PDA Society Education Conference

Learn from leading experts in PDA and education

The PDA Society Education Conference took place on Thursday 30 April and was designed for education professionals who wanted to improve outcomes for PDA learners.

Bringing together academic insight, frontline practice and lived experience, the conference delivered a balanced, practical, evidence-informed and community-building learning experience.

Hosted by the PDA Society, the conference featured expert speakers sharing their knowledge, experience and practical strategies to support greater understanding of PDA in educational settings.

The full conference recordings are now available on demand, allowing you to learn at your own pace and revisit sessions whenever you need.

• 60-day access from date of purchase, or unlimited access with an active paid professional subscription

What you’ll learn

✔️ Develop a deeper understanding of PDA in educational settings

✔️ Explore practical classroom strategies that can be implemented immediately

✔️ Learn how to adapt teaching, curriculum planning and learning environments

✔️ Hear lived experience from PDA educators and families

✔️ Discover flexible approaches to supporting PDA learners through exams and assessments

✔️ Learn how specialist school approaches can be adapted for mainstream settings

✔️ Explore trauma-informed strategies for supporting school transitions

✔️ Reflect on successful practice, common challenges and key learning from experienced professionals

Conference Programme

Welcome and Introduction

An overview of the aims of the conference and the key themes explored throughout the day.

Fundamentals of PDA in the Classroom

Ruth Fidler

Essential insights into understanding demand avoidance, building relationships, adapting expectations and structuring learning environments.

Curriculum Planning for PDAers and Practical Classroom Strategies

Clare Truman

Practical guidance and classroom strategies with immediate relevance for educators.

Teaching as a PDAer: Lived Experience, Classroom Practice and Psychological Reflection

H. Arlo Harris

A unique combination of lived experience, teaching insight and psychological reflection.

Whatever It Takes: Supporting PDAers through Exams and Assessments

Jacy Thomas

Flexible, strengths-based approaches to supporting PDA learners through assessments and examinations.

Creating a PDA-Friendly School: What We Do in a Specialist School and What Mainstream Can Learn

Sandy Turner

Practical ideas from specialist provision that can be successfully adapted within mainstream education.

Supporting PDAers to Re-Enter the Classroom

Mica Jane Colman-Jones and Annie Rutter

Strategies for supporting transitions back into education using trauma-informed approaches.

A Bumpy Road: Sharing Our Story and What We Have Learnt Along the Way

Paula Linford and Asher Jenner

An honest reflection on challenges, achievements and successful strategies through lived experience.

Closing Reflections

A summary of the key themes from the conference, together with further resources and next steps for delegates.

Who is this for?

This conference is suitable for:

• Teachers

• Teaching Assistants (TAs)

• SENDCOs

• School Leaders

• School Improvement Partners

• Educational Psychologists

• Advisory and Inclusion Services

• Professionals working alongside PDA learners in education settings

• Parents and carers who would like to increase their understanding of PDA in education

Professional Subscribers

Annual Professional Subscribers receive free access to these conference recordings as part of their subscription.

Explore our Professional Subscription options to find out more.