{"id":15062,"date":"2025-06-19T06:47:54","date_gmt":"2025-06-19T05:47:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/?page_id=15062"},"modified":"2026-02-20T13:02:22","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T13:02:22","slug":"social-work-foundations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/research-professional-practice\/social-work\/social-work-foundations\/","title":{"rendered":"Social Work Foundations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; module_id=&#8221;adopting-a-pda-friendly-mindset&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-d4d84b5e-d061-48e7-894c-a52b4e3d47de%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}&#8221;][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;3_5,2_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||24px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;3_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;Adopting a PDA-friendly mindset&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; title_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false&#8221; title_text_align_tablet=&#8221;left&#8221; title_text_align_phone=&#8221;left&#8221; title_text_align_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;32px|0px||0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; text_orientation_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; text_orientation_phone=&#8221;left&#8221; text_orientation_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>For autistic people with a PDA profile, traditional support approaches can often cause more harm than good. Things like firm routines and hierarchical relationships can increase anxiety and reduce trust.\u00a0<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;32px|0px||0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; text_orientation_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; text_orientation_phone=&#8221;left&#8221; text_orientation_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>For professionals, the right mindset is an important first step in helping manage the anxiety and resistance demands can create. Focusing on understanding, compassion and co-regulation rather than control or compliance is important. It&#8217;s about more than tactics; it\u2019s a philosophy that will help you choose the right approach at the right time. Understanding that stress caused by demands can impact on every area of a PDAers life is a good start. As is knowing that this anxiety gets in the way of being able to do things to keep themselves safe and happy \u2013 and that this is not a choice.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;32px|0px||0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; text_orientation_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; text_orientation_phone=&#8221;left&#8221; text_orientation_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>As a professional working within a system, there may be limitations in the changes you can influence about how your service runs. But anyone can work to build values into the relationships they have with people they support.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;32px|0px||0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; text_orientation_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; text_orientation_phone=&#8221;left&#8221; text_orientation_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>These are three fundamental values that will help you work effectively with PDAers:<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/24-29.png&#8221; title_text=&#8221;24, 29&#8243; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|24px|24px|24px|24px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_3,1_3,1_3&#8243; make_equal=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||24px||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;40px|40px|40px|40px|false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; border_radii=&#8221;on|24px|24px|24px|24px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;1. Trust&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; title_level=&#8221;h4&#8243; title_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false&#8221; title_text_align_tablet=&#8221;left&#8221; title_text_align_phone=&#8221;left&#8221; title_text_align_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;32px|0px||0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; text_orientation_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; text_orientation_phone=&#8221;left&#8221; text_orientation_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>Consistency, warmth, and honesty are key. Treating anxious behaviour as communication (rather than defiance) builds security. When PDAers trust that they\u2019re safe, anxiety subsides, and daily tasks become more manageable.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;40px|40px|40px|40px|false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; border_radii=&#8221;on|24px|24px|24px|24px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;2. Equity&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; title_level=&#8221;h4&#8243; title_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false&#8221; title_text_align_tablet=&#8221;left&#8221; title_text_align_phone=&#8221;left&#8221; title_text_align_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;32px|0px||0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; text_orientation_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; text_orientation_phone=&#8221;left&#8221; text_orientation_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]Relationships grounded in shared power reduce anxiety. It\u2019s about letting go of control, listening deeply, and negotiating decisions. This approach reassures individuals that you respect their autonomy, reducing tension and the urge to avoid.