Eating challenges and PDA

Recorded Webinar
Originally broadcast: Thursday 16th October, 8:00 – 9:00pm (Online)

The PDA Society is delighted to share this recorded webinar from our Q&A series, exploring different topics to support PDA people and their families. Available to buy individually, or upgrade to a monthly or annual plan to unlock our complete library of content, parent and carer and professional subscriptions are available.

In this session, we explore the complex relationship between eating challenges and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA).

Through lived experience and professional insight, this discussion looks at how demand avoidance, sensory sensitivities, anxiety, and autonomy needs can all contribute to eating difficulties in PDAers — and offers practical guidance on how to respond with compassion and confidence.

What’s Covered

• Lived experience insights from speakers with both professional expertise and personal understanding of PDA and eating challenges

• Practical guidance on recognising how demand avoidance, sensory sensitivities, anxiety, and autonomy needs can impact eating behaviours

• Supportive discussion around helpful approaches and small changes that can make a big difference

• A safe, judgment-free space to learn from others who truly understand

Whether you’re a PDAer, parent, carer, or professional, this webinar offers valuable perspectives and real-world strategies to support eating challenges with understanding and flexibility.

Guest Speakers

Asher Jenner
Asher works to raise awareness of the link between PDA and eating difficulties. She is training as an inclusive dance teacher and supports PDA understanding through advocacy, training, and co-authoring a self-help book for autistic teens.

James Harrison
James is an Independent Consultant Nurse specialising in Autism and Eating Disorders. Qualifying as both a Learning Disability Nurse and Social Worker in 2013, he has worked across a wide range of mental health services. For over five years, James worked with the Ellern Mede Group, where he created an Autism Pathway and led a team pioneering individualised adaptations to practice — work which was Highly Commended at the Learning Disability and Autism Awards 2023. He now works independently nationwide with complex presentations of Autism and Eating Disorders across NHS and private providers.

Recording Access

This webinar recording is available to watch on demand for 30 days after purchase.
Training Hub subscribers can access it for the duration of their subscription.

Practical Information

• All materials are © PDA Society and for personal use only, not to be replicated, shared or used during external training sessions.