What‘s the project about?
Too often, children and young people with a PDA profile are misunderstood. Expectations that adults should ‘manage’ or ‘control’ behaviour often override your need for autonomy and collaboration. It’s no wonder so many of you end up out of school, out of friendship groups, or out of the kinds of support that could really help you thrive.
We know that support rooted in human rights — that respects autonomy and reduces power imbalance — can make all the difference. But too often, adults are told they must stick to strict, adult-led approaches… even when you’re clearly saying, that doesn’t work for me.
This project is about flipping that script. About you using your voices, ideas and lived experiences to shape something that can change how adults think about support – and why they need to change it.
What we’re looking for
We’re building a small team (around 13–18 people) of PDA young people aged 16–25, who are interested in helping shape this work.
Over six months, starting this September, we’ll meet online every couple of weeks to explore:
- What kinds of support have felt helpful – and unhelpful?
- What do we want adults (especially professionals) to understand better?
- What could we create that helps them actually hear us – and change?
The format is fully flexible – you can dip in and out. No one has to attend every session. We’ll also share written prompts for anyone who prefers to work quietly or needs time to process; there will be options to contribute via video, voice notes or any other medium that works for you.
What we’ll be doing
This project is co-produced – that means you’ll help guide what we make, who we want to reach, and how we get it out there.
Want to make a film? Design a toolkit? Host a podcast? Paint a mural? Plan a conference? If it helps get your message across, can be done with the resources available, and collectively you think it’ll work – then we’ll support you to make it happen.
You’ll be supported by two adult facilitators, whose role is to support and advise on what approaches could be effective in making the changes you think are important, not lead. They’ll handle any admin, help bring ideas to life, and do their best to ensure you feel safe and comfortable taking part in whatever way works for you.
What you’ll get
- A real chance to shape the conversation around PDA and support
- Opportunities to be creative, thoughtful and powerful
- Flexibility to contribute in the ways that feel best for you
- A space where your voice, your views and your comfort matter
Want to be involved?
All we need for now is a quick email. Just let us know:
- Your name
- Your age
- Your preferred way for us to contact you
Email lorna.parle@pdasociety.org.uk with the subject: I’m interested in the PDA support project.
We’ll then be in touch with more info about next steps.