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;40px|40px|40px|40px|false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; border_radii=&#8221;on|24px|24px|24px|24px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-9868c831-dc08-4be7-96b8-e0cb537cb9dc%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;3. Compassion&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; title_level=&#8221;h4&#8243; title_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false&#8221; title_text_align_tablet=&#8221;left&#8221; title_text_align_phone=&#8221;left&#8221; title_text_align_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;32px|0px||0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; text_orientation_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; text_orientation_phone=&#8221;left&#8221; text_orientation_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>Recognize distressed behaviour as an anxiety response. This mindset shift can be difficult, but viewing meltdowns or refusal through a compassionate lens fosters more effective engagement.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||24px||false|false&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;32px|0px||0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; text_orientation_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; text_orientation_phone=&#8221;left&#8221; text_orientation_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>This approach aligns with evidence that anxiety-not opposition-is the driver of avoidance in PDA (Cage &amp; Troxell-Whitman, 2019).<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;32px|0px||0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; text_orientation_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; text_orientation_phone=&#8221;left&#8221; text_orientation_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>PDA Society\u2019s PANDA mnemonic was originally created as a memory aid &#8211; a way to introduce the kinds of flexible approaches that tend to help. These aren\u2019t separate strategies to apply one by one but overlapping ideas that support each other.\u00a0<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;32px|0px||0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; text_orientation_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; text_orientation_phone=&#8221;left&#8221; text_orientation_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>The letters stand for:\u00a0<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;RGBA(255,255,255,0)&#8221; height=&#8221;100%&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_css_free_form=&#8221;selector ul li strong {|| font-weight: 900;||}||selector ul li {|| font-weight: 400 !important;|| position: relative;|| padding-left: 37px;|| margin-bottom: 15px;||}||||selector ul {|| list-style-type: none;|| padding: 0 !important;||}||selector ul li::before{|| content: %22%22;|| position: absolute;|| width: 24px;|| height: 24px;|| background-image: url(%22data:image\/svg+xml;base64,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%22);|| background-size: contain;|| background-repeat: no-repeat;|| top: 4px;|| left: 0;||}||&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<ul>\n<li><span> P \u2013 Prioritise and compromise\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span> A \u2013 Anxiety management\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span> N \u2013 Negotiation and collaboration\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span> D \u2013 Disguise and manage demands\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span> A \u2013 Adaptation\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||24px||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;32px|0px||0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;0px||24px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; text_orientation_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; text_orientation_phone=&#8221;left&#8221; text_orientation_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>It&#8217;s helpful to think of PANDA not as a checklist, but as a gentle guide &#8211; especially helpful if you\u2019re new to PDA support. The real work happens through connection, curiosity and trial and error.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Caveat||||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;36px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;36px&#8221; background_color=&#8221;gcid-1210fe9f-27a8-44c2-957c-8d39d1a3b13a&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;40px|40px|40px|40px|false|false&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|24px|24px|24px|24px&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-1210fe9f-27a8-44c2-957c-8d39d1a3b13a%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}&#8221;]<div>\u201cHaving a big toolkit means you can be more adaptable in the moment.\u201d<\/div>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;32px|0px||0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; text_orientation_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; text_orientation_phone=&#8221;left&#8221; text_orientation_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>You can find our guide to PDA approaches for everyone <a href=\"\/what-helps-guides\/pda-approaches\/\">here<\/a>. It covers the fundamentals that will help you support PDAers you come across. The rest of the information in this guide is healthcare specific.