PDAers in Distress: Reframing Challenging Behaviour & What We Can Do Now

Explore how to support PDAers in distress using neuro-affirming, compassionate approaches. Reframe ‘challenging behavior’ as expressions of distress, and learn practical, in-the-moment strategies. We’ll also cover proactive ways to build trust, respect autonomy, and improve care across education, health, and support settings.

Explore Course

This webinar explores how to understand and support PDAers when they are in distress. We’ll move away from traditional behavior-based interpretations and reframe what is often seen as “challenging behavior” through a neuro-affirming lens. Together, we’ll recognize these moments as expressions of distress, and begin to respond with greater understanding and care.

Designed for professionals across education, healthcare, and support services, this session delves into the ‘why’ behind distress behaviors and provides practical, compassionate strategies for responding in the moment. We will also explore how to embed proactive approaches into daily practice that respect autonomy and foster trust.

As a participant, you will leave with a deeper understanding of PDAers, greater confidence in interpreting distress behavior, and actionable ideas for improving care across a variety of settings. To support your continued learning, you’ll also be signposted to further reading and supportive organizations.

This course will be available on demand by Aug. 21, 2025.

Check out part 1 of this course: Understanding PDA: Foundations for Neuroscience-affirming Support.

Presenters

Laura Hellfeld
RN MSN PHN CNL
Laura Hellfeld is a neurodivergent health educator, independent Nurse & Sleep Consultant, and Associate Editor of Autistic Revolution magazine, specializing in supporting neurodivergent and disabled community members. They are particularly keen to support others in the areas of self-care like food and eating, toileting, sleep and hygiene.Drawing from lived experience and public health service, Laura creates inclusive spaces, hosts community events, and co-authors books like Gabby’s Glimmers and Creating Safe Spaces for Autistic People.

Learning Objectives

Apply a neuro-affirming lens when interpreting and responding to distress behaviors in PDAers.
Identify common underlying reasons why distress occurs for PDAers
Reflect on your own professional practice and responses to distress behavior.
Develop proactive approaches that build safety, trust, and autonomy over time.
Identify immediate strategies to use during moments of acute distress.
Access further resources and organizations to continue learning and supporting effectively.

Agenda

2 minutes	Introduction
3 minutes	Housekeeping
8 minutes	Reframing Challenging Behavior
34 minutes	Spotlights on 'Why' Distress Behavior is Occurring & Support Ideas
10 minutes	Support of Someone in Acute Distress
2 minutes	Looking at Behavior Controls
1 minutes	Webinar Wrap Up

Disclosures

Financial Disclosures:	Laura Hellfeld is a Nurse & Sleep Consultant at Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting, Associate Editor at Autistic Revolution.
Non-Financial Disclosures:	Laura Hellfeld is a Founding Member of Autistic Burnout Network
Content Disclosures:	Laura Hellfeld has no additional content information to disclose.

ASHA

This course is offered for .1 ASHA CEUs, Intermediate Level, Professional Area

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA): Understanding & Supporting: $47.00
Save 20% on the 2-course bundle! This two-part series empowers professionals and caregivers to better understand and support individuals with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Combining lived experience, neuroscience, and practical strategies, these sessions reframe challenging behavior, highlight the importance of safety and trust, and offer actionable tools for fostering connection, autonomy, and meaningful learning. Includes access to the recorded courses and optional ASHA reporting for both courses.

PDAers in Distress: Reframing Challenging Behaviour & What We Can Do Now: $29.00
Explore how to support PDAers in distress using neuro-affirming, compassionate approaches. Reframe ‘challenging behavior’ as expressions of distress, and learn practical, in-the-moment strategies. We’ll also cover proactive ways to build trust, respect autonomy, and improve care across education, health, and support settings. Includes access to the recorded course and optional ASHA reporting.