Course overview
This course explores PDA as a profile commonly understood within the autism spectrum. Participants will explore why school can be challenging for pupils with a PDA profile, how seemingly small or positive interactions can become demands, and why traditional approaches may not always be effective. The course focuses on practical approaches that can help adults reduce perceived demand while maintaining appropriate boundaries. Â
How does it work?
The course uses realistic scenarios, interactive activities, reflection and knowledge checks to explore what PDA can look like in everyday educational settings. Participants will consider what may be happening beneath the behaviour and practise shifting from compliance to connection.Â
Understanding PDA
The Demand–Anxiety–Avoidance Cycle and the PANDA Approach
Adapting Communication and Practical Classroom Strategies
Supporting Regulation and Autonomy
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for anyone who works with or supports children and young people who may experience demand avoidance. It is particularly relevant for teachers, tutors, teaching assistants, SENCOs, pastoral staff, mentors, support workers and other education professionals.
It may also be useful for parents and carers looking to develop their understanding of demand avoidance and consider how changes in communication and expectations can reduce anxiety.
It may also be useful for parents and carers looking to develop their understanding of demand avoidance and consider how changes in communication and expectations can reduce anxiety.
What’s included?
• Interactive microlearning course
• Realistic classroom scenarios
• The demand–anxiety–avoidance cycle
• Myth and reality activities
• Practical communication examples
• The PANDA approach
• Strategies for adapting classroom environments and learning tasks
• Primary and secondary school case examples
• Reflection activities and knowledge checks
• Scenario-based assessment
• Realistic classroom scenarios
• The demand–anxiety–avoidance cycle
• Myth and reality activities
• Practical communication examples
• The PANDA approach
• Strategies for adapting classroom environments and learning tasks
• Primary and secondary school case examples
• Reflection activities and knowledge checks
• Scenario-based assessment
Delivery Options
• Online microlearning course
• Approximate duration: 20-30 minutes
• Short, focused learning
• Self-paced learning
• Mobile, tablet and desktop compatible
• Approximate duration: 20-30 minutes
• Short, focused learning
• Self-paced learning
• Mobile, tablet and desktop compatible