At Peace Parents Podcast Ep. 110 - Speech Dude and I Talk School Accommodations for PDA Children and Teens
Apr 29, 2025
Chris Wenger, known as Speech Dude, is a neurodivergent speech-language pathologist and creator of a dynamic assessment tool for autistic students. He discusses practical strategies for accommodating teens with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) in schools. Key topics include writing effective IEP goals, fostering autonomy for success, and using intrinsic motivation instead of traditional rewards. Chris emphasizes creating nurturing environments and adapting communication styles to empower both parents and students navigating the challenges of PDA.
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Neurological Responses in PDA Teens
- Chris Wenger describes three neurological response profiles in PDA teens: fight, flight, and freeze.
- These explain behaviors seen in school, like aggression, eloping, or selective mutism, as brainstem responses to stress.
Hidden Stress Buildup in PDA
- PDA children’s stress builds cumulatively over days, so reactions may appear sudden but stem from earlier triggers.
- Antecedent-based behavior plans miss hidden buildup, requiring deeper understanding of timing and stressors.
Communicating PDA to Schools
- Use language that school staff understand, often framing PDA behaviors as anxiety.
- Drop small informative resources in emails to plant seeds of understanding without overwhelming.