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;Mindset change \u2013 challenges &#038; responses&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; title_level=&#8221;h3&#8243; title_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false&#8221; title_text_align_tablet=&#8221;left&#8221; title_text_align_phone=&#8221;left&#8221; title_text_align_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;32px|0px||0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;0px||16px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; text_orientation_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; text_orientation_phone=&#8221;left&#8221; text_orientation_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]Moving away from traditional methods-where confidence and authority is normally a perceived advantage-can be hard in health and social care. Staff shortages, strict protocols, and the pressure that comes with managing high levels of risk and legal compliance can make this particularly difficult. However its really important in building trustful relationships with individuals with PDA, who feel high anxiety about demands.\n\nReasons mindset change could be difficult include:[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;RGBA(255,255,255,0)&#8221; height=&#8221;100%&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_css_free_form=&#8221;selector ul li strong {|| font-weight: 900;||}||selector ul li {|| font-weight: 400 !important;|| position: relative;|| padding-left: 37px;|| margin-bottom: 15px;||}||||selector ul {|| list-style-type: none;|| padding: 0 !important;||}||selector ul li::before{|| content: %22%22;|| position: absolute;|| width: 24px;|| height: 24px;|| background-image: url(%22data:image\/svg+xml;base64,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%22);|| background-size: contain;|| background-repeat: no-repeat;|| top: 4px;|| left: 0;||}||&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<ul>\n\t<li>Pressures of time &amp; delivery:\nIn many social care settings, resource constraints and protocol-driven practice shape how support is delivered. For instance, a team may be expected to complete statutory child in need reviews within a fixed timeframe, using structured forms and tightly timed home visits. In cases involving PDA, this rigidity can backfire. If a young person is highly anxious or overwhelmed, a standard checklist interview may trigger shutdown, withdrawal, or defensive behaviour. Spending time to build rapport first-perhaps by allowing the young person to choose where the conversation happens or by spacing assessments over multiple short sessions-might initially seem inefficient. However, this flexibility often prevents escalation, improves engagement, and ultimately leads to more meaningful outcomes.<\/li>\n\t<li>Assumed Compliance:\nThere is also a common assumption in social care processes that individuals will comply with plans or expectations-and that parents or carers will reinforce this compliance. For PDAers, this assumption can be especially damaging. For example, if a parent is pressured to enforce a strict morning routine involving school attendance, hygiene, and household tasks, the child may experience this as overwhelming and unsafe, leading to conflict or refusal. Similarly, expecting a teenager to attend a multi-agency review without first offering choice about the setting or who will be present can result in them disengaging entirely. In such cases, rigid enforcement of expectations can increase distress and undermine relationships.<\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;32px|0px||0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;0px||16px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; text_orientation_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; text_orientation_phone=&#8221;left&#8221; text_orientation_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]Instead, social workers will see improved outcomes if they approach refusal not as a sign of defiance but as a potential expression of anxiety or fear. Offering choices, using non-authoritarian language, and adapting the process to the individual\u2019s communication style can go a long way in building trust. Especially in contexts like safeguarding or family support, where power dynamics are already heightened, relational flexibility can mean the difference between collaboration and crisis.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;RGBA(255,255,255,0)&#8221; height=&#8221;100%&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_css_free_form=&#8221;selector ul li strong {|| font-weight: 900;||}||selector ul li {|| font-weight: 400 !important;|| position: relative;|| padding-left: 37px;|| margin-bottom: 15px;||}||||selector ul {|| list-style-type: none;|| padding: 0 !important;||}||selector ul li::before{|| content: %22%22;|| position: absolute;|| width: 24px;|| height: 24px;|| background-image: url(%22data:image\/svg+xml;base64,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%22);|| background-size: contain;|| background-repeat: no-repeat;|| top: 4px;|| left: 0;||}||&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<ul>\n\t<li>Shifting perspectives on parenting.\nFamilies of PDAers are often blamed for being \u201clax\u201d or \u201cpermissive\u201d when they choose gentle, cooperative approaches. But Luke Clements warns that parent-blame can hide problems in the system. He points out that professionals sometimes underestimate how hard things are for families. As a result, they judge parents and weaken the partnership needed for effective support. With a PDA profile, less rigid and more inventive parenting is not just a choice; it helps lower anxiety and keep connections strong.<\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;32px|0px||0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;0px||16px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; text_orientation_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; text_orientation_phone=&#8221;left&#8221; text_orientation_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]\u201cWhere services fail to meet the needs of disabled people and their families, the families are often blamed for this failure.