[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”80px||80px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”PDA Approaches” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||32px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/14-20-27.png” title_text=”14, 20, 27″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”15px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” border_radii=”on|24px|24px|24px|24px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”mindset-first-a-foundation-for-support” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” background_color=”gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc” custom_padding=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” custom_padding=”0px||30px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wYWdlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjE0ODQ0In19@” button_text=”1. Approach foundations” button_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _dynamic_attributes=”button_url” _module_preset=”_initial” custom_css_free_form=”selector {||\tline-height: 110% !important;||}” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wYWdlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjE0ODUxIn19@” button_text=”2. PANDA as a way in” button_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _dynamic_attributes=”button_url” _module_preset=”_initial” custom_css_free_form=”selector {||\tline-height: 110% !important;||}” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wYWdlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjE0ODU0In19@” button_text=”3. Low arousal approaches” button_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _dynamic_attributes=”button_url” _module_preset=”_initial” custom_css_free_form=”selector {||\tline-height: 110% !important;||}” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wYWdlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjE0ODU4In19@” button_text=”4. Understanding equalising” button_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _dynamic_attributes=”button_url” _module_preset=”_initial” custom_css_free_form=”selector {||\tline-height: 110% !important;||}” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wYWdlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjE0ODYxIn19@” button_text=”5. Collaborative and proactive solutions” button_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _dynamic_attributes=”button_url” _module_preset=”_initial” custom_css_free_form=”selector {||\tline-height: 110% !important;||}” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
This content is best read through in the order above, and navigated in order using arrows at the bottom of pages \u2013 but if you want to jump to a particular section you can do so using the buttons above.\u00a0<\/span>You can also access a short downloadable resource here<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>which summarises some helpful approaches for parents and carers of PDAers.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”what-really-helps-and-why-we-need-to-rethink-current-approaches” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” background_color=”gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de” custom_padding=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” custom_padding_phone=”||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”What really helps \u2013 and why we need to rethink current approaches” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_text_align=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” title_text_align_tablet=”left” title_text_align_phone=”left” title_text_align_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n For autistic people with a PDA profile, traditional support approaches can often cause more harm than good. Things like firm routines and behaviour-based rewards might be well-intentioned but can increase anxiety and reduce trust.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Whoever you are, the right mindset is an important first step in helping to manage the anxiety and resistance that demands can cause. Focusing on understanding, compassion and co-regulation, rather than control or compliance is important.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n It’s about more than tactics; it\u2019s a philosophy that will help you choose the right approach at the right time. Understanding that demands cause stress, which can affect every area of a PDAer\u2019s life, is an important starting point. As is, knowing that this anxiety can prevent PDAers from doing things that keep them safe and happy \u2013 and that this is not a choice.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”why-changing-mindsets-can-feel-difficult” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” background_color=”gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc” custom_padding=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” custom_padding_phone=”||24px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Why changing mindsets can feel difficult” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_text_align=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” title_text_align_tablet=”left” title_text_align_phone=”left” title_text_align_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Changing how we think about our relationships with PDAers can be difficult. Many of us grew up experiencing traditional rules, control, rewards, and punishments. So, approaches that focus on understanding, kindness, and teamwork aren\u2019t always instinctive. These approaches can seem too easy or not strict enough at first. However, understanding PDA and taking a human rights-based approach can make things better for everyone.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Moving away from these traditional methods can be difficult because it requires us to question deeply held beliefs and societal norms. But traditional approaches can create heightened anxiety and resistance, especially in PDAers. This isn’t wilful defiance-it’s an anxiety-driven reaction. In fact, many people are beginning to describe PDA as a nervous system disability in an attempt to make this clear.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Responding to anxiety effectively, needs deeper understanding and a different mindset. This page will help you build the foundations of this.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/3.png” title_text=”3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|24px|24px|24px|24px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”a-human-rights-perspective” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” background_color=”gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de” custom_padding=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”_initial” custom_padding_phone=”||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”A human rights perspective” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_text_align=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” title_text_align_tablet=”left” title_text_align_phone=”left” title_text_align_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||16px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Using a human rights approach means focusing less on making people obey rules and more on empathy, respect, and freedom to make choices. Everyone deserves to feel safe and able to make decisions about their own lives.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child<\/em> says it’s important to listen to children and let them make choices when possible. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights<\/em> (UDHR<\/em>) protects dignity, freedom, and choice for everyone, including adults.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Article 1 of the UDHR says: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They have reason and conscience and should treat each other kindly.”<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n From this viewpoint, reducing demands and using gentle strategies isn’t weak or poor parenting. Instead, it respects the rights of PDAers and helps protect their mental and emotional health. It is a thoughtful, rights-focused approach that understands and values the feelings and needs of PDA individuals.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|on” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-687d0911-39e5-4b9f-9c77-f98b84af1eef” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-687d0911-39e5-4b9f-9c77-f98b84af1eef%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}” disabled=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-687d0911-39e5-4b9f-9c77-f98b84af1eef” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-687d0911-39e5-4b9f-9c77-f98b84af1eef%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#e5dcff” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”–et_global_body_font||||||||” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px|250px|0px|250px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px||false|false” text_orientation_tablet=”center” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element=”max-width: 800px;||margin: 0 auto;” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This content is best read through in the order above, and navigated in order using arrows at the bottom of pages \u2013 but if you want to jump to a particular section you can do so using the buttons above.\u00a0You can also access a short downloadable resource here\u00a0which summarises some helpful approaches for parents and carers of PDAers.For autistic people with a PDA profile, traditional support approaches can often cause more harm than good. Things like firm routines and behaviour-based rewards might be well-intentioned but can increase anxiety and reduce trust.Whoever you are, the right mindset is an important first step in helping to manage the anxiety and resistance that demands can cause. Focusing on understanding, compassion and co-regulation, rather than control or compliance is important.It’s about more than tactics; it\u2019s a philosophy that will help you choose the right approach at the right time. Understanding that demands cause stress, which can affect every area of a PDAer\u2019s life, is an important starting point. As is, knowing that this anxiety can prevent PDAers from doing things that keep them safe and happy \u2013 and that this is not a choice.Changing how we think about our relationships with PDAers can be […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":0,"parent":8181,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"course_tag":[],"class_list":["post-10903","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10903","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10903"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10903\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8181"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10903"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"course_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/course_tag?post=10903"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Do you need specific support?<\/h3>\n
Our friendly team have lived experience of PDA and can help you with information, guidance and signposting.<\/h4>\n
You’re welcome to get in touch here<\/a>.<\/h3>\n