PDA Development Group

Good diagnostic assessment – children

This information has been produced by the PDA Development Group, August 2017. The PDA Development Group is an informal group comprised of representatives from the NAS and PDA Society and individual practitioners with an interest in PDA from a range of disciplines (education, paediatrics, psychology, research) working in both independent and statutory settings. Please note that the PDA Development Group no longer meets. What makes a good diagnostic assessment for a child with a PDA profile? - A basic guide This paper is aimed at those who may be wondering if their child’s profile of development and behaviour fits with the descriptions of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). It briefly sets out some of the key issues around what a diagnosis is for, what steps are considered important in arriving at a diagnosis and current views about where PDA fits within this. The information on diagnosis found on the National Autistic Society website is also very helpful: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis PDA is now widely understood to be part of the autism spectrum. Children who present with this particular diagnostic profile are driven to avoid everyday demands and expectations to an extreme extent. This is rooted in an anxiety-based need to be in control. What is a [...]

Education Provision and Support – Guidance

Children and Young People with PDA: Guidelines for Educational Provision and Support This guidance was prepared by the PDA Development Group and published in December 2019. It provides and introduction to the topic, describing key principles and how to put the principles into practice. Whilst the PDA Development Group of clinical and professional experts no longer meets, the document is an authoritative and helpful summary for those who are new to the topic.   Download the Guidance