Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA): An Introduction 8.11.23

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is contended to be a distinct presentation within autism that can result in complex interactions with service providers in education and health settings, impacting on outcomes for individuals and their families.  This webinar will introduce the history and principal characteristics of PDA as a distinct profile arising from extreme anxiety-based demand avoidance, together with an overview of helpful strategies and approaches.  Delivery got one hour from 7 – 8 and then 30 minutes for Q&A.

Dr Alison Doyle has practiced as a teacher, School Principal, and Educational Psychologist across primary, secondary, and higher education contexts internationally for almost 40 years. She has a particular practice and research interest in supporting young people with neurodiverse conditions to manage the transition from school to college and employment.  Alison is also a part-time lecturer to postgraduate programmes within the Institute of Child Education and Psychology Europe, Dublin City University, and Trinity College Dublin.

Shaun Greville has returned to school in the Esker Centre, Ballinamere after 5 years secondment to the SESS and latterly NCSE. He fulfilled the roles of Advisor and Assistant National Coordinator for the autism team with a focus on in school support for teachers and both in school and external CPD regarding autism.