In this episode, PDA Society CEO Ed speaks with Clare Truman, educator, author and PhD researcher, about the experiences of PDA learners for whom school feels overwhelming or impossible.

Drawing on her extensive background in mainstream and specialist education, Clare shares compassionate, evidence-informed insights into why traditional school settings can be so challenging for PDA children and young people. She discusses how anxiety, sensory sensitivities and social expectations interact with the demand-avoidant profile, and how reframing behaviour through an understanding lens can transform outcomes.

With warmth and clarity, Clare offers practical examples of what can help, from flexible approaches to building trust and safety, to creative ways of meeting learning needs outside conventional classrooms. Whether you are a parent, educator or professional supporting PDA learners, this conversation provides both understanding and hope.

Key Themes

• Understanding why school can feel overwhelming for PDA learners
• The impact of anxiety and sensory sensitivities on attendance and engagement
• Rethinking behaviour through curiosity and compassion
• The importance of safety, trust and flexibility in learning environments
• Supporting education beyond traditional school settings

Deep Diver Subscriber Episode

For those who would like to go further, Part 2, an exclusive “Deep Diver” subscriber episode, will be 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 and 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/