Laura Kerbey specializes in educating children with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and understanding the differences between PDA and ODD. Topics discussed include: the unique nature of PDA, building relationships through shared experiences, re-evaluating teaching strategies, avoiding power struggles, managing meltdowns, providing structure with autonomy, and mixing up strategies for optimal results.
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Emotional Awareness
Be mindful of your emotions around PDA students, as they are highly sensitive to them.
If anxious or stressed, they might assume it's their fault, increasing their anxiety.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Honest Communication
Laura shared how honesty about her feelings helped a PDA student understand her better.
The student became concerned, showing empathy and understanding for her situation.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Normalize Emotional Talk
Normalize talking about emotions and internal sensations (toilet, drink, food) with students.
Share your own experiences and worries to build connection and trust, encouraging them to share theirs.
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In this episode, we will discuss:
✅ Understand Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA): It's a unique autism type that requires a different approach. ✅ The differences between PDA and ODD. ✅ PDA is often misunderstood – these children want to do well but struggle with demands. ✅ Build relationships through sharing experiences and following their interests. No hierarchies. ✅ Re-evaluate teaching strategies: Traditional autism strategies may not work for PDA students. ✅ Avoid power struggles by giving choices and focusing on natural consequences. ✅ Help manage meltdowns. ✅ Always offer a fresh start after difficulties. ✅ Make requests carefully – share demands and use clear choice language. ✅ Provide structure but allow autonomy within it. Be flexible day-to-day. ✅ For toileting, use subtle language about your own toileting and make it into a game. ✅ Strategies wear out quickly with PDA so keep mixing them up. ✅ Have confidence you can do it – small changes make a big difference!
Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below
Sue Larkey Podcast - Autism (ASD), ADHD, ODD and PDA education