[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”80px||80px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”PDA and special occasions” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”–et_global_heading_font||||||||” title_text_align=”center” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” title_text_align_tablet=”center” title_text_align_phone=”left” title_text_align_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” 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″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding_phone=”||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=” margin: auto;” 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|0px|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
Special events and celebrations can be difficult for PDAers to manage. There can be a lot of demands and expectations involved as well as sensory challenges. Gatherings often mean considering the needs of lots of people, which can be a difficult balance to achieve.\u00a0 This page looks at why this can be tricky and offers some ideas to help.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Caveat||||||||” text_font_size=”36px” text_line_height=”36px” background_color=”#b599f3″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”40px|40px|40px|40px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”32px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”15px|15px|15px|15px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”left” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” border_radii=”on|24px|24px|24px|24px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” 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=”default” custom_padding_phone=”||24px||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=”Common challenges PDAers face” _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
Big celebrations and parties can be difficult for PDAers to cope with. They often involve a lot of expectations like wearing certain clothes and eating in a formal way. Some common challenges could be:<\/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
[\/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
Bearing this in mind it might be that the demand and overwhelm is simply too much for them to attend. Sometimes it is better for everyone to accept that it\u2019s not always possible to find ways to work around these challenges.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” 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 _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding_phone=”||24px||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=”Ideas which might help PDAers attend celebrations” _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
If you are arranging the event yourself then you can choose to make it PDA friendly. Remember you don\u2019t have to follow traditions or do things the way others do. Letting others know that you may arrive late or need to leave early is usually appreciated so they don\u2019t feel let down. Some key areas to consider are:<\/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
[\/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
Understanding and accepting how tricky and demanding special occasions can be for PDAers is an important first step in managing. Being aware of how anxiety may present for the PDAer in your life and helping them when you see signs of distress. Feeling able to step away from the environment and take a break can offer some control and respite.<\/span><\/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 Attending a big event can be exhausting and it\u2019s important to plan for regulating and recovery time afterwards. Lowering demands as much as possible in the days afterwards can help this process. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” 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=”default” custom_padding_phone=”||24px||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=”PDA and birthdays” _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 PDAers can find birthdays, both their own and other people\u2019s, a challenge. With the focus and attention on someone else it can trigger a feeling of inequality. They may refuse to join in with celebrations or even try to stop them from happening. This can be particularly difficult for siblings.<\/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 It can be helpful to arrange for your PDAer to do something they enjoy separately while their sibling has a birthday celebration.<\/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 Even their own birthday can be full of demand and uncertainty which raises anxiety levels for PDAers. Talking to them about what they want to do for their birthday and what gifts they might like (if any) is a good place to start. Sharing a list of presents with family can make sure they get what they want and avoid surprises. Opening lots of gifts on one day can feel overwhelming. Giving presents early and over a few days can reduce anxiety.<\/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 If your PDAer needs to know exactly what they are getting, doesn\u2019t want gifts wrapped or can\u2019t manage the demand of saying thank you, that\u2019s all okay. What\u2019s important is that they enjoy their birthday, however that looks for them.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Caveat||||||||” text_text_color=”gcid-body-color” text_font_size=”36px” text_line_height=”36px” background_color=”gcid-6923f909-25e5-4c77-be27-cbebb4bb1b7c” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||24px||false|false” custom_padding=”40px|40px|40px|40px|false|false” border_radii=”on|24px|24px|24px|24px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-body-color%22:%91%22text_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-6923f909-25e5-4c77-be27-cbebb4bb1b7c%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Special events and celebrations can be difficult for PDAers to manage. There can be a lot of demands and expectations involved as well as sensory challenges. Gatherings often mean considering the needs of lots of people, which can be a difficult balance to achieve.\u00a0 This page looks at why this can be tricky and offers some ideas to help.Understanding and accepting how tricky and demanding special occasions can be for PDAers is an important first step in making them manageable.Big celebrations and parties can be difficult for PDAers to cope with. They often involve a lot of expectations like wearing certain clothes and eating in a formal way. Some common challenges could be: Strict timings: an event such as a wedding will have a set time for the ceremony and the meal for example. These can\u2019t be delayed, and such a rigid demand can cause anxiety for PDAers. Limited food options: typically, celebrations and events will have catering. This means that there might not be foods that are liked, or they may be different to usual. Dress code: some formal celebrations may ask or expect guests to wear smart clothing. Having less control over what can be worn can raise […]<\/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":[313,324,312],"class_list":["post-9670","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","course_tag-family","course_tag-siblings","course_tag-special-occasions"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9670","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=9670"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9670\/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=9670"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"course_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pdasociety.org.uk\/pda2025staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/course_tag?post=9670"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}