PDA Society Service Directory
Organisation Name:
Kristy Forbes
Description of services:
Positive PDA, Autism & neurodiversity support
Where do they offer their services:
Has this organisation read the finding safe and appropriate support guidance on PDA Society's website:
They have read the safe and appropriate support guidance and commit to working in the way it describes.
Does this organisation or members of its team provide services or hold titles that are regulated?:
No
Qualifications this organisation holds to undertake the work they do:
Adult PDAer, parent of PDAers, Qualified Educator and training provider.
Does this organisation have a clear and transparent charging policy:
Yes
Does this organisation have a publicly available safeguarding policy:
Yes
Does this organisations team have up to date, clear DBS checks:
Our service doesnt have the level of contact where DBS checks are required
Does this organisation have insurance that covers the work they do:
Yes
Does this organisation have a publicly available Data Protection Policy or statement that explains how you keep data safe:
Yes
Does this organisation have a publicly available Complaints Policy:
Yes
Does this organisation have a publicly available Health & Safety Policy:
Yes
Does this organisation commit to setting clear and manageable expectations about communications and stick to them:
Yes
Does this organisation commit to setting clear and respectful boundaries and not pursuing a personal relationship with people they work with:
Yes
What experience does this organisation or team have of autism:
I am autistic myself and have extensive lived and professional experience in autism. I have worked in education, social work, and professional development, supporting autistic individuals and their families. I provide training for allied health professionals and educators, supervise professionals in the field, and have collaborated with organizations such as the PDA Society, Reframing Autism, and Yellow Ladybugs. My work is grounded in a neuroaffirming, trauma-informed approach that prioritizes autonomy and self-advocacy. I am also a parent of autistic children ranging from 10 years to 27 years. I am a qualified educator and have taught autistic children.
What experience does this organisation or team have of working with PDAers/ people who struggle with demands:
I have been parenting PDAers for 27 years and supporting PDA individuals and families professionally for over a decade. I have a special interest in Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and have delivered training, supervision, and consultancy to professionals working with PDA individuals. I have created programs, masterclasses, and resources specifically designed for PDAers, their families, and professionals, focusing on strategies that honor autonomy, reduce anxiety, and build trusting relationships. I have been cited in research, presented internationally, and collaborated with colleagues in the field. I am also a PDAer myself.
How does this organisation keep their knowledge up to date:
I stay updated through ongoing study, professional collaboration, and engagement with the PDA and neurodivergent communities. I am currently studying a Master’s in Counselling and Psychotherapy and a Graduate Diploma in Psychology. I have a special interest in childhood trauma and hold several certifications related to this. I engage with the latest research, work directly with PDA individuals and families, and collaborate with other neurodivergent professionals.
Is this organisation committed to trying to accommodate sensory sensitivities / differences:
Yes
Is this organisation committed to working creatively and flexibly with demand avoidant people, focusing on meeting their individual needs (within the boundaries of your working agreement):
Yes
Is this organisation committed to also trying to accommodate any co-occurring conditions people have:
Yes
