Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA): A Half-Day Conference for Families, Educators & Other Professionals

Monroe Community College
R. Thomas Flynn Campus Center
1000 E Henrietta Rd, Rochester, NY 14623

Join us for a half-day event focused on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)-also known as Pervasive Drive for Autonomy. PDA is a profile often associated with autism, and more recently, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions. PDAers are socially aware, sensitive to stress, and use unique strategies to avoid everyday demands. This event will deepen your understanding and equip you with tools to support individuals with PDA at home, in the classroom, and beyond.

What You’ll Learn:

• What PDA is and why traditional support strategies often fall short
• Relationship-based, neurodiversity-affirming approaches that work
• Lived experience and real-world strategies from a parent’s perspective

Diane Gould, Founder and Executive Director of PDA North America, LCSW – Understanding and Supporting Children Who Fit the PDA Profile

Guy Stephens, Founded the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint (AASR) – How PDA Children Are Misunderstood in the Name of Behavior and How Neuroscience Can Help

Sarah Johnston-Waugh, Bookkeeper, A mother of 5 children – A Caregiver’s PDA Journey

Hosted by: Starbridge Inc. in collaboration with Alliance Against Seclusion & Restraint and PDA North America

For questions, please email cknaak@starbridgeinc.org or call 585-371-6742

Starbridge is funded by the Office of Special Education Programs

Register Today!

Registration has ended.