Support - Local groups

This is a list of the local groups we’re aware of that offer support for PDA people, their families and/or the professionals who support them. Some are online only Facebook groups, some meet up in person (locally or online) and some do both.

Please note that the support groups listed are independent and external to the PDA Society. This list is for signposting purposes only, not an endorsement, and the PDA Society can take no responsibility for the quality of support offered by each group. We are also unable to recommend any other services that they may offer.

If you run a local PDA support group and wish to have your details added, please complete this form: https://forms.office.com/r/nXHBDLyXKf or email training@pdasociety.org.uk. We can also offer support and guidance to anyone who wants to set up their own local group.

Hilary Harvey who set up The South Bucks PDA Support Group has put together a helpful guide for us called ‘Setting up a PDA Support Group’ which can be found in the ‘Get Involved’ menu.

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Channel Islands
1
East Midlands
3
Eastern
6
London and South East
17
North East
3
North West
4
Northern Ireland
3
Other locations
3
Scotland
20
South West
10
Wales
5
West Midlands
3
Yorkshire - Humberside
5
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Lancashire – PDA Support Lancashire

PDA Support Lancashire PDA Support Lancashire is a support group run by and for parent/carers of children/young people with a suspected or known PDA autistic profile, living within the Lancashire County Council boundary. Meeting details: The group offers peer-to-peer support and information, regular online sessions with speakers and monthly face-to-face meet ups, in various locations in Lancashire. Activities for members are organised via a Private Facebook group (see link below) - for further information please visit our website pdasupportlancs.org Contact details: To join the group, visit our website pdasupportlancs.org and complete the Contact Form or ask to join the FB group directly. Facebook link to Private Group (please answer ALL joining questions fully).

PDA Bridgend Support Group

A support group for parents/guardians/carers of PDA children & young people (diagnosed, not diagnosed or on the pathway) who live in Bridgend. Local PDA adults also welcome to join as well as local professionals who would like to learn more about PDA. Online Facebook group that will also aim to organise regular face to face meet ups in the Bridgend County Borough and surrounding area. Join Facebook group: PDA Bridgend Support Group - Pathological Demand Avoidance   Please note: this support group is independent and external to the PDA Society. They are a member of our support group leaders’ network and recognise, understand, and support PDA and the work we do by sharing up-to-date information and resources from the PDA Society​, and as such have permission to use our PDA support group leaders' network logo, but we don’t have any control over (and cannot take responsibility for) the support or services offered.   Last updated: May 2023

Salisbury Support Group

This is a local Facebook support group for families and individuals living within the Salisbury, UK area. Offers online peer to peer support. Join Facebook group: Salisbury UK Autism/Aspergers/PDA/SPD/ADHD/SEN Support Group   Please note: this support group is independent and external to the PDA Society. They are a member of our support group leaders’ network and recognise, understand, and support PDA and the work we do by sharing up-to-date information and resources from the PDA Society​, and as such have permission to use our PDA support group leaders' network logo, but we don’t have any control over (and cannot take responsibility for) the support or services offered.   Last updated: March 2023

PDA North London

A support group for parents of PDA children. We meet monthly in person in North London. We also hope to organise a PDA stay and play for PDA children in the very near future. Guest speakers will also be in attendance from time to time. Email PDAnorthlondon@gmail.com if you would like to attend our next meeting. Instagram: @pdanorthlondon Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PDA-North-London-102175106142765   Please note: this support group is independent and external to the PDA Society. They are a member of our support group leaders’ network and recognise, understand, and support PDA and the work we do by sharing up-to-date information and resources from the PDA Society​, and as such have permission to use our PDA support group leaders' network logo, but we don’t have any control over (and cannot take responsibility for) the support or services offered.   Last updated: March 2023

PDA Families National Community Group (London-based)

A supportive peer to peer discussion forum for parents and carers of PDA children via WhatsApp, with occasional meet-ups. Based in London. Please use the link below to join the WhatsApp group: Join WhatsApp group - https://chat.whatsapp.com/Bd8JWCKEZFhIjrVQqJjdOr     Please note: this support group is independent and external to the PDA Society. They are a member of our support group leaders’ network and recognise, understand, and support PDA and the work we do by sharing up-to-date information and resources from the PDA Society​, and as such have permission to use our PDA support group leaders' network logo, but we don’t have any control over (and cannot take responsibility for) the support or services offered.   Last updated: March 2023

