Working with & supporting PDA adults

• What is PDA?
• Explores demands and their effects
• How PDA can feel
• Considers helpful approaches
• Looking at individual needs
• Collaborative problem solving
• Resources and where to go for help
• Q&A session

Aims:

• Increase understanding of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA):  Explore PDA as a distinct profile within the autism spectrum, which requires unique and personalised support strategies.
• Develop practical, flexible approaches:  Learn how to create a tailored framework of support suited to the needs of PDA adults — whether in residential care, community settings, or their own homes.

This full day session entails our CPD accredited Working with and supporting PDA adults followed by trainer-led workshops, which are designed to help staff deepen their understanding of PDA by applying knowledge to practical case studies and real-world scenarios. Workshops can be tailored to focus on topics most relevant to your organisation, such as:

• Sensory processing
• Distressed behaviours
• Use of declarative language
• Specific challenges identified pre-training 

Example format:

Morning session: PDA overview (3 hours) An accessible, interactive overview of PDA theory and strategies, delivered to all staff.

Afternoon session: Interactive workshops (3 hours) Smaller group sessions where staff apply their learning to real-life case studies and scenarios.

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 for teams who prefer 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 system

Blended Learning

• The best of both worlds — self-paced e-learning followed by a live group Q&A
• Standard course content with 14-day on-demand access via our Training Hub
• Self-paced, with the flexibility to start and stop as needed
• Following completion, your team comes together for a live 1-hour group Q&A via Zoom or Teams to raise questions, share insights, and clarify their understanding

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

This optional add-on can be booked at any point within 12 months of your training, giving your team the opportunity to revisit key topics, ask questions and consolidate their learning once they have had time to apply it in practice.

This session is exclusively for delegates who attended the original course.

• 1-hour live Q&A session
• Delivered online via Zoom or Teams
• Maximum of 25 attendees

Fee: £300 per session

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:

• 12 months access to the PDA Society Training Hub

• 25 professional licences

• access to self-paced learning modules and resources

• 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.

• 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

Training – frequently asked questions