Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA): Understanding & Supporting

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.

Browse Courses Below

In this informative mini series, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and how to approach support in ways that honor neurodivergent needs.

Part 1: Understanding PDA: Foundations for Neuroscience-affirming Support introduces the core traits of PDA, the nervous system responses that shape them, and how safe, trusting relationships and environments can unlock learning and expression.

Part 2: PDAers in Distress: Reframing Challenging Behaviour & What We Can Do Now explores compassionate, in-the-moment strategies to support PDAers experiencing distress, while offering proactive ways to build trust and respect autonomy across educational, healthcare, and community settings.

Both sessions are grounded in neuro-affirming care and include further resources to help you apply what you learn immediately in your work or caregiving role. The courses will be on demand by Aug. 20, 2025.

Courses

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.

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Presenter

Laura HellfeldRN MSN PHN CNL

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.

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Presenter

Laura HellfeldRN MSN PHN CNL

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.