Parent Support Group Richmondshire

SEND Parent Support Group Richmondshire. Meets every Tuesday 6pm-7.30pm at Colburn Village Hall and also online Saturday evenings 8pm-9pm via GoogleMeet. The links can be sent to anybody who requests the code. Contact via email at sendparentsrichmondshire@outlook.com or via the Facebook group.     Please note: this support group is independent and external to the PDA Society. They are a member of our support group leaders’ network and recognise, understand, and support PDA and the work we do by sharing up-to-date information and resources from the PDA Society​, and as such have permission to use our PDA support group leaders' network logo, but we don’t have any control over (and cannot take responsibility for) the support or services offered.   Last updated: March 2023

BCP & Dorset PDA Group

Facebook support group for people and families in BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole) and Dorset who have a connection with PDA. By working together, we may be able to offer insightful feedback to local authorities, but at the very least, we hope this will be a place where we can vent, support one another and share ideas. Visit/join this group via Facebook: BCP & Dorset PDA Group (Pathological Demand Avoidance)   Last updated: July 2022

Rotherham Parent Carers Forum

Rotherham Parent Carers Forum are a registered charity run by parents and carers of children and young people who have Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND). We offer support, information and friendship to families of children and young people (age 0-25) with SEND (including PDA). We also offer support and information to service providers. We offer a range of services and support including peer support, counselling services, sibling support, strategic work and family activities. We have face to face and online support groups, including a closed Facebook group for parent carers. To find out more please visit our website: RPCF Rotherham Parent Carers Forum; call our office landline on 01709 296262 or email admin@rpcf.co.uk   Last updated: July 2022

AllMatters Neurodiverse Jersey

Support group for Jersey, Channel Islands. Everything to do with neurodiversity, emotional wellbeing and support run by 2 parents of children with a PDA diagnosis and ARFID. Contact: Penny Chapman – Email: pennyjoshua@hotmail.co.uk Message/join the public Facebook group: AllMatters Neurodiverse Jersey     Please note: this support group is independent and external to the PDA Society. They are a member of our support group leaders’ network and recognise, understand, and support PDA and the work we do by sharing up-to-date information and resources from the PDA Society​, and as such have permission to use our PDA support group leaders' network logo, but we don’t have any control over (and cannot take responsibility for) the support or services offered.   Last updated: December 2022

A2ndVoice (London)

A social enterprise non for profit organisation supporting the needs of autistic people and their families, raising awareness and understanding from different perspectives, outreaching also to the Africa, Caribbean, Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities (ACAME) and Dual Heritage Communities in tackling the taboos and myths around Autism. A2ndVoice hosts a range of activities and events in Lambeth, Wandsworth and Croydon, looking at the needs of the family. Supported by Autistic People and Specialists. Website Facebook Twitter Contact

Positively PDA Support Group – Clubhouse

Clubhouse is an audio based app, so think a cross between zoom without the video element and a live podcast/discussion/phone in. The app will need to be downloaded free from your usual App store, to access the support group. We offer: weekly meetings at 12.30pm (UK) on Tuesdays fortnightly meetings 7pm (UK) on Thursdays We provide a relaxed, non-judgmental space for families of PDAers and PDA Adults whether diagnosed, self identified or suspected to chat, give and receive support, and be part of an understanding community. Join the group here: Positively PDA Support Group (clubhouse.com) email: melanie.phipps@positivelypda.co.uk   Please note: this support group is independent and external to the PDA Society. They are a member of our support group leaders’ network and recognise, understand, and support PDA and the work we do by sharing up-to-date information and resources from the PDA Society​, and as such have permission to use our PDA support group leaders' network logo, but we don’t have any control over (and cannot take responsibility for) the support or services offered.   Last updated: March 2023  

Dundee & Angus advice & activities groups

Autism/ADHD Advice Group Dundee & Angus Facebook group (includes families with PDA children).  I’ve started this group as I feel that myself and the other members have a lot of experience, knowledge and hints/tips that we can share. It’s also just good to know that there’s someone else who understands even if things can’t be changed. You can ask for information, advice and support from the other members or message me if you want personal advice, support and help. I also run a Facebook group for parents/carers to post organised activities such as council holiday programmes but also to give them an opportunity to post/organise informal meets up and activities. Thanks Arlene.   Visit advice group   Visit activities group

