Support Strategies for Children and Teens with PDA and Participation
Pathological demand avoidance (PDA), sometimes also referred to as extreme demand avoidance (EDA) is identified primarily as a subset of autism spectrum disorders, affecting approximately 20% of those diagnosed with ASD. New research is also connecting this condition with ADHD and anxiety disorders. Viewed primarily as an anxiety-driven need for control over their environment and avoidance of daily expectations, this profile can be extremely challenging for not only the child, but educators, therapists, and parents.
Based on the understanding of the anxiety-based origins, specific and supportive approaches are required to prevent further shut down and increased participation and social-emotional development. This 90-minute course reviews the core research-based strategies for supporting individuals with PDA as well as how to support other professionals and family members. This course covers a brief review of key components of PDA before delving into strategies.
Prerequisite for this course: Pathological Demand Avoidance: What It Is and How to Support Positive Engagement and Participation
Learning Outcomes
- State the definition of PDA/EDA through a lens of anxiety, panic, and extreme fear of loss of autonomy.
- List three benefits of declarative or cognitive verb usage.
- Identify three research-based strategies for supporting individuals with PDA.
Course Information
- Target Audience: introductory-level pediatric OTs, OTAs, PTs, PTAs, SLPs, teachers, mental health professionals, and other pediatric professionals
- Course Instructor:Â Lori Benson Adams, MEd
- View Agenda
- CE Broker course code: 20-000000
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)






