The term PDA was first coined by Elizabeth Newson, a developmental psychologist, in the 1980s in the UK. She described PDA as being extremely high anxiety driven by the need to control and avoid other people’s demands and expectations. A distinguishing feature of individuals with PDA is that many of the communication, teaching, parenting, and supportive strategies created for non-autistic and autistic individuals do not work, but strategies based on a thorough understanding of PDA can be effective.

The purpose of this webcast is to increase the participant’s understanding and skill to support people who have PDA across the lifespan. The programme assumes knowledge of our introductory course, PDA and Autism – An Introduction, and goes further to describe our current conceptualisation of PDA, including how it relates to autism, and strategies for home, school, work, and therapy in more depth.

In addition to the 3-hour webcast, Tony, Michelle and Asher Jenner have recorded an additional 1-hour video answering some questions received during the webinar, which is included as a bonus.