A few months ago, Special Needs jungle ran an article about Pathological Demand Avoidance by Deborah Rourke There was an incredible amount of interest in this article, written from Deborah’s experience.

In November, the National Autistic Society is to hold another conference on PDA. Information on PDA is extremely limited and this event will be a rare opportunity to hear experts speaking on the latest research and best practice. Last year, it was sold out, so if you’re interested and can get to Edinburgh, don’t delay in booking your place.
The main difficulty for people with PDA is their avoidance of the everyday demands made by other people, due to their high anxiety levels when they feel that they are not in control. However, because they tend to have much better social communication and interaction skills than other people on the spectrum, they can use those skills to disguise their resistance through avoidance behaviour.
Date: Thursday 15 November 2012
Location: John McIntyre Conference Centre, Edinburgh
Attend to: 

• hear the latest research findings

• understand what PDA is and what the implications are if a child is diagnosed with the disorder

• learn practical strategies for interacting with children with PDA

• network with other professionals, parents and experts in the field.

This conference will provide professionals and parents with clearer understanding of the diagnostic criteria for pathological demand avoidance syndrome (PDA).

The conference will also feature essential strategies for education, management and communication of children and adults with PDA. Our programme of expert speakers includes:

• Dr Judith Gould, NAS Lorna Wing Centre for Autism
• Phil Christie, The Elizabeth Newson Centre
• Ruth Fidler, Sutherland House School
• Dr Jacqui Ashton-Smith, Executive Principal, Helen Allison and Robert Ogden schools.

For more information or to BOOK your place, please visit:  http://www.autism.org.uk/conferences/PDA2012