Recognizing Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

This session will explain PDA and how it can be identified, both formally and informally.

About

Many people have heard of the autism profile called Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), but don't know what it means; others have never heard of this before! This session will explain PDA and how it can be identified, both formally and informally. We will discuss whether or not it is important to identify PDA, and will begin to look at strategies to support (although we will go more in depth regarding strategies in future sessions!)

Biographies

Deer Creek Family Support and Therapy is a multidisciplinary clinic committed to neurodiversity-affirming practice. Founded by Amanda Preston, it is now operated by Caitlin Angus (OT) and Aidan Sterling (SLP), two passionate members of the Deer Creek team. Deer Creek offers a variety of therapy services in addition to autism, ADHD and psychoeducational assessments, and specializes in Pathological Demand Avoidance profiles of autism.

Caitlin Angus has been an occupational therapist for 25 years. Her interest in working with neurodivergent individuals and families, PDA and/or burnout developed from her experiences both as a parent and a therapist.

Aidan Sterling is an SLP who has been practicing with autistic children and their families for 8 years. Aidan is an autistic PDAer who is passionate about relationship-focused and affirming therapy.