Podcast Show Notes – Managing PDA in a mainstream classroom

In this episode, host Rachel talks with guest speaker Kelly Evans about the challenges PDA children face in mainstream education. We explore why schools can be overwhelming, the importance of trust, how strong links between families and schools make a difference, and what adjustments can help PDA learners feel safe and supported.

Kelly shares practical strategies around softening transitions, supporting unstructured times like playtime and lunchtime, and accommodating sensory needs in the classroom. Together, Rachel and Kelly discuss ways to promote engagement when children appear resistant to learning, and highlight what can make school a more positive experience.

Deeper Dive Subscriber Episode
For those who’d like to go further, Part 2, an exclusive “Deeper Dive” subscriber episode is available through our Training Hub. You can access it here: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/

Deep Diver Subscriber Episode
For those who’d like to go further, an exclusive “Deep Diver” subscriber episode is available through our Training Hub. You can access it here: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the PDA Society. While we aim to provide balanced and inclusive discussions, individual experiences and perspectives may vary. The PDA Society is committed to using language and terminology that reflects the preferences of PDA/autistic people, but sometimes our guests may use language and terminology which differs. Appearance on our podcast is not an endorsement of an individual, and not all of our guests will align with our position on the issues discussed.

Further sources of support and information:

PDA Society training hub: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/

PDA Society Website: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/

PDA Society Training: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/training/

PDA Society Support Service: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/support/

In this episode, Rachel Crutcher shares her experience of parenting a PDA child and how she has developed resilience along the way. We explore what resilience means, some of the research behind it, and the qualities that help it grow over time.

Rachel talks about how she copes during particularly difficult moments, and how she has stayed resilient while navigating her child’s journey through healthcare and education.

Deeper Dive Subscriber Episode
For those who’d like to go further, Part 2, an exclusive “Deeper Dive” subscriber episode is available through our Training Hub. You can access it here: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the PDA Society. While we aim to provide balanced and inclusive discussions, individual experiences and perspectives may vary. The PDA Society is committed to using language and terminology that reflects the preferences of PDA/autistic people, but sometimes our guests may use language and terminology which differs. Appearance on our podcast is not an endorsement of an individual, and not all of our guests will align with our position on the issues discussed.

Further sources of support and information:

PDA Society training hub: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/

PDA Society Website: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/

PDA Society Training: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/training/

PDA Society Support Service: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/support/

Welcome to the PDA Society’s podcast, where we explore all things PDA to help make life easier for PDAers, their families, and everyone affected by demand avoidance. Research suggests PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) is a profile of autism, meaning individuals share similar strengths and challenges. A key feature of PDA is extreme demand avoidance -finding it hard or impossible to complete everyday tasks, even those they want to do. PDAers often use social strategies to manage demands, form deep connections with safe people, and experience strong emotions. Join us as we dive into PDA together!

If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website for help and information on: www.pdasociety.org.uk

15 year old James shares his thoughts on why school is difficult for young people with a PDA profile. He openly talks about his experience of school and the daily challenges around demands, masking, sensory difficulties, school avoidance, friendships and transitions. He also offers some possible solutions and tips for teachers, and shares some coping strategies that have helped him along the way.

A transcript of the episode is also available here: PDA & school avoidance podcast with James

More about James' experience of PDA is available on our website, including:

PDA & masking with James (video): https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/resources/pda-masking-with-james/

James' story (case study): https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/resources/james-story-2/

Further information and resources about PDA for education professionals are also available on the 'Working with PDA' pages of our website: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/working-with-pda-menu/

Professionals from a range of backgrounds explain why they feel it's important to identify PDA and share their tips for best practice. This audio is taken from a video we created in May 2021 sharing best practice about PDA for professionals from all sectors including healthcare, education, social care, the law, therapists, counsellors, advocates and policy makers.

For further information about PDA, please visit our website: www.pdasociety.org.uk

More examples of PDA best practice can also be found on our 'Working with PDA' pages.

PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), a profile on the autism spectrum.