workshops. Emma's practices across Northern Sydney and Melbourne have a niche focus on assessing and working with children, young people and adults who have Autistic brain style differences. Emma's team are proud to be Sydney's ONLY provider of creative group therapy programs for Autistic and Neurodivergent children and young people - KidsLink. Emma herself has a passion for working with girls and women on the Spectrum and providing education, training and supervision in relation to Pathological Demand Avoidance, a unique presentation on the autism spectrum.