Understanding PDA & ODD in the Classroom: An Educators Guide (Episode 291)

Strategies for Teaching PDA Students

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

✅   Share appropriate personal experiences to build trust

✅   Offer two clear choices instead of open-ended options

✅   Use natural consequences instead of demands (e.g., explaining toilet routines)

✅   Allow collaborative learning when students prefer working with peers

✅   Give students a fresh start each day, avoiding delayed consequences

✅   Discuss emotions openly to model emotional regulation

✅   Share problem-solving thoughts aloud

✅   Mix up strategies as they can wear out quickly

✅   Use special interests without hijacking them for learning

✅   Provide structure while maintaining autonomy (like the holiday analogy)

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.