What is PDA? – Introductory session
PDA Society training - rooted in research and lived experience
Our “What is PDA?” course is a welcoming introductory session designed to provide a clear overview of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). It is suitable for parents, carers, and professionals supporting PDA children and young people — whether formally diagnosed, self-identified, or still exploring the profile, up to the age of 18 years old.
- Our training is delivered by experienced facilitators who combine lived experience of PDA with professional knowledge and expertise – including PDAers, professionals, parents, carers who live and breathe this work every day.
- Flexible delivery – available live online (Zoom/Teams), in-person or e-learning.
- Standard duration is 2.5 hours.
Course content
- What is PDA?
- Demands and their effects
- How PDA can feel
- Helpful approaches
- Rewards/praise/sanctions
- PDA considerations
- Signposting to resources & support
- Q&A session (Live sessions only)
Delivery options
Live Training
- Available online via Zoom/Teams or in-person at your location (subject to trainer availability)
- Scheduled date and time agreed with your organisation
- Core content tailored to reflect your service needs and processes
- Q&A included at the end of the session
- Optional session recording available
E-Learning
- A flexible, on-demand option to learn at their own pace
- Standard course content accessible via our Training Hub
- Self-paced, with the flexibility to start and stop as needed
- 14-day access period
- Please note: course terminology reflects the English healthcare/education system
Standard fees
These are our standard flat rate fees for up to 25 attendees. Additional places can be added at a per-person rate, with discounts available for groups of 40 or more. Please contact us for a quote.
Recording live session – £300
Organisations booking live training can request a recording for staff unable to attend live.
- Ready within 5 – 7 working days of the session
- Available via our on-demand Training Hub for 14 days
- Access is based on remaining places — e.g. if you book 25 places and 14 attend live, 11 places can access the recording
Further information
Professional training hub subscription (Online CPD)
For organisations who want to provide ongoing training for wider teams, the PDA Society also offers access to our Professional Training Hub.
Many organisations choose to combine live training with a subscription, allowing staff to revisit key topics and support ongoing professional development.
The training hub is often used after live training to support new staff and reinforce learning across teams.
The subscription provides:
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12 months access to the PDA Society Training Hub
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25 professional licences
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access to self-paced learning modules and resources
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up to 10 hours of CPD training for educators and professionals
£1,800 per year for up to 25 licences.
Discounted rates may be available for larger organisations.
Full details of our professional subscription can be found here.
Payment terms
- An invoice will be submitted by the PDA Society 6 weeks before the session and payment terms are then 30 days from date of invoice.
- For late bookings i.e. within 30 days of the event taking place, payment terms will be stated as two days prior to the date of event.
- In certain circumstances where procurement restrictions are in place to avoid advance payment it may be possible to secure training through a deposit payment. Please contact us to discuss eligibility
Frequently asked questions
Ready to book or need further information?
To make a booking or request further information, please complete our enquiry form.