Peer Support Group for Families of Children with a PDA Profile (Eastbourne)

This monthly online support circle/coffee morning for parents and carers has a maximum of 10 attendees and is a great way to meet with like-minded people who understand. Who is running the session? Tracy, Founder of the Child Therapy Service - parent of a child with a PDA profile and educational consultant will be your host! Cost: £1 donation. Dates: Monthly (please see website for upcoming dates). More info and booking via website: Support - Child Therapy Service   Please note: this support group is independent and external to the PDA Society. They are a member of our support group leaders’ network and recognise, understand, and support PDA and the work we do by sharing up-to-date information and resources from the PDA Society​, and as such have permission to use our PDA support group leaders' network logo, but we don’t have any control over (and cannot take responsibility for) the support or services offered.     Last updated: December 2022

Autistic and PDA parent support group Cardiff

We are a very helpful online community of experienced parents and carers and also professionals. We are available to help assist, advise and support each other. Happy to welcome anyone who is on the journey and finding things challenging. I am an experienced parent of 4 myself. Two of my children are diagnosed autistic with demand avoidance presentation and also ADHD. I have participated in many courses along the way. It’s my mission to help other parents learn to advocate for their child and look after their well-being.     Join Facebook group

Early Intervention – Aberdeen

Early Intervention Aberdeen provides support and guidance to parents/carers of neurodivergent children, including PDA. Please visit our website www.earlyintervention.org.uk for resources and more information about our forthcoming events, including regular weekly children & parent activity sessions and school holiday activities. In addition, we would love to hear directly from you via FB messenger or you can email info@earlyintervention.org.uk.     Please note: this support group is independent and external to the PDA Society. They are a member of our support group leaders’ network and recognise, understand, and support PDA and the work we do by sharing up-to-date information and resources from the PDA Society​, and as such have permission to use our PDA support group leaders' network logo, but we don’t have any control over (and cannot take responsibility for) the support or services offered.   Last updated: March 2023  

South Lanarkshire parent & carer support group

Private Facebook group. This group is a South Lanarkshire support network for Parents & Carers of Autism. As a community we can learn so much from each other. Confidentiality is key, anything said within the group must remain within the group. Some sensitive issues are discussed and we all need to know we are in a safe environment.   Visit Facebook group

Spectrum Life Scotland

Additional Support Needs online support group including, ASD, ADHD, ODD, PDA, Dyslexia, SPD, Anxiety... Many parent carers feel that their children don't fit neatly into that diagnostic criteria! The Spectrum of conditions are so varied, every child is different. Your child may have been diagnosed with a few conditions, or with co-morbid conditions, or learning difficulties. This can often lead to a feeling of isolation, as the strategies that work for one 'disorder' may not necessarily work for your child, if there are other factors to take into consideration! This group was set up, to help each other through both the difficult times & the successful moments. This is predominantly a group for Scotland, due to the differences in legislation, but we welcome everyone in the UK on a support basis.   Private Facebook group   Public Facebook page

Kingston Upon Thames Support Group

Express' PDA Support Group is a group for parent/carers of young people with a PDA profile. The group is a warm and welcoming place where you can chat and share experiences. The group currently meet online via zoom 12.30pm - 13.30pm on the third Monday of the month during term time. Please email pda@expresscic.org.uk or info@expresscic.org.uk to register and receive details. Visit website for more information: www.expresscic.org.uk/what-we-do   Please note: this support group is independent and external to the PDA Society. They are a member of our support group leaders’ network and recognise, understand, and support PDA and the work we do by sharing up-to-date information and resources from the PDA Society​, and as such have permission to use our PDA support group leaders' network logo, but we don’t have any control over (and cannot take responsibility for) the support or services offered.   Last updated: June 2023

Borders Additional Needs Group (BANG)

BANG (Borders Additional Needs Group) is an outreach service for parents, young carers and disabled children with rare, complex and additional needs. Meetings and activities are for the whole family; children, parents, carers, siblings, and grandparents. A special need has an impact on the whole family and our support and information are available to everyone. Monthly support meetings Family activity days throughout the year (sensory cinema screenings 4 times a year) Access to local and national resources Distribution of Mission Christmas presents from Cash For Kids to ASN families Works with partners and stakeholders to promote inclusion in sports youth Annual events: silent inclusive disco, summer respite camp Visit website