Episode 307: Everything you need to know about PDA – Insights & Tips from Laura Kerbey

Strategies for Teaching PDA Students

Key takeaways from this podcast for educators and parents/ carers of a child with PDA:

✅Build trust and connection with the student, as this is crucial for those with PDA.

✅Offer choices and autonomy within the needed structure and routine.

✅Use indirect language and avoid direct demands.

✅Be authentic and treat the student as an equal.

✅Show interest in the student’s special interests.

✅Learn together with the student in a reciprocal way.

✅Allow flexibility in seating, grouping, and task choices.

✅Anticipate and discuss challenges together, like using the bathroom at school.

✅Mix up your strategies since PDA students are smart and strategies wear out quickly.

✅Most importantly, see the positives in these creative, imaginative students.

Understanding and Connecting with Pathological Demand Avoidance Learners

During Laura Kerbey’s time teaching autistic children, she had a sudden realisation that those with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) are children like no other!

None of her tried and tested autism strategies would work to help them focus or learn and most of her time was spent wondering, what am I doing wrong?

If you feel the same, this short, Laura’s Book is your go to guide to teach you everything you need to know from one educator to another.

With an introduction to what PDA is followed by PDA tailored advice on how to connect with your student and create an autonomous, spontaneous environment that is personalised for you both, this guide is here to ensure that you and your PDA student thrive!

Illustrated by the popular Eliza Fricker and packed with entertaining anecdotes (including one about Jabba the Hut’s poo), this go-to-guide contains everything you need to start implementing PDA friendly learning to help you connect with your student and help them make the most of their learning experience.