Understanding PDA: Foundations for Neuroscience-affirming Support

This webinar introduces Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) through lived experience and neuro-affirming care. We’ll explore how nervous system responses shape PDA traits, why safety through relationships and environments matters, and how to support learning, expression, and connection. Includes further resources to deepen understanding and build confidence.

Explore Course

This webinar offers an introduction to Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), centered on lived experience and the principles of neuro-affirming care. Moving beyond surface-level behavioral descriptions, we’ll explore how the nervous system shapes the experiences of PDAers. Importantly, we’ll look at why safety, through relationships and environments, is key to effective support.

You’ll gain insight into traits of PDAers that reflect their ways of learning, self-expression, and connecting with others. This offers a fuller picture of who PDAers are and how to begin creating personalized care across all settings. We’ll also highlight healthcare considerations that are common within the PDA community but not yet widely recognized. To support your continued learning, you’ll be signposted to further reading and supportive organizations.

Whether you're new to PDA or seeking to deepen your understanding, this session provides a strong foundation for recognizing and supporting PDAers with compassion and confidence.

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

Check out part 2 of this course: PDAers in Distress: Reframing Challenging Behaviour & What We Can Do Now.

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

Define PDAin a way that respects lived experience and neurodivergent identity.
Describe the foundations of neuro-affirming care and why they matter for PDAers.
Explain how the nervous system and demand avoidance are connectedin PDAers.
Recognize the importance of safe people and safe environments in supporting PDAers.
Identify common traits of PDAers beyond distress behavior including strengths and needs.
Explore approaches to personalized, flexible support for PDAers across all settings.
Gain awareness of common healthcare considerations relevant to PDAers.
Access further resources and organizations to continue learning and supporting effectively.

Agenda

5 minutes	Introduction
7 minutes	Housekeeping
4 minutes	What is PDA?
3 minutes	Foundations of Care
6 minutes	Neuroception
5 minutes	Key Supports
15 minutes	Getting to Know PDAers
11 minutes	Healthcare Considerations
4 minutes	Webinar Wrap Up

Disclosures

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

ASHA

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

Understanding PDA: Foundations for Neuroscience-affirming Support: $29.00
This webinar introduces Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) through lived experience and neuro-affirming care. We’ll explore how nervous system responses shape PDA traits, why safety through relationships and environments matters, and how to support learning, expression, and connection. Includes further resources to deepen understanding and build confidence. Includes access to the recorded course and optional ASHA reporting.

Add-ons

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.