\u201d (Clements, L. (2017). Disabled Children: A Legal handbook)\n\nFor PDAers, \u201cgood parenting\u201d might look very different from the usual. Parents may use unusual routines, negotiate boundaries, and offer a lot of freedom. While this can clash with older ideas about \u201cfirm authority,\u201d it often reduces stress and supports the child\u2019s wellbeing.\n\nPractical suggestions for changing mindsets include:[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;RGBA(255,255,255,0)&#8221; height=&#8221;100%&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_css_free_form=&#8221;selector ul li strong {|| font-weight: 900;||}||selector ul li {|| font-weight: 400 !important;|| position: relative;|| padding-left: 37px;|| margin-bottom: 15px;||}||||selector ul {|| list-style-type: none;|| padding: 0 !important;||}||selector ul li::before{|| content: %22%22;|| position: absolute;|| width: 24px;|| height: 24px;|| background-image: url(%22data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMjAiIGhlaWdodD0iMjAiIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCAyMCAyMCIgZmlsbD0ibm9uZSIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTguNiAxNC42TDE1LjY1IDcuNTVMMTQuMjUgNi4xNUw4LjYgMTEuOEw1Ljc1IDguOTVMNC4zNSAxMC4zNUw4LjYgMTQuNlpNMTAgMjBDOC42MTY2NyAyMCA3LjMxNjY3IDE5LjczNzUgNi4xIDE5LjIxMjVDNC44ODMzMyAxOC42ODc1IDMuODI1IDE3Ljk3NSAyLjkyNSAxNy4wNzVDMi4wMjUgMTYuMTc1IDEuMzEyNSAxNS4xMTY3IDAuNzg3NSAxMy45QzAuMjYyNSAxMi42ODMzIDAgMTEuMzgzMyAwIDEwQzAgOC42MTY2NyAwLjI2MjUgNy4zMTY2NyAwLjc4NzUgNi4xQzEuMzEyNSA0Ljg4MzMzIDIuMDI1IDMuODI1IDIuOTI1IDIuOTI1QzMuODI1IDIuMDI1IDQuODgzMzMgMS4zMTI1IDYuMSAwLjc4NzVDNy4zMTY2NyAwLjI2MjUgOC42MTY2NyAwIDEwIDBDMTEuMzgzMyAwIDEyLjY4MzMgMC4yNjI1IDEzLjkgMC43ODc1QzE1LjExNjcgMS4zMTI1IDE2LjE3NSAyLjAyNSAxNy4wNzUgMi45MjVDMTcuOTc1IDMuODI1IDE4LjY4NzUgNC44ODMzMyAxOS4yMTI1IDYuMUMxOS43Mzc1IDcuMzE2NjcgMjAgOC42MTY2NyAyMCAxMEMyMCAxMS4zODMzIDE5LjczNzUgMTIuNjgzMyAxOS4yMTI1IDEzLjlDMTguNjg3NSAxNS4xMTY3IDE3Ljk3NSAxNi4xNzUgMTcuMDc1IDE3LjA3NUMxNi4xNzUgMTcuOTc1IDE1LjExNjcgMTguNjg3NSAxMy45IDE5LjIxMjVDMTIuNjgzMyAxOS43Mzc1IDExLjM4MzMgMjAgMTAgMjBaIiBmaWxsPSIjMUMxQjFGIi8+Cjwvc3ZnPgo=%22);|| background-size: contain;|| background-repeat: no-repeat;|| top: 4px;|| left: 0;||}||&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<ul>\n\t<li>Reflecting on authority.\nEncouraging team discussions about who holds power and why. Ask if your protocols can allow more flexibility.<\/li>\n\t<li>Acknowledging pressures.\nRecognising that staff and resources are limited. Brainstorm creative ways-like shorter appointment slots or remote options-to meet PDAers\u2019 needs.<\/li>\n\t<li>Promoting empathy.\nSee anxiety, not defiance. Collaborative approaches reduce stress for both individuals and systems.<\/li>\n\t<li>Respect parental expertise.\nParents adjusting their style for a PDA child\u2019s needs are not \u201cfailing.\u201d Invite their insights to shape support plans instead of blaming them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|0px|16px|0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;32px|0px||0px|false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;0px||16px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; text_orientation_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; text_orientation_phone=&#8221;left&#8221; text_orientation_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]Moving to a mindset which centers a respect for each person\u2019s anxiety, autonomy, and lived experience can take time. Yet this shift fosters true engagement, lessens stress for everyone, and honours shared decision-making in social care.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For autistic people with a PDA profile, traditional support approaches can often cause more harm than good. Things like firm routines and hierarchical relationships can increase anxiety and reduce trust.\u00a0For professionals, the right mindset is an important first step in helping manage the anxiety and resistance demands can create. Focusing on understanding, compassion and co-regulation rather than control or compliance is important. It&#8217;s about more than tactics; it\u2019s a philosophy that will help you choose the right approach at the right time. Understanding that stress caused by demands can impact on every area of a PDAers life is a good start. As is knowing that this anxiety gets in the way of being able to do things to keep themselves safe and happy \u2013 and that this is not a choice.As a professional working within a system, there may be limitations in the changes you can influence about how your service runs. But anyone can work to build values into the relationships they have with people they support.These are three fundamental values that will help you work effectively with PDAers:Consistency, warmth, and honesty are key. Treating anxious behaviour as communication (rather than defiance) builds security. When PDAers trust that they\u2019re [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":0,"parent":11196,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<!-- wp:divi\/placeholder \/-->","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"course_tag":[352,367],"class_list":["post-15062","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","course_tag-cpd-for-professionals","course_tag-professional-subscription"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15062","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=15062"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15062\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11196"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15062"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"course_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/course_tag?post=15062"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}