Training on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

PDA Training 101 – Autistic Led Practical Advice for Professionals and Parents

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a distinct profile within the autism spectrum. Individuals with PDA experience an overwhelming need to resist and avoid everyday demands and expectations, driven by anxiety and a need for control. These challenges are often misunderstood, leading to inappropriate support, exclusions, family stress, and pupils missing from education.

💡 PDA Training 101 is an autistic-led course offering practical, compassionate strategies.
This PDA Training has been created to provide clear, evidence-informed and lived-experience-based guidance that makes a real difference.

Led by Eleanor Dyde (Eleanor Dyde Advocacy) and Danielle Jata-Hall (PDA Parenting), the training combines professional expertise and lived experience, ensuring attendees gain insight that is authentic, practical, and immediately applicable.

What You’ll Learn in PDA Training 101

This PDA Training will help attendees:
✅ Develop a solid understanding of PDA as a distinct profile within the autism spectrum
✅ Explore practical strategies for health, education, social care, and professional settings
✅ Recognise and challenge unhelpful myths and misconceptions
✅ Gain confidence in creating safe, supportive environments for PDA children
✅ Understand educational alternatives when school is not working
✅ Learn how sensory needs and the polyvagal theory influence PDA

Two Learning Routes Available

✨ Certified Route – For professionals and organisations who require a certificate of completion for training records.
✨ Non-Certified Route – For parents, carers, and professionals who want knowledge and support without formal certification.

Who Is This PDA Training For?

This training is ideal for:

• Educators seeking to better understand and respond to PDA learners
• Health and social care professionals aiming to provide neuro-affirming support
• Professionals looking for an accessible overview of the PDA profile
• Advocates and support agencies wanting to deepen their PDA knowledge

Important Information

The course is a pre-recorded, video presentation that lasts over 2.5 hours – so it can be watched in sections. There are downloadable versions of the slides which can be used to act as support and there will be a list of reference/signposting details.

If the certification route is selected then the participant will be emailed a link to complete a form and some questions so that the certificate can be issued. Certificates will only be issued to individuals, not groups or organisations.

Block bookings are available at a reduced rate. The group rate will be negotiable depending on how many people and what training is required, and will be set up via an invoice rather than ordering on the internet. For enquiries please contact eleanor@dydetutoring.com

UK Based

Please note most of the references and legal information made in the training will be applicable to UK laws only. The training can be accessed by professionals and carers overseas, but we just need to make you aware that some of the legislation and systems we will refer to will be for the UK.

Thank you for visiting our website and we would love if if you would like to stay in touch with us further. To be the first to hear about any news, events and upcoming webinars then please drop your email below to receive our regular newsletter and blog posts.

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📖 For further information about PDA, visit the PDA Society.
📘 To understand the legal context, see the SEND Code of Practice.