

PDA - Pathological Demand Avoidance
This section contains information and links to support families, carers and Schools with a child with Autism and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). If you have any further information please let me know and I will add it.
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Children with PDA also have a diagnosis of Autism, PDA is a very specific subset of Autism, here are some tips to help to support the learning of a child with PDA:
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Reduce demands
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Ignore extreme behaviour, just carry on as if nothing is happening
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Give clear reasons for non negotiable boundaries
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Use negotiation, collaboration and flexibility
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Use indirect commands such e.g. Maybe we could, lets investigate
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Don't use terms such as you have to, you need to
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Get them to teach - can you help me? will you show me?
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Have quiet zones and relaxation techniques
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Offer controlled choices e.g. shall we do English or Maths first?
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Use social stories to talk about changes
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Use visual timetables, now and then boards (check the tools page)
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Use puzzles and mysteries to keep them interested, tap into their interests
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Avoid confrontation
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Be flexible what works one day might not work the next
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Useful information sources
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National Autistic Society (autism.org.uk)
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Home Page - Autism East Midlands
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https://www.autism-alliance.org.uk/
Ambitious about Autism | National charity for children and young people with autism
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PDA Society – Pathological Demand Avoidance – Part of the Autism Spectrum



