What Helps When School Feels Impossible for PDA Learners (Part 1)

In this episode, PDA Society CEO Ed speaks with Clare Truman, educator, author and PhD researcher, about the experiences of PDA learners for whom school feels overwhelming or impossible.

Drawing on her extensive background in mainstream and specialist education, Clare shares compassionate, evidence-informed insights into why traditional school settings can be so challenging for PDA children and young people. She discusses how anxiety, sensory sensitivities and social expectations interact with the demand-avoidant profile, and how reframing behaviour through an understanding lens can transform outcomes.

With warmth and clarity, Clare offers practical examples of what can help, from flexible approaches to building trust and safety, to creative ways of meeting learning needs outside conventional classrooms. Whether you are a parent, educator or professional supporting PDA learners, this conversation provides both understanding and hope.

Key Themes

• Understanding why school can feel overwhelming for PDA learners
• The impact of anxiety and sensory sensitivities on attendance and engagement
• Rethinking behaviour through curiosity and compassion
• The importance of safety, trust and flexibility in learning environments
• Supporting education beyond traditional school settings